Kim’s health concerns may be fast-tracking succession

Dynasty continues: Kim family power passes to next heir

Kim Ju-ae emerges as North Korea’s likely heir

According to the newspaper The Exspress, Kim Jong-un is reportedly grooming his teenage daughter, Kim Ju-ae, to take over leadership of North Korea.

Her increasing public appearances and growing prominence in state media have raised speculation that she is being positioned as the next ruler.

Experts say this move reflects a desire to secure dynastic continuity within the world’s most secretive regime.

A troubled legacy of succession

Kim Jong-un took power in 2011 after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il, in a transition marked by internal purges and brutality.

Two years later, his uncle, Chang Song-thaek — once seen as a mentor — was executed. Analysts believe the regime is now carefully managing Ju-ae’s rise to avoid the instability Kim himself faced early in his rule.

Early signals and a carefully crafted image

Kim Ju-ae’s first known public appearance came in 2022 during celebrations marking North Korea’s founding anniversary.

She has since been seen at missile launches, including the unveiling of the Hwasong-17 ICBM, and during diplomatic meetings with figures like Russia’s ambassador.

Observers believe these appearances are part of a long-term strategy to familiarise the public with her role.

He doesn’t want her to go through what he did

North Korea expert Michael Madden described Kim’s approach to succession as far more deliberate than his own.

“His own succession was done somewhat on the fly,” Madden told The Sun, adding that Kim wants to spare his daughter the trauma and violence he experienced when taking power.

Speculation grows amid health concerns

Rumours about Kim Jong-un’s deteriorating health have fuelled further speculation about succession.

Reports cite his excessive drinking, poor diet, and intense work schedule — habits eerily similar to his father’s. Analysts believe these factors may be accelerating plans to establish Ju-ae as a legitimate heir while her father is still alive.

Psychology of a dynasty

In an interview with The Express, psychologist Ian Robertson noted that dictators often view dynastic succession as a way to extend their legacy and preserve their power beyond death.

Questions remain about the inner circle

Though Kim Ju-ae appears to be the favoured heir, rumours of a possible son persist — though unverified.

Her aunt, Kim Yo-jong, remains a powerful political figure, raising questions about how authority might be shared or contested if Ju-ae is formally named successor.

For now, public signals point to a slow, symbolic transfer of status rather than immediate power.

A regime built on fear and control

Any succession plan in North Korea exists within a system defined by repression. Human rights groups describe the country as one of the world’s most brutal dictatorships, marked by forced labour, executions, and gender-based violence.

In this environment, the grooming of a teenage successor reflects both long-standing tradition and a chilling continuity of control.

This article is made and published by auk1, which may have used AI in the preparation