North Korea has a new name catching attention around the world: Kim Ju-ae. She is the daughter of leader Kim Jong-un, and though she is still very young, her appearances at public events are increasing. Analysts and observers are watching closely, wondering what role she might play in the country’s leadership in the future.
Making a rare public appearance
On January 1, Kim Ju-ae joined her parents, Kim Jong-un and Ri Sol-ju, at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. The family paid respects to former leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. State media photographs showed Ju-ae standing between her parents in the main hall, a placement that experts suggest is symbolically important, as reported by The Guardian.The Kumsusan mausoleum is one of North Korea’s most significant sites, where leaders are honoured during key national anniversaries and ceremonies. Ju-ae’s presence there has drawn attention because such events are usually reserved for senior figures.
Analysts see a purpose behind her appearances
Her increasing presence in state media has led to speculation about a possible future role. Quoted in a Guardian report, Cheong Seong-chang, vice-president of the Sejong Institute think tank, said the visit to the mausoleum appeared to be a deliberate move by her father, coming ahead of the ruling party’s upcoming congress, where her succession could be formally addressed.The report also cited Hong Min, a North Korea expert at the Korea Institute for National Unification, who said the country has been projecting an image of a stable leadership family by regularly featuring Kim’s wife and daughter alongside him at major public events.However, Hong also cautioned that nothing is confirmed yet. “It’s practically impossible to publicly designate Kim Ju-ae, who is believed to have just turned 13, as the successor when she’s not even old enough to join the [Workers’] party.”
Early public exposure
Kim Ju-ae is believed to have been born in the early 2010s. Despite her young age, she has already appeared at several high-profile events. She was seen during this year’s New Year celebrations and also accompanied her father to Beijing in September, marking her first known public trip outside North Korea. According to the report, the country has not officially disclosed her age.Thumb image: X