South Korea’s spy agency has told lawmakers it believes the teenage daughter of the North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-un, is close to being designated as the country’s future leader as Kim moves to extend the family dynasty to a fourth generation. Lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun announced on Thursday that the girl's recent appearances and growing role next to her father were thought to be an indicator of the succession. In a closed-door briefing, NIS officials said they were closely monitoring whether Kim’s daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju-ae and about 13 years old, would appear with him before thousands of delegates at the forthcoming Workers’ party congress

Source: The Guardian February 12, 2026 14:36 UTC