Recently, North Korean state media has been increasingly showcasing Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju-ae, alongside the Supreme Leader. Notably, Ju-ae has been photographed handling firearms twice this year, leading analysts to suggest that Pyongyang is cultivating a strong image of her as a potential future leader.
On Thursday, the regime’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that Kim and Ju-ae inspected a military factory producing small arms, including pistols. The front page featured a photo of Ju-ae firing a new handgun alongside her father and top officials. She was dressed in a black jacket similar to her father’s attire.
This marks the first time in 2023 that North Korean media has shown Ju-ae directly handling weapons. Previously, on February 28, she was photographed practicing shooting alone during an event where Kim presented new sniper rifles to key military commanders.
Significantly, this was Ju-ae’s first solo photograph since her public debut on November 18, 2022. The release of a solo image, typically reserved for top leadership, suggests a deliberate effort to elevate her status within the regime.
Experts interpret this media strategy as an attempt to portray the young Ju-ae, estimated to be 13-14 years old, as a strong future leader.
In North Korean propaganda, firearms symbolize the unity and loyalty of the people. State media often use phrases like firmly grasping the revolutionary gun to emphasize the struggle against perceived American imperialism.
Professor Lim Eum-chul from Kyungnam University’s Institute of East Asian Studies stated that the recent portrayal of Ju-ae in North Korean media goes beyond showcasing her relationship with Kim. It aims to present her as a ‘strong woman’ capable of exerting control over the military and potentially involving herself in governance.
On March 8, Ju-ae attended an International Women’s Day event, receiving standing ovations from high-ranking officials and her mother, Ri Sol-ju, further demonstrating her elevated status. Analysts suggest that the regime is now treating Ju-ae as a figure on par with Supreme Leader Kim, rather than as a child requiring parental protection.
This trend aligns with a recent National Intelligence Service report to the South Korean parliament, which stated that Ju-ae has entered the designated successor stage. Moreover, her public appearances have become more prominent since the 9th Workers’ Party Congress held last month.