After Kim Jong Un, who? Aunt, niece or…: North Korea’s succession war intensifies
Fresh speculation has surfaced over North Korea’s leadership succession after signs that Kim Jong Un may be positioning his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, as his potential successor.
After Kim Jong Un, who? Fresh speculation has emerged in North Korea over the leadership succession, which is making headlines all over. The speculation started after the recent actions by the East Asian country’s supreme leader suggesting his teenage daughter – Kim Ju-ae – might be his potential successor. South Korea’s spy agency and lawmakers have highlighted her growing public appearances, igniting debate among regional experts about the future of the Kim dynasty. If the whispers about Kim’s successor are true, experts say, it could start a succession battle within his family.
What Experts Say?
According to Rah Jong-yil, who served as a South Korean ambassador to UK and former deputy director of Seoul’s intelligence service, taking Kim’s position may not be easy for Ju-ae, Telegraph reported. He stated that the North Korean supreme leader’s 38-year-old sister is also in the race and has already set her sights on the throne.
She is also considered the second most powerful person in the East Asian country, as she has a major hold over the military and even the bureaucracy.
“It depends on the timing, but I believe that if Kim Yo-jong believes she has a chance of becoming the top leader, she would take it,” The Telegraph quoted Jong-yil as saying.
Also Read: Is Kim Jong Un fearing assassination? North Korean leader top three bodyguards, official issues statement, says…
Kim Ju Ae Is Preparing For The Major Leap
Kim Ju Ae is being seen sharing the dais with her father at several major events. She is believed to be in her early teens and the exact date remains a mystery. Ju Ae is the only child of the supreme leader who is publicly acknowledged. North Korean media also refers to her as the ‘beloved daughter’ and ‘dear daughter.’
How Did the Succession Theory Gain Momentum?
The theory gained momentum after the super-secret briefing by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS). According to lawmakers, the NIS believes that the supreme leader has “entered the stage of nominating her as successor.” The agency, in the same briefing, informed the lawmakers that the role of Kim’s daughter now expanded beyond the formal appearances.
It is to be noted that despite tiny signs, much about Kim Jong Un’s family remains secret. North Korea controls its media so very little information comes out of the country.
What's Your Reaction?
