SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has stated that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's teenage daughter can now be viewed as a potential heir, marking the agency's most decisive commentary yet on her ascendant political status. The NIS indicates that this assessment suggests the possibility of the Kim family's rule extending into a fourth generation.

The girl, referred to by North Korean state media as Kim's "most beloved" or "respected" child, has been seen accompanying her father to multiple significant events since late 2022. This has fueled speculation among analysts and observers about her being groomed to take over as the future leader of North Korea.

During a closed-door briefing at the South Korean National Assembly on a Monday, NIS Director Lee Jong-seok stated that the girl could be considered the successor of Kim Jong Un. This assessment came in response to inquiries from lawmakers regarding her growing political significance. Lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun relayed that during the briefing, Lee Jong-seok also addressed concerns over potential opposition from Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, who has long been viewed as a principal figure in the North Korean regime by clarifying that Kim Yo Jong lacks substantial power.

This latest evaluation by the NIS on the 13-year-old girl, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae, represents a notable shift in the agency's stance, especially compared to earlier assessments made in early 2024, which described her as Kim's "likely heir" for the first time. Just months prior, the agency had indicated she was on the verge of being designated as the country's future leader.

Some analysts contest the NIS's viewpoint, positing that North Korea's heavily patriarchal society may resist the idea of a female leader. Additionally, they argue that Kim Jong Un, who is 42 years old, may be too young to appoint a successor, a move that could potentially undermine his control over the regime.

Kim Ju Ae has been reported to be around 13 years old, although specific personal details have not been confirmed by North Korean state media. The information regarding her name emerged from former NBA player Dennis Rodman, who recalled cradling her during a visit to Pyongyang in 2013.

North Korea has been ruled by male members of the Kim dynasty since its establishment in 1948. Kim Jong Un inherited leadership following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, in late 2011. Kim Jong Il himself succeeded his father, the regime's founding leader, Kim Il Sung, who passed away in 1994.

Kim Ju Ae's recent appearances have included public events where she was seen driving a tank while participating in military training under her father's watchful eye, as well as jointly firing pistols during a visit to a munitions factory. Such activities appear to be orchestrated by North Korean authorities to build her military credentials and mitigate doubts surrounding a potential female successor.

During the Monday briefing, both Lee Jong-seok and fellow lawmaker Park Sunwon shared insights regarding the increased visibility of Kim Ju Ae in military contexts, asserting that these appearances are strategic additions to her public persona that aim to solidify her standing as a viable successor to Kim Jong Un.