In a surprising turn of events, South Korea's spy agency, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), has declared that Kim Ju Ae, the young daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, is being considered as her father's probable successor. This announcement marks the first assessment made by the NIS regarding the preteen, who was introduced to the world just over a year ago.

Since her public debut in November 2022, when she witnessed a long-range missile test launch alongside her father, Kim Ju Ae has accompanied him to numerous prominent public events. State media has designated her as Kim Jong Un's "most beloved" or "respected" child, highlighting her increasing political importance and close relationship with her father.

The NIS's evaluation is based on a comprehensive analysis of Kim Ju Ae's public activities and the state protocols provided to her. However, the agency continues to consider all possibilities regarding the power succession process in North Korea, given Kim Jong Un's youth, good health, and the existence of at least one other child. The North Korean leader is set to turn 40 on Monday.

Lawmaker Youn Kun-Young, citing NIS nominee Cho Tae-yong, confirmed this assessment earlier today. However, Cho's written responses did not provide additional details about Kim Ju Ae.

Although the NIS believes there is a high possibility of Kim Ju Ae being groomed as the next leader, experts caution against making definitive predictions. Du Hyeogn Cha of Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies states that she lacks the necessary political achievements to be formally anointed as the country's future leader.

Cheong Seong-Chang, an analyst at the private Sejong Institute, suggests that Kim Jong Un sees potential in his daughter as a capable successor. He adds that Kim Ju Ae's presence at significant events allows her to learn about leadership and build connections at a young age.

It should be noted that the NIS has a limited track record in confirming developments in North Korea, a notoriously secretive nation. Consequently, North Korea's state media has not commented directly on the succession plan or confirmed the existence of any of Kim Ju Ae's siblings.

The name Ju Ae aligns with what former NBA star Dennis Rodman mentioned as the name of Kim's baby daughter, whom he claimed to have seen and held during a visit to Pyongyang in 2013. The NIS previously stated that Kim Ju Ae has an older brother and a younger sibling of undisclosed gender.

The inclusion of Kim Ju Ae in public appearances has surprised foreign experts, as neither Kim Jong Un nor his father, Kim Jong Il, were mentioned in North Korean state media prior to their adulthood.

As the speculation surrounding Kim Ju Ae's potential succession intensifies, only time will reveal the true path chosen by North Korea's leader and the fate of the country's leadership.