Overview
- The NIS, in a Monday briefing to lawmakers, said Kim Ju-ae can be viewed as Kim Jong-un’s successor based on credible intelligence.
- Recent state media scenes of her driving a tank and firing weapons are meant to showcase military skill and ease doubts about a future female leader, the NIS told legislators.
- The agency assessed that Kim Yo-jong does not wield independent power and is unlikely to challenge Ju-ae’s rise.
- The NIS said North Korea is keeping distance from Iran and toning down public criticism of the United States to preserve room for talks after a planned May summit between Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump.
- State media reported a high‑thrust missile engine test using carbon‑fiber parts, and the NIS said the work could enable lighter missiles and multiple warheads.