North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has finally announced who will take his place in power.
In a BBC report, it was noted that Jong Un has selected his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his heir. She previously went with her father to visit Beijing.
As the national intelligence service (NIS) noted, a “range of circumstances” was taken into account in this decision, including her growing presence at North Korean events. The BBC noted that the NIS plans to “keep close tabs on whether she will attend the North’s party congress later this month.”
Lee Seong-kwen, a lawmaker, stated that Ju Ae has finally reached the “successor designation” stage of her training with her father.
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Kim Jong Un has no other known children, but is believed to have a son who has never been seen on North Korea media. Ju Ae’s existence became public in 2013, when Dennis Rodman said he “held baby Ju Ae” while visiting North Korea.
Behind the headlines of succession and power, the reality for everyday North Koreans remains marked by deep hardship, restriction and suffering. While the world watches political developments at the highest levels of leadership, millions of men, women and children continue to endure lives few outside the nation can fully comprehend. Families face hunger, believers worship in secret at great personal risk, and entire communities live under the weight of fear and uncertainty about the future.
As Christians, this moment should move us not only to watch global events but to intercede. Scripture calls us to remember those who are oppressed and to pray for those who are persecuted. Now more than ever, the people of North Korea need hope, provision and the light of the gospel to reach even the darkest places.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
