It has been reported that Kim Jong Un, the Supreme Commander of the DPRK, has had a stroke or another stroke. His sister, Kim Yo-jong, seems to have stepped up as Jong Un’s second in command. Jong Un is reported to have 2 children (a son and a daughter) and possibly a third. The older ( or oldest ) is a boy who is expected to continue the Kim dynasty.
So, what if Jong Un dies tomorrow. His heir would be maybe 10 years old. Would Yo-jong 1) become a Regent until her nephew comes of age? Or B) would she just declare herself the Supreme Leader whose own children will continue the line? Or iii) will a tragic accident or disease befall the late Jong Un’s children?
Western experts on Korean intelligence are saying don’t believe it. The news comes from a former South Korean minister who heard it from an unnamed Chinese source (thus giving it a sort of “urban legend” quality).
As already mentioned, the only factual answer is “we don’t know”. Absolute monarchs with small children have died in the past and things were managed, but what happens in North Korea is anyone’s guess. If I had to guess I’d bet that his sister becomes a powerful, but temporary regent until the eldest son reaches the age of maturity, whatever that is since males tend to be favored in many Asian dynasties. The military will be crucial since they will have to swear their undying allegiance to whoever becomes the new supreme leader.
Since this is mostly speculation with very few facts (no fault of the OP, it’s just very difficult to get factual information out of North Korea), let’s move this from GQ to IMHO.
Any factual information about the topic is of course still welcome.