Since late last year, North Korea has frequently showcased Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, alongside his daughter, Ju Ae, and his wife, Ri Sol Ju. Government analysts suggest this strategy aims to highlight the image of a socialist big family and bolster unity among citizens.
A Unification Ministry official said Tuesday that as Ju Ae’s public appearances continue, a range of interpretations has emerged. While succession planning remains a fundamental consideration, the authorities are now closely watching a shift toward emphasizing a family image or the concept of a socialist big family.
The official noted a departure from trends seen over the past two years, with both Ju Ae and Ri now engaging in public activities together. On Monday, the family trio visited a construction site for a memorial honoring the achievements of Russian troops deployed abroad and their overseas military operations.
On January 1, they also paid respects at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the remains of past leaders are enshrined. The family then attended the New Year’s celebration performance at Pyongyang’s May Day Stadium on the same day.
During these events, observers frequently noted Ju Ae positioned centrally, fueling speculation about a solidified succession plan. However, the government believes this might be a calculated move to portray a cohesive family image.
The concept of the socialist big family views North Korea as one unified family, with the leader as the father, the party as the mother, and the populace as the children. It appears North Korea is leveraging Ju Ae to promote this ideology and strengthen national unity ahead of the 9th Party Congress this year.