Kim Ju-aeDaughter of the North Korean dictator Kim Jong-unmade his first visit to the mausoleum that houses the remains of his grandfather Kim Jong-il and great-grandfather Kim Il-sung, according to images released by state media on Friday. This new appearance further strengthens her profile as a possible successor to her father..
The Kim family ruled North Korea For decades, the cult of the so-called “Paektu Line” has been central to the country’s political and social life. Kim Jong-un is the third family member to lead North Koreaafter Kim Jong-il and Kim Il-sung, known in state propaganda as the “eternal leaders,” whose remains lie in the Kumsusan Sun Palace in Pyongyang.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported about it Kim Jong-un visited the mausoleum accompanied by high-ranking officials and his daughter Ju-ae was seen in the images released. According to South Korean intelligence, the dictator’s daughter is now considered next in line to the throne after a highly publicized visit to Beijing with her father.
Ju-ae was publicly unveiled in 2022 during an intercontinental ballistic missile launch alongside Kim Jong-un. State media has since described her as “the beloved child” and a “great leader” (“hyangdo”), a title usually reserved for top leaders and their successors.
The figure of Kim Ju-aeDaughter of Kim Jong-un, has risen to unusual prominence in the North Korean public, fueling speculation about her possible appointment as the regime’s heir.
Since her first appearance with her father at an event with high military symbolism, the young woman has occupied a central place in the state media, which analysts interpret as a strategy to secure dynastic succession in the hermetic Asian country. The phenomenon analyzed by The New York Timesraises questions about North Korea’s political future and the role of women in a traditionally patriarchal and militarized society.
Kim Ju-ae’s public appearance took place in November 2022when he accompanied Kim Jong-un at the presentation of an intercontinental ballistic missile, an image that combined gestures of affection and a message of power. Since then, the young woman has taken part in numerous official activities and visits to strategic installations alongside her father, with the appearances widely covered in the state press and described with honorary titles such as “the leader’s most popular”, “most respected” or “beloved” daughter, although she avoids mentioning her name directly.
With an estimated age of twelve yearsKim Ju-ae holds no official positions or makes public statements, but her constant presence alongside Kim Jong-un has attracted the attention of both South Korean intelligence and international experts, who consider her the most likely candidate to succeed the North Korean regime.
Donald Southertonauthor of “Korea 101,” pointed out The New York Times that “the girl who appeared as a family curiosity is now an elegant figure integrated into the narrative of the power of the North Korean dynasty. Every photo, every parade and every salute is a carefully orchestrated story of the succession, legitimacy and continuity of the Kim dynasty.”
The growing importance of Kim Ju-ae drove out other women in the Kim family. His mother, Ri Sol-juShe has lost visibility at official events while her aunt, Kim Yo-jongwho was previously considered a possible heir, was demoted in media coverage.
However, South Korean analysts warn that Ju-ae’s promotion does not guarantee his future as a leader. Kang Dong Wana North Korea expert at Dong A University warned The New York Times that if at some point the existence of a male brother is confirmed, the young woman could remain a passing figure. For now, his public presence sends a clear message to North Korean society: the Kim dynasty is preparing for a fourth generation in power.
(With information from AFP)
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