Kim Jong Un chooses daughter as heir

North Korean leader Kim Jong  Un is preparing to designate his daughter Kim Ju  Ae as his successor, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) says

Married
Line of succession
Offspring

NORTH KOREA’S RULING FAMILY*

Founder of North Korea,
“Eternal President”

Kim Il Sung (1912-94)

Kim Jong Il
(1941-2011)

“Dear Leader” took office in 1993

Favourite consort of Kim Jong Il

Ko Yong Hui
(1952-2004)

Kim Yo Jong
(1987-)

Holds senior position in Central Committee of ruling Workers’ Party and is top adviser to Kim Jong Un

Kim Jong Chol
(1981-)

Rejected as successor, is believed to lead quiet life in Pyongyang, not involved in politics

Kim Jong Un
(1984-)
“Supreme Leader”

Consolidating power through strict control and dynastic succession

Older son †

Kim Ju Ae
(2012-)

Ri Sol Ju
(1985-)

Former singer from family reportedly linked to country’s elite, believed to have married Kim in 2009

Ju Ae – believed to be 13 – has started providing policy input and is treated as de facto second‑highest leader, NIS assesses

*Some family members omitted for clarity 

†NIS believes Kim Jong Un has older son, never officially acknowledged

Sources: Reuters, BBC
Pictures: Newscom, Getty Images
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