South Korea trying to confirm if Kim Jong Un has a son but daughter is still likely heir

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s National Intelligence Service said it is trying to determine if North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has an older son while reaffirming its assessment that his daughter is the likely heir to the nation’s leadership.The spy agency’s statement on Thursday was likely a response to a recent media report that South Korean intelligence authorities have determined Kim has no son with his wife, Ri Sol Ju.The NIS said that even if a son exists, he is not in a position to become the successor to Kim, who took the reins of North Korea’s government after the 2011 death of his father.Kim’s daughter, who is reportedly named Kim Ju Ae and is around 13, is likely in line to take over leadership of North Korea from her father, the agency has previously said.The NIS said it was still attempting to verify whether Kim’s daughter has an elder brother, but under the current circumstances, he cannot be his father’s heir even if he exists.

The agency said Kim Jong Un also has a younger child whose gender has not been confirmed.The statement on Thursday didn’t elaborate on the NIS assessment about Kim Ju Ae’s solid political status.But it previously cited a comprehensive analysis of her public activities and state protocols provided to her.

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Since late 2022, Kim’s daughter has accompanied him to numerous high-profile events including missile launches and big military parades.State media said she is her father’s “most beloved” or “respected” child and churned out footage and photos proving their closeness and her rising political standing.The report of her name is based on an account by former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who recalled holding Kim Jong Un’s baby daughter during a 20...