If Kim Ju-ae officially emerges as North Korea’s fourth successor, she will face significant challenges. The private economy, the market generation· and the declaration of abandoning unification could intersect with the fourth hereditary succession, potentially shaking the expectations and belief systems of North Korean citizens, according to Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University.
In an interview with News1TV on December 11, Park noted that Kim Ju-ae has recently participated in military and diplomatic events alongside Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission. He stated that at this point, she can be viewed as a strong candidate for the fourth hereditary succession.
Professor Park discussed Kim Ju-ae’s recent solo reception of military salutes, explaining that her weakness is her lack of military experience. As a young woman, she’s attending military-related events to gain such experience. Demonstrating loyalty from the military will bolster her legitimacy and the stability of the hereditary system.
He continued that although she’s still too young for an official title, we’ll likely start hearing expressions like female general soon. Once she’s addressed by her name and given titles like female general, typically reserved for the supreme leader, it can be considered the fourth hereditary succession confirmed.
Park also analyzed that given Kim Jong Un’s well-known health issues, he may be organizing the succession plan preemptively. This could be preparation for various potential scenarios.
He added that Kim Jong Un is publicly showcasing his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, as a symbol of love for the future generation.
Regarding rumors of a hidden son born in 2010 to Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol-ju, Park stated that South Korea’s intelligence agency couldn’t confirm his existence last year. This information remains at the level of unverified intelligence.
When asked about the acceptance of a female successor in North Korea’s male-dominated society, he responded that if Kim Ju-ae truly emerges as the fourth successor, she’ll face considerable challenges. However, the North Korean regime doesn’t allow dissenting voices, so significant internal backlash is unlikely.
He added that Kim Jong Un’s regime has faced various challenges. If issues like the private economy, often called the market economy, the market generation, and the declaration of abandoning unification coincide with the fourth hereditary succession, it can’t rule out the possibility of shaken expectations and belief systems among North Korean citizens.
Previously, North Korea’s party newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported that a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the North Korean Air Force was held on November 28 at the 2nd Air Army’s 59th Hero Unit Galma Airfield.
Kim Jong Un attended with his daughter Kim Ju-ae. Later, Korean Central Television aired footage of Kim Ju-ae receiving military salutes alone, without her father present.
Notably, unusual scenes of Kim Ju-ae appearing solo in North Korean media were captured, and she was seen using a cup with the same gold emblem as her father’s at the event.
Some analysts interpret these developments as effectively formalizing her status as North Korea’s successor.
