North Korea succession speculation swirls as Kim Ju-ae steps into the spotlight

Kim Jong-un’s daughter is emerging in the public eye, but her future leadership role in North Korea remains a mystery

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter Ju-ae visit the Central Cadres Training School of the Workers’ Party of Korea last month. Photo: KCNA via KNS/AFP

Published: 8:00am, 5 Nov 2024Updated: 9:18am, 5 Nov 2024

Recent intelligence from South Korea suggests that Kim Jong-un’s preteen daughter is stepping into the limelight, raising speculation about her potential role in North Korea’s future leadership. Analysts remain divided on the regime’s succession strategy, however, given its secretive nature and the complexities of leadership transitions.

Questions about Ju-ae’s potential as a successor resurfaced last week when Seoul’s intelligence agency reported increasing sightings of her at official events.

Ju-ae, believed to be around 10 or 11 years old, first appeared in public in November 2022 at an intercontinental ballistic missile inspection with her parents.

North Korean state media, which has not officially revealed her name, initially referred to her as the “beloved” child of the leader. Over time, her titles have been upgraded to “respected” child, “Morning Star of the nation”, and in March, “Hyangdo”, a title meaning “great person of guidance”.

This latest title, historically reserved for her ancestors, has fuelled speculation that she may be groomed to follow in her father’s footsteps.

A picture released by the North Korean state media in September last year shows Kim Jong-un and his daughter at a parade. Photo: KCNA/dpa

Despite its nominal status as a socialist state, North Korea operates as a de facto dynasty, with power firmly entrenched in the Kim family lineage, beginning with Kim Il-sung and continuing through his son and grandson.