South Korea’s spy agency has told lawmakers it believes the teenage daughter of Kim Jong-un, the North Korean dictator, is close to being designated as the country’s future leader, as Kim moves to extend the family dynasty to a fourth generation. South Korean officials initially expressed doubt that she would be chosen as a North Korean leader, citing the country’s deeply conservative culture and tradition of male-dominated leadership. Not much is known about Kim’s daughter. Despite her increased visibility in propaganda, North Korean state media have never published her name, referring to her as his “respected” or “most beloved” child. Since North Korea’s foundation in 1948, it has been ruled by male members of the Kim family, beginning with the country’s founder, Kim Il-sung, and followed by his son, Kim Jong-il.

Source: The Guardian February 12, 2026 14:44 UTC