Kim Ju-ae: North Korea’s next supreme leader?
France 24
by FRANCE24February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Kim Ju-ae, a prominent North Korean military officer, has sparked speculation about her potential role as the next supreme leader of the country. As the highest-ranking female official in the Workers' Party and a key figure in state media coverage, Kim has increasingly been seen as a rising power within the regime. Her proximity to the current leadership circle, including her role in the National Defense Commission, has led observers to question whether she could fill the void if Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un steps down or passes.
North Korea's political structure is highly centralized and opaque, with power concentrated in the hands of a small group of elites. While the country has historically relied on the Kim family for leadership continuity, recent years have seen a gradual shift toward younger faces in the regime, signaling a potential generational transition. Kim Ju-ae's visibility and influence suggest she may be part of this evolution. Her background as a military leader with ties to the ruling party positions her uniquely to navigate the complex dynamics of North Korea's political landscape.
The implications of Kim Ju-ae's rise are significant for both regional stability and global affairs. A potential shift in leadership could impact North Korea's relations with neighboring countries, its nuclear strategy, and its economic interactions with the outside world. While her ascension is still speculative, it underscores the ongoing changes within one of the world's most insular and enigmatic regimes. For now, Kim Ju-ae remains a key figure to watch as the international community continues to monitor North Korea's political trajectory.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/26/2026