North Korea is facing a potential internal power struggle as concerns rise over a potential family feud between Kim Jong-un’s daughter and sister, according to a former intelligence officer. The leadership of the nation, which has been under the control of the Kim dynasty for three generations, is now at a critical juncture. While Kim Jong-un has traditionally kept his influential sister, Kim Yo Jong, close by his side, recent appearances have featured his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, who is believed to be 13 years old. South Korea’s spy agency has disclosed that Kim Jong-un is allegedly grooming his daughter to succeed him, indicating a potential transfer of power.
However, the ex-ambassador of South Korea to the UK and a former deputy director of the country’s intelligence agency, Rah Jong-yil, has suggested that Kim Jong-un’s sister is also eyeing the top leadership position and may challenge her niece. Known for her significant influence in North Korea, Kim Yo Jong holds key positions within the political structure of the country and is highly esteemed among its political elite. Jong-yil warned that a power struggle could ensue following Kim Jong-un’s potential demise, as Kim Yo Jong is reportedly ambitious and ready to seize power for herself.
The history of the ruling family in North Korea is marked by ruthless power struggles and fatal attempts to maintain control. Notably, Kim Jong-un’s estranged half-brother, Kim Jong-nam, was assassinated in Kuala Lumpur airport in 2017, allegedly by North Korean agents using the chemical weapon VX. Moreover, Kim Jong-un’s uncle, Chang Song-thaek, was executed in 2013 for treason after allegedly attempting to overthrow the state following Kim Jong-il’s death.
The uncertainty surrounding the succession of leadership in North Korea raises concerns about potential internal conflicts and power shifts within the ruling regime. As the dynamics within the ruling family evolve, the future of North Korea’s leadership remains uncertain, with the possibility of a brutal power struggle looming on the horizon.
