Kim Jong-un Turns 40 Amidst Silence from North Korean State Media

Kim's Daughter, Ju-ae, Speculated as Potential Successor as Regime Continues to Face Heavy Sanctions

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is believed to have turned 40 on January 8, but his birthday was not publicly celebrated or acknowledged by state media.
Unlike the birthdays of his father and grandfather, which are national holidays in North Korea, Kim Jong-un's birthday has always passed quietly.
Kim Jong-un was shown visiting a chicken farm with his daughter and senior officials on his presumed birthday.
South Korea's intelligence agency believes Kim's daughter, Ju-ae, may be a potential successor.
Kim's government continues to face heavy sanctions due to its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, as well as human rights abuses.