Kim Jong-un allegedly preparing daughter as his successor due to 'accelerating' health problem

There has been a lot of speculation lately about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un potentially preparing his daughter, Ju Ae, to be his successor. An expert has now revealed the possible reason why Kim Jong-un is doing this now.

Kim Jong-un may have a 'health problem'

Chad O’Carroll is the founder of Korea Risk Group, which describes itself as a specialist information and analysis firm delivering qualified research and analysis in matters directly and indirectly related to North Korea. In an interview with CNN, he speculated the real reason why Kim Jong-un appears to be preparing Ju Ae to succeed him now. O’Carroll said:

I think it demonstrates that she’s being groomed as the next leader, and that, to me, suggests there could be something behind the scenes, maybe a health problem with Kim Jong-un that is accelerating and they need to do this now rather than years later when she’s a bit older.

Kim Jong-un is no stranger to speculation about his health. He frequently goes missing for extended periods of time, which many believe is due to poor health.

Read more:

⋙ Kim Jong-un makes bizarre new demand of North Korean citizens and it involves his daughter

⋙ Kim Jong-un's latest photos with wife and daughter contain small details that may confirm succession

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⋙ Kim Jong-un: Here’s why his daughter won’t be his successor, according to South Korean minister

⋙ Kim Jong-un's sister could be his potential successor: Who is Kim Yo-jong?

Too soon to speculate

However, others disagree with O’Carroll. Oh Gyeong-seob, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification said it’s too soon to regard Ju Ae as her father’s successor. He said:

Kim Ju Ae is only a figure who symbolizes the Mount Paektu Bloodline and succession to the fourth generation. It would not be appropriate to make judgements about whether or not she will be the successor based on her attendance at a string of recent events.

In addition:

Kim Ju Ae’s appearance at events related to North Korea’s nuclear program has greatly increased external interest in the North Korean regime. From North Korea’s point of view, Kim Ju Ae has been a fantastic promotional model as it emphasizes once more to the outside world that it will never abandon its nuclear program for the sake of its future generation.

Kim In-tae, a senior analyst at South Korea’s Institute for National Security Strategy, agrees withOh Gyeong-seob. He said:

Given the absolute authority of the ruler in North Korea, the crucial criterion for disclosing matters related to the succession is whether or not they will benefit the ruling system.

Given that [efforts to promote] the cult of personality around leader Kim Jong Un is currently underway, Kim Ju Ae is being used as a symbol of future generations, rather than being [designated as] the successor.

Sources used:

CNN: 'Hear why expert believes something is going on behind the scenes with Kim Jong Un'

DailyNK: 'It’s too soon to be sure about Kim Jong Un’s successor, experts say'