South Korea's intelligence agency has said it is now 'fair to view' North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's teenage daughter as his heir, offering its strongest public assessment yet on a leadership succession that could extend the Kim family rule into a fourth generation.
The observation was made during a closed-door briefing at South Korea's National Assembly, where National Intelligence Service (NIS) director Lee Jong-seok responded to lawmakers' questions on the girl's political standing.
The girl, identified as Kim Ju Ae and believed to be around 13, has been seen more frequently alongside Kim Jong Un at major public events since late 2022.
North Korean state media has referred to her as Kim's 'most beloved' or 'respected' child, further fuelling speculation that she is being positioned for a future leadership role.
Her growing visibility has drawn attention from outside observers who see her repeated appearances with the North Korean leader as part of a carefully shaped public image.
The latest assessment represents a clear escalation in tone from previous briefings, indicating she may already be viewed as the successor.
