On Tuesday, Yonhap News reported growing concerns over potential assassination threats against North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea is on high alert for these threats, as confirmed by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), which briefed the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee during a parliamentary audit.
Representatives Lee Seong Geun of the People Power Party and Park Seon Won of the Democratic Party, speaking as committee spokespersons, shared this information with the press.
The NIS noted that North Korea has recently intensified its security measures due to the perceived assassination threats against Kim Jong Un. Regarding this year’s activities of the Kim family, Kim Jong Un’s public appearances have increased by about 60%, totaling 110 events so far compared to last year.
In light of potential assassination attempts, the NIS added, “North Korea has escalated security measures, including the use of communication-jamming vehicles and plans to introduce drone detection equipment.”
The intelligence agency further explained that, since the beginning of this month, North Korea has discontinued using the “Juche” (philosophy of self-reliance) era designation. Officials stationed abroad have been instructed to emphasize Kim Jong Un’s revolutionary history rather than literature from the Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il eras.
The agency interprets this shift as an effort to erase references to previous leaders and to intensify the cult of personality around Kim Jong Un.
The NIS analysis also reveals that Kim Ju Ae, Kim Jong Un’s second child, who is believed to be groomed as a potential successor, has recently seen her status elevate.
According to the NIS, Kim Ju Ae’s public exposure is being carefully managed, and her activities are being extended to party events. She has been observed receiving guidance from Kim Yo Jong and assistance from North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, suggesting a possible enhancement of her position.
The NIS further explained, “Kim Ju Ae’s elevated status is evident in instances where she is shown directly conversing with the Russian ambassador, appearing in exclusive ‘two-shot’ photos featuring only her and Kim Jong Un, and being accompanied by dedicated security personnel.”
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