The daughter who could rule North Korea

Will North Korea’s next leader be Kim Jong Un’s daughter? It’s time to meet Kim Ju Ae. For the past 15 years Kim Jong Un has been the face of North Korea, but now a new Kim is increasingly sharing the stage. Is Kim Ju Ae being prepared to become the first female leader in the country’s history? Or will North Korea's male-dominated political and dynastic culture prove too strong for that to happen?

This episode was republished on 1 February 2026, as the original version contained factual errors about who Kim Ju Ae has met.

Asia Specific host Mariko Oi is joined by the BBC’s Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon and Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, a former BBC correspondent who was detained in Pyongyang for three days in 2016.

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best: Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on the BBC World Service YouTube channel, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk