North Korea could face internal turmoil as a potential power struggle looms between Kim Jong-un’s daughter and sister, according to a former intelligence officer’s warning.

The leadership of the authoritarian regime has been passed down through three generations from Kim Il-sung to Kim Jong-il and then to Kim Jong-un. While Kim Jong-un has traditionally kept his ambitious sister, Kim Yo Jong, by his side, recent appearances have also featured his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, believed to be 13 years old. South Korea’s spy agency has indicated that Kim Jong-un is grooming his daughter as his successor, anticipating his own demise.

However, Kim Jong-un’s plans may face resistance from his sister, who reportedly has aspirations to assume control once her brother is no longer in power. Rah Jong-yil, a former South Korean ambassador to the UK and deputy director of the country’s intelligence agency, cautioned that a ruthless power struggle could unfold.

Described as scheming by Jong-yil, Kim Yo Jong, aged 38, is positioning herself to seize power and could pose a threat to the 13-year-old heir apparent, considering the family’s history of eliminating rivals through assassination.

Kim Jong-un’s sister holds significant influence in North Korea, occupying key positions in the Publicity and Information Department and the State Affairs Commission. Jong-yil suggested that Kim Yo Jong might seize the opportunity to ascend to the top leadership position if she perceives a chance.

Anticipating a potential power struggle following Kim Jong-un’s death, Jong-yil emphasized that Kim Yo Jong may pursue her own political agenda without hesitation. The ruling family in North Korea has a history of brutal power struggles, exemplified by the assassination of Kim Jong-un’s half-brother, Kim Jong-nam, using a chemical weapon in 2017.

Kim Jong-un’s ruthless nature was further exposed when he executed his uncle, Chang Song-thaek, in 2013 for alleged acts of treachery. Chang Song-thaek, who had supported Kim Jong-un’s rise to power, faced a military trial and subsequent execution for attempting to overthrow the regime.

The volatile political landscape in North Korea raises concerns about potential power shifts and internal conflicts as the regime’s future leadership remains uncertain.