Kim Ju Ae’s Rising Profile in North Korea

Kim Ju Ae, daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, walked beside her father during recent visits, signaling her growing public prominence. She was seen at the center of ceremonial formations and engaged with elderly veterans.

On Sunday, Kim Jong Un, alongside his daughter Ju Ae and wife Ri Sol Ju, visited the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery in Pyongyang. This event was reported by KCNA and covered by Reuters, marking the 73rd anniversary of the Korean War armistice.

During these visits, Kim Jong Un paid respects at war memorials, commemorated cemeteries, and honored veterans. He laid flowers at the graves of first-generation guerrilla fighters, reaffirming North Korea’s assertion of a “great victory” during the Korean War, which concluded with an armistice, not a peace treaty.

State media from North Korea provided images showing Ju Ae accompanying her father, enhancing her visibility. This year, South Korea’s Unification Ministry noted that Ju Ae attended the armistice anniversary commemoration for the first time and visited both the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery and the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) suggests Ju Ae might be positioned as Kim Jong Un’s successor. This assessment is based on established intelligence and discussions with lawmakers. Ju Ae has occasionally been seen in state media with her father, participating in activities such as driving a tank, firing a rifle, and using a handgun.

Furthermore, Kim Jong Un visited the cemetery of Chinese volunteer soldiers, paying tribute at the grave of Mao Anying, son of Mao Zedong. KCNA noted this gesture could indicate strengthening ties between North Korea and Beijing.