SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported on Thursday that they believe the teenage daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, identified as Kim Ju Ae, is on the brink of being named the future leader of North Korea, marking a potential extension of the Kim family dynasty into a fourth generation. This revelation comes as North Korea prepares for its largest political conference of the year, scheduled for later this month, where Kim Jong Un is expected to outline his major policy goals for the next five years.

During a closed-door briefing, NIS officials revealed that they are closely observing whether Kim Ju Ae, believed to be around 13 years old, will make a public appearance alongside her father at the upcoming Workers' Party Congress, which will be attended by thousands of delegates. Lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun, who was present at the meeting, disclosed this information, highlighting her increased visibility alongside high-profile events and military parades.

Kim Ju Ae first appeared in public during a long-range missile test in November 2022 and has since accompanied her father to numerous significant events, including weapons tests, military parades, and even factory openings. Notably, she was present during Kim's trip to Beijing last September, which marked his first summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in six years.

Speculation surrounding her political future escalated after she participated in a New Year’s Day visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang, a mausoleum dedicated to her grandfather and great-grandfather, the first two leaders of North Korea. This visit is being interpreted by some experts as a strong indication that she is being positioned to become her father's successor. Initially, South Korean officials were skeptical about her potential role due to the deeply conservative culture in North Korea and its tradition of male leadership. However, her increasing presence in state media has led to a reassessment of her status.

In earlier assessments, NIS indicated that Kim Jong Un's decision to include Kim Ju Ae on his trip to China was part of an effort to construct a narrative that could facilitate her future succession. The agency used the term ‘successor-designate stage’ to describe her current status, reflecting a significant shift in their perspective. Observations of her heightened presence at military events and involvement in family visits suggest that Kim Jong Un may be seeking her input on policy matters.

Despite her prominence in state propaganda, not much is known about Kim Ju Ae. North Korean media have consistently referred to her only as Kim Jong Un’s ‘respected’ or ‘most beloved’ child, without disclosing her name. The belief that she is named Kim Ju Ae stems from a 2013 account by former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who recalled holding Kim Jong Un's baby daughter during a visit to Pyongyang. South Korean intelligence officials estimate she was born in that year.

In 2023, it was revealed that Kim Jong Un and his wife likely have an older son and a younger child of unknown gender, as South Korea’s spy agency continues to monitor the Kim family's succession dynamics. Since North Korea's establishment in 1948, the country has traditionally been ruled by male members of the Kim family, starting with Kim Il Sung, followed by his son Kim Jong Il.

Kim Jong Un was only 26 when he was declared the heir apparent during a party conference in 2010, following his father's stroke. This background raises questions about whether Kim's early introduction of his daughter as a potential successor reflects his own experience of being thrust into power without adequate preparation.

As the Workers' Party congress approaches, analysts are keenly watching for indications of succession plans. Kim Ju Ae's visit to the Kumsusan Palace last month was notably significant, as it was also her father's first visit to the site in three years. This trip is perceived as a symbolic act by Kim Jong Un to present his daughter as his successor in front of the legacies of his grandfather and father, especially in the context of the impending political conference.

The upcoming congress may serve as a platform for Kim Jong Un to formally establish his daughter's position within the party, possibly by appointing her to a major role, such as Party First Secretary, though such a decision may not be immediately made public. However, analysts caution that party rules require members to be at least 18, casting doubt on whether she would occupy an official post at this young age.

If Kim Jong Un chooses to solidify his daughter’s status as his successor during the congress, it may be reflected in more subtle ways. Observers will look for self-congratulatory remarks praising North Korea's endurance compared to other communist states, which could suggest that Kim Ju Ae's place in the leadership succession has been secured.