Who is Kim Jong-Un’s possible successor?

After years of speculation about who might succeed Kim Jong-Un, South Korean intelligence officials suggested in February 2026 that he may be preparing his daughter for a possible leadership role. This assessment follows her increasingly prominent appearances at state events, including weapons tests and military parades, as well as her accompanying him on a 2025 visit to China. She is believed to be named Kim Ju-Ae and to be about 13 years old. Kim is believed to have other children—reportedly an older son and another younger child—but they have not appeared publicly. North Korea has made no formal statement on the matter.