Kim Jong Un’s Daughter: The Designated Heir to North Korea?
In a surprising turn of events, South Korea’s intelligence agency has revealed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has seemingly designated his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor. This assessment, shared with lawmakers on Thursday, marks a significant shift in understanding the future of the isolated nation.
Kim Ju Ae, believed to be 13 years old, has been increasingly visible alongside her father at high-profile events. Her first known international trip was to Beijing in September, a move that signaled a deliberate effort to elevate her public profile. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) based its conclusion on a “range of circumstances,” including her prominent presence at official functions.
From ‘Trained Successor’ to ‘Designated Heir’
Previously described by the NIS as being “trained” for a future leadership role, Kim Ju Ae is now considered to have entered the stage of “successor designation.” Lawmaker Lee Seong-kwen reported that Ju Ae’s appearances at events like the founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army and visits to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, coupled with indications she’s offering input on state policies, support this assessment.
Kim Ju Ae is the only publicly known child of Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju. While the NIS believes Kim Jong Un has an older son, he remains unacknowledged by North Korean media.
A Surprising Choice in a Patriarchal Society
The emergence of Kim Ju Ae’s story has a fascinating origin. Back in 2013, American basketball player Dennis Rodman revealed to The Guardian that he “held baby Ju Ae” during a trip to North Korea. She first appeared on state television in 2022, inspecting an intercontinental ballistic missile alongside her father. Since then, she has become a frequent figure in state media, seemingly softening her father’s image.
Her appearances, including accompanying Kim Jong Un to China’s military parade, have been carefully curated. She is often depicted wearing long hair (forbidden for her peers) and designer clothing, a stark contrast to the lives of most North Koreans. Lawmaker Park Sun-won suggests she is already providing policy input and is being treated as the de facto second-highest leader.
A Dynasty Continues?
North Korea has a history of dynastic succession, with power passing down through three generations of the Kim family. It is widely anticipated that Kim Jong Un will follow this pattern and pass the throne to Ju Ae. Recent imagery shows her standing taller and walking beside her father, rather than following him – a symbolic shift in North Korean state media.
However, the choice of a daughter as heir in North Korea’s deeply patriarchal society raises questions. While many previously dismissed the idea of a female leader, Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister, holds a senior position in the Workers’ Party of Korea and wields considerable influence, offering a precedent for female authority.
The timing of this designation is also puzzling, given Kim Jong Un’s relatively young age and apparent good health. The implications of Ju Ae’s succession remain unclear. Past hopes for reform under Kim Jong Un, fueled by his Western education, were ultimately unfulfilled. Whatever her plans, Ju Ae would wield immense power to shape North Korea’s future.
Further Reading: For more information on North Korea’s political landscape, consider exploring resources from The Council on Foreign Relations.
