North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been consistently accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, during year-end events, highlighting her growing prominence. Since her public debut in 2022, analysts note that Ju Ae has steadily expanded her role in military, civilian, and economic affairs, solidifying her position as a potential successor as of December 23.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Tuesday that completion ceremonies for five hotels were held over two days starting on Saturday in the Samjiyon tourist area near Mount Baekdu. Kim attended the inauguration of the Ikal Hotel and the Milyong Hotel on Saturday, accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and daughter Ju Ae.
Rodong Sinmun dedicated three pages to the event, featuring 85 photographs. The images captured Kim touring various areas of the hotels alongside key officials, including Jo Yong Won, Ri Il Hwan, Park Jong Chun, Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, and Defense Minister No Kwang Chol.
Notably, it was Kim Ju Ae, not a senior official, who stood closest to Kim. Dressed in an all-black ensemble consisting of a long leather jacket, pants, shoes, and gloves, Ju Ae remained by her father’s side as North Korean citizens cheered and applauded. She greeted the public alongside Kim, asserting her status.
While Ri Sol Ju also attended the ceremony, Rodong Sinmun gave her minimal coverage. In instances where Ju Ae walked ahead with Kim, Ri was seen in the background, standing with her hands clasped.
Before this event, Ju Ae had appeared with Kim at the completion ceremonies for a local industrial plant in Gangdong County on the 15th and a factory in Sinpo City, South Hamgyong Province, on December 19.
Kim’s consistent inclusion of Ju Ae in crucial year-end events, where he reviews economic performance and promotes achievements, is seen as a process of cementing her status as a successor. This year-end holds particular significance as it marks the conclusion of North Korea’s five-year economic development plan, introduced at the 8th Party Congress in August 2021.
During the ceremony on December 15, observers noted that Ju Ae appeared to walk ahead of Kim at times and was seen looking elsewhere while he issued directives to officials. This behavior suggests she has attained a status that transcends typical protocol for the supreme leader.
Ju Ae, who first appeared publicly at an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launch in November 2022, has now begun attending events directly related to citizens’ daily lives, such as local factory openings. This transition is viewed as an effort to reinforce her image as a future leader.
Speculation about Ju Ae’s succession intensified when she accompanied Kim on his visit to China for the 80th Anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance against Japan in early September. Traditionally, the appearance of a North Korean leader’s child in China has been seen as a form of succession signaling.
After a three-month absence from public view following the China visit, Ju Ae resurfaced on November 28 at the 80th Anniversary of the Air Force event held at Kalma Airport. Since then, she has consistently attended Kim’s economic and civilian-related activities.
As North Korea concludes its five-year plan and prepares to establish a new one at the 9th Party Congress early next year, Ju Ae’s prominence has increased significantly. Some analysts cautiously suggest that she might receive an official party position at the upcoming congress.
Lim Il Chul, a professor at Kyungnam University’s Institute for East Asian Studies, said that by including Ju Ae in year-end events highlighting Kim Jong Un’s major achievements, North Korea is shaping a narrative that the benefits enjoyed by the people stem from the Baekdu bloodline of Kim Jong Un and Kim Ju Ae. He added that there is a possibility Ju Ae could be assigned an official party role at the 9th Party Congress.