Kim Jong-un’s succession plans in question: Rumors of Kim Ju-ae’s younger brother emerge

Tae Yong-ho, Secretary-General of the National Unification Advisory Council, addressed speculation that Kim Ju-ae, daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, may be his successor, stating that “it is not at the official nomination stage yet.” He also mentioned a rumor that Ju-ae might have a younger brother.

Tae, a former North Korean diplomat who served as a member of the South Korea’s 21st National Assembly under the ruling People Power Party, made these remarks on SBS Radio on August 9. “She is still a minor, and it seems there is a long way to go before she could officially be named as the successor, possibly only after she reaches adulthood.”

Tae added, “While Kim Jong-un may be considering a fourth-generation succession, it does not appear that he has definitively decided on Kim Ju-ae as his successor.”

The discussion about Kim Ju-ae’s possible succession was fueled by recent media coverage showing Kim Jong-un’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, treating Ju-ae with significant deference. On August 5, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Kim Jong-un’s attendance at a ceremony in Pyongyang marking the handover of a new tactical ballistic missile launcher, which included footage of Kim Ju-ae.

Dressed in formal attire, Ju-ae captured attention by standing upright and confident, in contrast to Kim Yo-jong, who bowed slightly and extended her arm. The sight of Kim Yo-jong showing such respect to someone other than her brother sparked interest, but more eyes were on Ju-ae, who walked confidently in front of her aunt.

However, it was noted that Kim Ju-ae’s name was not mentioned among the event’s attendees. Tae suggested on the radio show that this might be a deliberate attempt to “conceal” her identity.

He noted, “There is ongoing debate among North Koreans about whether Kim Jong-un’s daughter is named Kim Ju-ae or Kim Ju-ye. If she had been officially designated as the successor, the North Korean authorities would likely have clarified this matter by now.”

Tae further emphasized, “At the very least, the North Korean authorities should have publicly referred to her as ‘the daughter of Comrade Kim Jong-un,’ but they have yet to reveal her name.”

The name “Kim Ju-ae” became known in 2013 after NBA star Dennis Rodman, who visited North Korea, mentioned that Kim Jong-un and his wife Ri Sol-ju had introduced their daughter as “Ju-ae.” Since then, the international community has referred to Kim Jong-un’s daughter by that name.

Regarding the claim made last month by Democratic Party lawmaker Park Jie-won, a former director of the National Intelligence Service, that Kim Jong-un has a hidden son, Tae commented, “Park may have access to special sources as a former National Intelligence Service director.”

He added, “But according to recent accounts from defectors, there is a rumor among North Koreans that Kim Ju-ae has a younger brother, not an older one.” Tae concluded, “At this stage, no one can definitively confirm anything.”

Thae served as the North’s deputy ambassador to Britain and fled to South Korea in 2016, becoming the highest-profile government official to defect from the totalitarian regime. He was elected to the 2020-24 National Assembly as a conservative People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker.

BY JAESUNG BAE, YOUNGNAM KIM [hongdoya@joongang.co.kr]