Mystery over Kim's teen daughter and possible heir

Kim Jong Un's daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae, is increasingly viewed as his likely successor, with her recent high-profile trip to China further cementing her prominent status.

- HYUNG-JIN KIM KIM TONG-HYUNG

The girl, likely in her early teens and bearing a close resemblance to her mother, accompanied her father on what was his first visit to a major gathering of world leaders and her first known trip abroad.

North Korean state media footage captured her presence during the Beijing visit.

She was seen disembarking from a train directly behind her father and ahead of foreign minister Choe Son Hui, clapping as North Korean Embassy officials bowed. She also stood near him during a meeting with senior officials inside his train.

South Korea's spy agency said that this trip solidified her position as her father's probable heir.

Believed to be 12 or 13 years old, not much else is publicly known about her. However, her repeated appearances at significant events alongside her father have intensified speculation that she is being groomed as North Korea's next leader.