Kim Jong-un’s Daughter Visits State Mausoleum, Sparking Speculation She May Be the Next Leader of North Korea
The daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, seemingly being groomed as his successor, has joined her parents for her first public appearance at the Kumsusan mausoleum to honor previous leaders, just prior to an event that could solidify her succession. Images released by the state news agency KCNA displayed Kim Jong-un alongside his spouse, Ri Sol-ju, and senior officials during their January 1 visit, with Ju-ae positioned between her parents in the main hall of the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. The North Korean leader routinely visits Kumsusan to commemorate his grandfather, state founder Kim Il-sung, and his father, Kim Jong-il, during significant dates and anniversaries. Over the last three years, Kim Ju-ae has made increasingly visible appearances in state media, amplifying speculation among analysts and South Korea’s intelligence agency regarding her possible role as the nation’s fourth-generation dictator. Cheong Seong-chang, vice-president at the Sejong Institute think tank, interpreted Ju-ae’s inaugural public visit to the Kumsusan palace as a strategic maneuver by her father, in anticipation of the forthcoming ruling party congress where her succession could potentially be affirmed. The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, his daughter Kim Ju-ae, and wife, Ri Sol-ju, during a new year celebration performance. Photograph: KCNA/EPA. Hong Min, a North Korean expert at the state-run Korea Institute for National Unification, noted that North Korea has been crafting a narrative of Kim’s “stable family” by presenting his wife and daughter alongside him at notable events. Nonetheless, the possible roles of Kim’s other children introduce some caution in making assumptions about Ju-ae’s path to succession, as stated by Hong. “It’s practically impossible to publicly designate Kim Ju-ae, who is thought to have just turned 13, as the successor when she’s not yet old enough to join the [Workers’] party,” Hong mentioned. Kim Ju-ae, presumed to have been born in the early 2010s, participated in this year’s New Year celebrations, as reported by state media. She also accompanied her father on her first public overseas trip to Beijing in September. North Korea has not confirmed her age. With Reuters
Published: 2026-01-02 03:31:00
source: www.theguardian.com
