Claims about Kim Jong Un’s death spread online; here is who could succeed him in North Korea

Speculation about the death of North Korea’s leader has sparked reactions and discussion in international media. The claims say that Kim Jong Un had suffered a severe cerebral hemorrhage, fallen into a coma and then died in a hospital in Beijing, China.

According to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, the rumors began after a post on the X platform by Chinese dissident Wanjun Xie, who lives in the United States. However, he published no evidence to support his claims.

Official reports from Pyongyang presented a different situation. North Korean state media reported on October 20 that Kim Jong Un had attended a clothing and footwear exhibition in Pyongyang the previous day. In the published photographs, he appeared alongside his daughter, Kim Ju Ae.

South Korean security and diplomatic officials also said they had no information supporting the report of the North Korean leader’s death. Consequently, this is an unconfirmed claim that cannot be considered a fact.

Who could succeed Kim Jong Un as North Korea’s leader?

Any departure of Kim Jong Un from power or inability to govern would immediately raise the question of his successor at the helm of one of the world’s most isolated regimes.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has assessed that the leader’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who is believed to be around 13 years old, is being prepared to one day lead the country.

Reuters reported on April 6, 2026, that South Korean intelligence had obtained credible information reinforcing the assessment that Kim Ju Ae had been positioned as a potential successor. Her frequent participation in state ceremonies and military activities has been seen as a way of preparing her for a future leadership role.

However, Pyongyang has not officially declared Kim Ju Ae the heir. Given her young age, as well as the fact that North Korea has so far been ruled only by men from the Kim family, it remains unclear how such a transfer of power could take place.

Kim Yo Jong, the current leader’s sister, is also mentioned in scenarios concerning the country’s future leadership.

Kim Yo Jong holds an important position in the regime’s political communications and has spoken publicly about relations with South Korea. According to Reuters, on October 19, 2026, she said that Pyongyang was considering additional military measures, as well as the resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts near the southern border.

If a sudden power vacuum were to emerge in the country, Kim Yo Jong could be one of the figures involved in temporary administration. Nevertheless, there is no confirmed decision that she will become the leader, while South Korean intelligence views Kim Ju Ae as the potential long-term successor.