The National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported to the parliamentary intelligence committee that 김주애, the daughter of North Korean leader 김정은, is receiving “heir education” and that the succession structure is largely solidifying. 김 정은 is reportedly at high risk for cardiovascular disease, with recent weight reaching 140kg, prompting the search for different medication.
According to the ruling party’s floor leader in the parliamentary intelligence committee, NIS stated that North Korea is implying 김주애 as a potential successor at present and is conducting succession education for her. NIS is adjusting the propaganda level and external exposure frequency while balancing secretive activities to consider the public’s response to young 김주애.
NIS mentioned the significance of how North Korea refers to 김주애 and her activities, stating that she is being referred to with the term ‘향도’ that is used only for the successor or leader. 향도 implies “illuminating the future path to advance revolutionary struggle.” NIS analyzed that at least 70% of 김주애’s activities were related to military affairs, accompanying 김 정은, with occasional participation in economic activities.
However, NIS also considered the presence of other siblings of 김주애 and did not exclude the possibility that the succession structure has not been firmly established. 김 정은’s health condition, with a weight of 140kg and a body mass index well above the normal range at nearly 40, is being closely monitored by NIS, who noted the search for alternative medication.
NIS predicted that North Korea could engage in tension-building activities near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) along with using waste balloons and loudspeakers. NIS highlighted the need for vigilance due to North Korea’s activities, such as multiple releases of waste balloons and potential changes in their operation methods.
Regarding the incident where Sumi Terry, a senior researcher at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), was indicted in the U.S. without prior notification to the South Korean government, NIS emphasized that there is absolutely no damage to the South Korea-U.S. alliance and that information cooperation between the two countries is not an issue and is even expanding.