North Korea has been emphasizing Kim Jong Un’s image as a benevolent leader by referring to him as Father and Dear Leader since the beginning of the new year. By involving his daughter, Ju-ae, they are creating a family-oriented atmosphere and promoting unity based on North Korea’s unique socio-political organism theory, as interpreted on January 2.
The party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, highlighted Kim on January 1 and 2, referring to him as Father Kim Jong Un and Benevolent Parent, emphasizing his role as the Father of the People. Over these two days, the newspaper published 17 articles that included the term Father.
This figure sharply contrasts with the six articles that mentioned Father during December last year, three in November, and three in October. Notably, during the same period last year (January 1-2, 2025), only one article mentioned Father.
The newspaper reported that Kim met with students participating in the 2026 Lunar New Year performance and took a blessing photo, referring to him as Father Kim Jong Un. It further proclaimed that the benevolent parent’s noble world, which evokes the bright smiles of the children, the hope and dream, unfolded on the first day of the new year.
Articles about the students’ 2026 Lunar New Year performance mentioned titles such as, We Grow Up in Our Leader’s Embrace, and, Father’s Gold Medal. The newspaper stated that the performers expressed their heartfelt care for the children and conveyed New Year greetings from all the country’s students to the Father Leader, who brings nothing but happiness.
Additionally, in an article titled, Thank You, Father Leader, the newspaper reported that children across the country received loving gifts and depicted their happy faces while expressing gratitude to the benevolent parent.
Promoting Kim as the Father of the People since the new year aims to strengthen unity under the ideology of socio-political organism, which views the entire country and society as one family.
The socio-political organism theory, advocated by Kim Il Sung, signifies that the Leader-Party-People are united in a revolutionary large family, representing North Korea’s societal structure. This ideology reinforces the idea that political life is more significant than the physical life received from biological parents. The logic suggests that since individuals receive life from the supreme brain of the socio-political organism, they must remain loyal to the parent leader.
Over the past two days, North Korean media reports have continuously showcased Kim’s daughter, Ju-ae, and his wife, Ri Sol-ju, in a harmonious manner. Analysts interpret this as an effort to spread a familial atmosphere throughout society based on the socio-political organism theory.
Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Institute for Unification Studies, noted that since the second half of 2025, the frequency of Ju-ae and Ri accompanying Kim on his field guidance has increased, enhancing the portrayal of the supreme leader’s familial image. He interpreted this as a way to emphasize Kim’s family-oriented ideology, known as large family theory and Paektu bloodline.
Meanwhile, some speculate that through this family narrative, North Korea may take visible actions to justify the fourth hereditary succession this year. Observers suggest that Ju-ae’s role may become more prominent following the Workers’ Party convention scheduled for January or February, potentially confirming such measures.