Speculations arise as Kim Jong Un’s pre-teen daughter, Kim Ju Ae, starts making public appearances. Meanwhile, the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) reports that the North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, faces significant health issues due to increasing weight. Moreover, South Korean MP Lee Seong-kweun shared after an NIS briefing that Pyongyang is training Kim Ju Ae for leadership. “Pyongyang is grooming Kim Ju Ae to be heir apparent, indicating she’s the most likely successor,” Lee stated via Bloomberg.
The Kim family has ruled North Korea since its founding in the late 1940s. However, a woman or minor has never led the nation. So, join us as we explore the details related to Kim Jong Un’s health and Kim Ju Ae’s leadership training.
Kim Jung Un’s Heath Concerns and Implications
The North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un’s health has become an important matter. According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), the 40-year-old leader weighs around 140 kilograms (308 pounds), despite his height of 170 centimeters (5 feet, 8 inches). This, consequently, places him firmly in the obese category. Moreover, given his family’s history of heart problems, the concerns for Kim Jong Un’s health are quite significant. Both his father, Kim Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il Sung, died from heart-related issues.
Additionally, the NIS revealed that Kim’s lifestyle, including his drinking and smoking habits, contributes significantly to his health issues. The leader is reportedly experiencing symptoms of high blood pressure and diabetes. He has had these conditions since his early 30s. Consequently, intelligence officials have stated that Kim Jong Un’s health situation places him in a high-risk category for developing more severe conditions, such as heart disease. In response to these health concerns, North Korean officials are reportedly seeking new medications from abroad to help manage Kim’s condition.
Kim Ju Ae: North Korea’s Next Leader?
North Korea has had an authoritarian dictatorship since its founding in the late 1940s. The Kim family has ruled since then. In this context, Kim Jong Un’s health conditions are not just personal; they carry significant political implications, especially since he hasn’t named a successor.
However, recently, Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who is around 10 to 11 years old, has gained prominence. The NIS noted that at least 60 percent of her public appearances have been at military events. This suggests a deliberate effort to raise her profile, sparking speculation that she is being groomed as a potential successor. North Korean state media calls her Kim Jong Un’s “most beloved” or “respected” child, fuelling speculation about her future role. Additionally, the media labels her a “great person of guidance,” a title for leaders and potential successors. This intensifies speculation about her future position.
What Lies Ahead for North Korea
Kim Jong Un’s public appearances, amid health rumors and ongoing struggles, highlight the unpredictable nature of North Korean leadership. His weight gain, along with his family history and lifestyle, poses serious health risks. Meanwhile, Kim Ju Ae’s increasing visibility suggests she might play a significant role in the regime’s future. However, uncertainties remain.
Furthermore, Kim reportedly has two other children, with Ju Ae being the middle child. He has kept his personal life private, so the definitive names and ages of his children remain unconfirmed. Despite Ju Ae’s public appearances, North Korea’s succession remains unclear. However, reports also suggest that if Kim dies or steps down, one of his brothers might claim the throne.
