Kim Jong Un’s Health Sparks Succession Talk: Is His Daughter the Answer?

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un’s
Daughter Kim Ju Ae Succession Possibility
Kim Jong Un’s Health Condition Draws Attention

North Korea is raising the possibility of succession for Kim Jong Un’s second daughter, Kim Ju Ae.

On the 16th, the Korean Central News Agency reported on Kim Jong Un and his daughter’s public activity, which included visiting the completion and operation ceremony of the Gangdong Greenhouse.

At the time of the report, the Korean Central News Agency used the phrase “the great ones of the Hyangdo” instead of the expressions previously used for Kim Ju Ae, such as “beloved child,” “noble,” “respected,” and “morning star general of Joseon.”

Hyangdo means to suggest a direction. The Ministry of Unification of South Korea said that North Korea’s use of the Hyangdo expression for Kim Jong Un’s daughter means, “When considering the courtesy and expression shown to Kim Ju Ae through official media, we cannot rule out the possibility of Kim Ju Ae’s succession.”

Ministry of Unification spokesman Koo Byung Sam said at a regular briefing on the 18th, “The expression Hyangdo was usually used only for North Korea’s supreme leader or the Workers’ Party of Korea,” suggesting that Kim Ju Ae’s possibility of succession has been elevated.

Kim Ju Ae is the eldest daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju. She was born in 2013 and will be 11 this year.

Kim Ju Ae, the only one of Kim Jong Un’s three children to be made public, is receiving a lot of spotlight by stepping forward with the courtesy that can be seen as the second in the North Korean power hierarchy.

Therefore, the possibility of her becoming the successor in the 4th generation succession and directly inheriting power is being raised.

In the midst of this, Kim Jong Un’s health condition, which is attracting attention because he is accompanying Kim Ju Ae on his schedule, is also being discussed.

Standing next to his daughter Kim Ju Ae, Kim Jong Un has sparked health concerns with his rapidly ballooning weight and showing a reddish and dark complexion.

Some speculate that Chairman Kim Jong Un is rushing the succession structure because of his health condition.