Power within the family: Kim Jong Un is promoting his daughter, fueling speculation of a clash with his sister.

New Delhi. A new equation appears to be forming within North Korea’s power circles. According to international analysts and South Korean intelligence reports, the country’s supreme leader, Kim Jong Un, may now be moving toward establishing his teenage daughter as the face of the future. This has fueled discussions about potential family rivalries within the power structure.

There is speculation
that the leader’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who is about 13 years old, could soon be formally unveiled as the successor. Analysts believe she could be publicly installed as the next in line for leadership as soon as she turns 14.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service recently indicated that a major political event in North Korea could deliver a significant message in this direction. This event is expected to provide clues about the country’s future policies and power structure.

Increasing presence in public forums

Kim Ju Ae first appeared in public during an intercontinental missile test in November 2022. She has since frequently accompanied her father to military parades, inspections of weapons factories, and other government events.
She also visited the Chinese capital, Beijing, in what was seen as a diplomatic gesture—a sign of her beginning to gain international recognition. Biggest challenge: Influential aunt

However, internal political circles believe the young woman’s real challenge could come from within—and that is her aunt, Kim Yo Jong.
Nearly four decades old, Kim Yo Jong has long been considered a power center and one of the most influential figures after the leader. She holds a senior position in the Central Committee of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea and is considered to have influence on policy decisions.

Signaling a shift in traditional male dominance,
North Korean politics has historically been male-dominated. Therefore, the process of handing over the reins of power to a woman—and at such a young age—for the first time would be considered a major change in the country’s political tradition.

A violent history of power struggles
Leadership transitions in North Korea have always been notoriously tight and secretive. Several controversial power struggles have surfaced in the past. According to analysts, after assuming power, the leader had his uncle Jang Song-thaek executed for treason, while his half-brother Kim Jong-nam was assassinated under mysterious circumstances in 2017. These events highlighted the harshness of North Korea’s power politics.

What’s next?
Experts believe the strategy of elevating a daughter may serve a dual purpose: ensuring hereditary continuity of power and fostering a new image of leadership internationally.
However, if this process accelerates, new political tussles over the balance of power within the family cannot be ruled out.