North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, was notably absent from the recent Workers' Party congress, fuelling speculation about her future role as successor. The congress, held every five years, typically offers clues about the country's leadership succession, and her absence has prompted debate among analysts.
Some experts believe Kim has already decided that Kim Ju-ae will succeed him as the fourth-generation leader of the Kim dynasty. However, others argue that North Korea's deeply patriarchal society could block her path to power. Mitch Shin of the Diplomat noted that the country's ageing generals, many in their 60s and 70s, may be unwilling to accept a woman as supreme leader, calling it a 'structural anomaly'.
Alternative theories suggest Kim may be using his daughter as a 'human shield' to protect a rumoured older son from international scrutiny. Meanwhile, Shreyas Reddy of NK News described her prominence as performative, aimed at portraying Kim as a loving father figure to the nation, rather than indicating a clear succession plan.
South Korea's National Intelligence Service has claimed Kim is close to naming Kim Ju-ae as his successor, but no official confirmation has been made. State media refer to her only as the leader's 'respected' or 'most beloved' child, without naming her. Analysts caution that while her public profile has grown, it is too early to declare her the next leader.
