The National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported that Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has effectively been designated as his successor. The agency also expressed a positive outlook on the possibility of dialogue between North Korea and the United States.
Yoon Gun-young, a member of the Democratic Party's Intelligence Committee, spoke to reporters after a committee meeting, stating, "The NIS mentioned that they believe Kim Ju-ae is being exposed to the media to establish her as a leader among North Koreans."
Earlier, NIS Director Lee Jong-seok indicated in a closed-door meeting in April that Kim Ju-ae could be viewed as a successor, saying, "This is not just a simple assumption; it is based on credible intelligence."
Yoon also noted that the NIS believes that the possibility of a US-North Korea summit is always present, stating, "The NIS responded that it should be seen as possible at any time, although there are no specific facts regarding direct contacts between the two sides. However, there are signs of dialogue."
Additionally, Yoo Young-ha, a member of the People Power Party, reported that the NIS is analyzing internal documents from the Workers' Party of Korea and missile design plans. He added that the agency has successfully identified and prevented attempts to leak advanced domestic technologies from North Korea. Yoo stated, "The NIS detected and stopped the leakage of new reactor design plans and the engine of the Surion helicopter."
Yoo further explained that the expansion of North Korea's Reconnaissance General Bureau to the Reconnaissance Information Bureau is aimed at strengthening counterintelligence capabilities. He noted that Lieutenant General Ri Chang-ho, who is also the commander of the overseas special operations forces, has been tasked with handling operational information from the Ukraine war. Ri was seen leading a contingent of overseas operational units during a military parade commemorating the 9th Party Congress in February.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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