Daughter of N. Korea's Kim appears to have solidified standing as likely successor with China visit: spy agency

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, right, alongside his daughter, known as Ju-ae, applauds in the Wonsan-Kalma tourist area on the North's east coast during a ceremony to mark the completion of the resort area known for its beautiful seaside scenery, June 24. Courtesy of the North's official Korean Central News Agency

The young daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Ju-ae, appears to have bolstered her status as Kim's likely successor through her recent trip to China, South Korea's spy agency told lawmaker Thursday.

Ju-ae, believed to be in her early teens, stayed inside the North Korean Embassy and avoided media exposure during her trip but managed to "secure enough of the narrative" needed to solidify her position as a potential successor, lawmakers told reporters, citing the National Intelligence Service's (NIS) closed-door briefing.

"The purpose of her trip was essentially part of a process to complete the narrative with her succession in mind," a lawmaker who attended the NIS briefing was quoted as saying.

North Korean state media showed Ju-ae accompanying Kim on his trip to Beijing last week to attend a military parade, further fueling speculation that she may be next in line for succession.

Asked whether Kim has any other children besides Ju-ae who could be considered the potential successor, the NIS noted speculations that another child might have a disability or is studying abroad but said it was unlikely, according to the lawmakers.

The spy agency also assessed that Kim has no major health problems, noting his heart rate and blood pressure are normal.

"Kim carried out the entire schedule without any health-related issues," the NIS told lawmakers. "He was seen occasionally sweating heavily or panting when walking up the stairs due to obesity, but his heart rate and blood pressure are assessed to be within normal ranges."

Kim, however, seemed "nervous" and inexperienced" at the military parade, according to the agency.

"He was seen walking ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping during the parade entrance and following Russian President Vladimir Putin's behavior during their talks," it said.

Kim also appears to believe he achieved considerable success in projecting an image of solidarity among North Korea, China and Russia, and portraying himself as the leader of a normal state.

"Moving forward, Pyongyang is likely to take a more assertive stance based on confidence gained from his trip to China," the NIS said.

Last week, Kim made his first visit to China since 2019 to attend Beijing's large-scale military parade, standing alongside Xi and Putin, for his debut on the multilateral diplomatic stage. On the sidelines of the parade, Kim held separate bilateral talks with the two leaders.

His visit to China was seen as a strategic move to bolster his authority at home, shed his image as an isolated ruler, and highlight deepening ties with China and Russia against the West.