North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s young daughter, who accompanies him on missile tests and military parades, is his “most likely” successor, South Korea’s spy agency said.

Kim Yoo Ae has maintained a high profile since making her first public appearance in late 2022.

“Based on a comprehensive analysis of public activities and the level of respect for Kim Yoo Ae from her initial public appearance, she currently appears to be the most likely successor,” the NIS said.

“But we’re keeping our eyes open for all eventualities because Kim Jong Un is still young, he doesn’t have major health problems, and there are a lot of variables,” NIS continues.

Who is Kim Yoo Ae

Kim Yoo-ae is considered the second oldest child of the North Korean leader and is believed to be around 10 years old.

North Korea watchers have noted how Miss Kim is now referred to as a “respected” daughter, rather than a “beloved”, as she was first publicly introduced in November 2022.

The epithet “respected” is reserved for North Korea’s most respected. In the case of Kim Jong Un, he was referred to as “honorable comrade’ only after his status as a future leader was established.

North Korean citizens are told that the Kims come from a sacred bloodline, meaning only they can lead the country, and Kim Jong Un will want to ensure he passes the mantle to the fourth generation.

Most recently, Kim accompanied her father to the December launch of North Korea’s Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the most advanced long-range missile in its arsenal.

She was also by her father’s side when the North launched the Malligyong-1 spy satellite into orbit last November, after two failed attempts.

Introducing Miss Kim to the public early could be Kim Jong Un’s way of ensuring his daughter is established before taking power, analysts say.

It could also be a way for the North Korean leader to to overcome prejudices in his deeply patriarchal countrywhich has never been led by a woman.

Miss Kim’s existence was first reported in 2013 after retired American basketball star Dennis Rodman made a controversial trip to North Korea.

Rodman said he had spent time with Kim Jong Un’s family, relaxing by the sea, and had “held their baby”.

The North Korean leader is extremely secretive about his family, even his wife Ri Sol Ju was not seen in public until shortly after the couple married.