Kim Myongsung’s Inside North Korea

· NIS Reports: "Kim Ju-ae in Successor Training" ... "Potential for Change Exists"

· Is Kim Jong-un's 140kg Weight too heavy for Medication? ... Signs of Seeking Alternative Medication Abroad

· Kim Jong-un Fires Police Chief and Governor Over Flood Disaster

Kim Myong-sung

On the 29th, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) disclosed in a full session of the Intelligence Committee that Kim Ju-ae, the second daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, is being groomed as a successor.

Kim Ju-ae inspecting a chicken factory on January 8th, featured in North Korean media on Kim Jong-un's 40th birthday 

/ Rodong Sinmun

The NIS reported that North Korea is hinting at Kim Ju-ae as a potential successor and has started training her for the role. They are aware of the public's concerns about her young age and are carefully balancing her propaganda exposure and appearances while guiding her through private activities.

The NIS identified Kim Ju-ae's successor training based on her titles and the frequency and nature of her public appearances.

The NIS analysis stated, "More than 60% of Kim Ju-ae's past activities involved military events with her father, and she has also taken part in some economic activities. The term 'Hyangdo,' used exclusively for successors or the Suryong (leader), suggests that Kim Ju-ae's position as a potential successor is becoming more established.“

'Hyangdo' means 'to illuminate the path in the revolutionary struggle,' and since it's reserved for the Suryong or successors, using it for Kim Ju-ae suggests she is being positioned as a future leader.

However, the NIS also stated, "Given the possibility of other siblings stepping up and that Kim Ju-ae is not confirmed as the final successor, a change in the successor remains possible.“

It is believed that North Korea, which has passed power to sons for three generations, chose a female successor for the fourth generation due to the unclear status of Kim Jong-un's son. To help the patriarchal North Korean society accept a future female leader, authorities are increasing Kim Ju-ae's public appearances from a young age to build familiarity.

Is Kim Jong-un's 140kg Weight too heavy for Medication? ... Signs of Seeking Alternative Medication Abroad 

On the 29th, the NIS briefed the National Assembly on Kim Jong-un's health, revealing that he weighs around 140 kg with a BMI in the mid-40s. This places him well above the normal BMI of 25, categorizing him as extremely obese and at high risk for heart disease.

Kim Jong-un conversing with war veterans attending the Korean Armistice Agreement commemorative event on July 27th.

/ Korean Central News Agency Yonhap News Agency

The report continued, noting that Kim Jong-un has exhibited symptoms of hypertension and diabetes since his early 30s. If his health does not improve, he is at risk for cardiovascular diseases, which are common in his family. His condition is being closely monitored.

The NIS also pointed out that Kim’s weight peaked at around 140kg, and it is currently estimated to be the same. This could be due to factors like stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

The NIS specifically noted that there are signs Kim is seeking alternative medications beyond his current treatment. This suggests that his current medications might not be effectively managing his health.

Kim Jong-un appears to have conditions related to hypertension and diabetes, and there have been clear indications that he has been looking for treatments abroad.

The NIS also reported that North Korea has launched 48 missiles in 14 instances this year. Additionally, they expect North Korea to employ other provocative measures, such as increasing tensions near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) and using loudspeaker strikes, along with trash balloons.

Kim Jong-un Fires Police Chief and Governor Over Flood Disaster

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has dismissed key officials, including the Minister of Social Security and the provincial governor, blaming them for failing to prevent flood damage in North Pyongan and Jagang provinces.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, on the 31st, Kim convened the 22nd emergency Politburo meeting in Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province, to address the severe flood damage, resulting in these dismissals.

During the first day of the meeting, Kim Jong-un declared, "We will severely punish those responsible for the unacceptable human casualties caused by neglecting their duties assigned by the Party and the state.“

The next day, North Korean media announced new appointments: Ri Hi-yong, former first deputy director of the Party's Organization and Guidance Department, as Chief Secretary of the North Pyongan Provincial Party Committee; Pak Song-chol, the Chief Secretary of the North Pyongan Provincial Party Committee, as Chief Secretary of the Jagang Provincial Party Committee; and Pang Tu-sop, former first deputy director of the Party's Military Affairs Department, as Minister of Social Security.

North Korean media reported on the 31st that heavy rains caused major flooding in North Pyongan and Jagang provinces.

/KCNA

It seems that Kang Bong-hun, the former Chief Secretary of the Jagang Provincial Party Committee, and Ri Thae-sop, the former Minister of Social Security, have been removed from their positions.

In Sinuiju and Uiju County, situated in the lower reaches of the Yalu River, heavy rains have caused severe damage, flooding 4,100 homes and 9 million pyeong of farmland, submerging entire villages. The entire regions of North Pyongan and Jagang provinces hit by the floods have been declared disaster areas.