South Korea's National Intelligence Service seeks to verify if Kim Jong Un has an older son while identifying his daughter as the likely successor.

While the agency is still verifying reports of an older brother, it stated that even if a son exists, he is not currently in a position to become the successor to Kim Jong Un. The agency previously noted that Kim Ju Ae, who is reportedly around 13 years old, has a solid political status based on analysis of her public activities and state protocols. Since late 2022, Kim Ju Ae has accompanied her father to numerous high-profile events, including missile launches and military parades. State media has described her as her father's most beloved child. The agency's statement serves as a response to reports that Kim Jong Un has no son with his wife, Ri Sol Ju. The agency also noted that Kim Jong Un has a younger child whose gender is not yet confirmed.