On February 12, 2026, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) delivered a striking assessment to the National Assembly: Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has entered the succession nomination stage, marking a significant escalation in her political profile. For months, speculation has swirled about the young woman’s future, but this is the first time South Korea’s top intelligence agency has publicly elevated her status from a mere student in succession to an official nominee in the eyes of Pyongyang’s elite.
According to multiple briefings cited by BBC, News1, and other South Korean media, the NIS’s report was unequivocal. Both Park Sun-won, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, and Lee Seong-gwon, from the People Power Party, confirmed that the agency had moved beyond its previous language of “succession training” to now describe Kim Ju-ae’s status as “succession nomination stage.” This subtle but crucial shift in official terminology has electrified analysts and North Korea watchers alike.
The evidence for this shift is compelling. Kim Ju-ae’s public appearances have increased dramatically since her debut at a missile test site in November 2022. She has been seen at her father’s side during major military and non-military events, including the high-profile launch of the solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-18 and the reconnaissance satellite Malligyung-1. In November 2025, she attended the Air Force Day event, and shortly thereafter, she was present at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, a venue steeped in symbolism for the Kim dynasty. At these events, she was observed not just as a passive participant, but as someone actively engaging—listening to those on the ground, expressing opinions on policy, and taking part in the execution of state initiatives.
As reported by BBC and SP News, North Korean state media has also gradually shifted in its treatment of Kim Ju-ae. Where she was once described simply as the “beloved” child, she is now increasingly referred to as the “respected” child—a subtle but meaningful elevation in a society where language is meticulously curated for political effect. In some instances, photographs have even shown her walking ahead of her father, a gesture loaded with symbolic significance in North Korea’s rigidly hierarchical system.
The NIS’s report, as summarized by both ruling and opposition lawmakers, points to her growing influence: “Kim Ju-ae’s presence has been continuously highlighted at recent events such as the Air Force Day and the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun,” said Lee Seong-gwon. “There is evidence she has been giving direct input on certain policies during field inspections. Taking all this into account, the NIS now considers her to have entered the succession nomination stage.”
Of course, North Korea remains as opaque as ever. Even basic facts about Kim Ju-ae’s family are shrouded in mystery. The NIS believes she has an older brother and a younger sibling of unknown gender, but, as BBC notes, neither has ever been seen in public. This makes Kim Ju-ae’s repeated appearances all the more notable—especially in a society where dynastic succession has, since 1948, always been a male affair. Should she ascend to leadership, she would break a nearly eight-decade tradition and become North Korea’s first female ruler.
Despite the growing evidence, skepticism remains. Some experts, as reported by BBC, argue that Kim Ju-ae’s prominence might be a strategic move to shield a potential male heir from public view, or to cultivate a softer, more family-friendly image for the regime. After all, North Korea’s leadership history is steeped in patriarchy, and a female successor would represent a radical departure from precedent. Yet, the NIS’s latest report underscores that, at least for now, Kim Ju-ae is the clear favorite for succession—a move that could have profound implications for the future of the Korean Peninsula.
The NIS is not content to rest on its laurels. Officials announced plans to closely monitor Kim Ju-ae’s participation in the upcoming 9th Party Congress and related events. They intend to scrutinize her protocol rank, the use of symbolic language or references to her in official communications, and any hints of succession in party regulations. As Park Sun-won put it, “We will be paying special attention to her attendance, the level of protocol given to her, the use of symbolic language and her real name, and any signs in the party charter that might indicate a move toward formal succession.”
While the world’s attention is fixed on the succession drama, the NIS also highlighted broader geopolitical shifts. North Korea’s relationship with Russia has reached new heights, with 49 high-level exchanges in 2025 alone—the highest since Kim Jong-un took power. According to lawmakers briefed by the NIS, this partnership has expanded beyond military and economic ties to include cultural cooperation. Russian technical support has helped North Korea modernize its weapons systems, and a new drone department has been established to accelerate the development and mass production of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Meanwhile, relations with China remain tepid, despite some gestures toward rapprochement. Kim Jong-un’s highly publicized appearance alongside President Xi Jinping at the Tiananmen Victory Day parade in September 2025 signaled an attempt at restoring ties, but, as Park Sun-won explained, “China’s stance has not changed since it began managing its relationship with the United States more carefully. There has been no additional economic support for North Korea beyond fertilizer aid, and China continues to enforce sanctions and crack down on illicit trade.” Nevertheless, North Korea appears eager to keep the door open, instructing its overseas missions to attend Chinese events in an effort to maintain diplomatic channels.
On the security front, North Korea’s attitude toward the United States is also evolving. The NIS reported that Pyongyang has not rejected the possibility of dialogue with Washington, particularly if certain conditions are met. Notably, North Korea has avoided provocative ICBM test launches, apparently to avoid antagonizing former U.S. President Donald Trump. As the NIS noted, “North Korea has not rejected dialogue and is avoiding actions that might provoke Trump, leaving room for maneuver and possible North Korea-U.S. talks.”
In contrast, relations with South Korea remain frosty. The NIS described a deliberate policy of distancing, with North Korea maintaining a “two-nation” approach and instructing its overseas missions and agents to block South Korean influence. The two Koreas have exchanged official messages over recent drone intrusions, but prospects for meaningful engagement appear dim.
As the world waits for the next move in Pyongyang’s carefully choreographed succession saga, one thing is clear: Kim Ju-ae’s star is rising, and with it, the possibility of a historic first for North Korea. Whether this signals a genuine shift or a clever feint remains to be seen, but the stakes—for the region and beyond—could hardly be higher.