S. Korea trying to learn if Kim Jong Un has a son but daughter's status appears solid

Key Points:

• South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) is investigating whether North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has an older son but maintains that his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is the likely successor to his leadership.
• The NIS stated that even if Kim has a son, he is not currently positioned to become the heir, while Kim Ju Ae, reportedly around 13 years old, has been increasingly visible in high-profile state events, signaling her rising political status.
• The existence of an older brother is a significant issue due to North Korea’s traditionally male-dominated leadership succession, as all previous leaders have been male members of the Kim family.
• Some experts question whether senior North Korean officials would accept a female leader and suggest that Kim Ju Ae’s eventual rule could end the Kim family dynasty if she marries outside the family.
• Kim Jong Un, aged 42, has not yet designated an heir, possibly to maintain his absolute power, and the NIS continues to verify details about his children amid ongoing uncertainty about succession plans.