North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s young daughter, who has accompanied him to missile tests and military parades, is his “most likely” successor, the South’s spy agency has said.
It is the first time the National Intelligence Service (NIS) has acknowledged Kim Ju Ae as Mr Kim’s heir.
However, the NIS said that it was still considering “all possibilities” in Pyongyang’s succession plan.
Miss Kim has kept a high profile since first appearing in public in late 2022.
“Based on a comprehensive analysis of public activities and the level of respect for Kim Ju Ae since her initial public appearance, at present, she appears to be the most likely successor,” said the NIS.
“But we are keeping our eyes open for all possibilities because Kim Jong Un is still young, has no major health problems, and there are many variables.”
Miss Kim is thought to be the North Korean leader’s second oldest child and is believed to be about 10 years of age.
