Kim Jong-un’s daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju-ae, made her debut on the international stage by accompanying her father to Beijing, fueling widespread speculation about her potential as the future leader of North Korea. This marks her first known trip outside the country and comes amid heightened diplomatic activities.
Kim Ju-ae was seen stepping off her father’s heavily armored green train in Beijing, where she was greeted by senior Chinese officials. Dressed in a navy pantsuit, her appearance was carefully curated, reminiscent of her mother’s style, and she stood prominently among North Korean delegates, signaling the importance of her role.
This is not her first public appearance; since 2022, she has accompanied Kim Jong-un to numerous events within North Korea, including ballistic missile test launches and the opening of economic projects like the Wonsan Kalma resort. Her increased visibility in state media has been interpreted as a sign of her growing importance and possible grooming for leadership.
The speculation about her being groomed as successor is fueled by her presence on this significant foreign trip. If she ascends to power, she would become the fourth member of the Kim dynasty to rule North Korea, and the first female leader, challenging the country’s male-dominated power structure rooted in Confucian traditions.
Experts like Michael Madden from the Stimson Center believe that Ju-ae is the frontrunner for succession, gaining valuable experience in protocol and international relations. Her attendance at events like the military parade in Beijing provides her with exposure to foreign leadership, which could be crucial for her future role.
The timing of the trip is notable, as it aligns with China’s victory day military parade, which also featured Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting a strengthening anti-Western alliance. Kim Jong-un’s decision to bring his daughter underscores the diplomatic significance of the event and North Korea’s efforts to balance relations with traditional allies.
Looking ahead, while Kim Jong-un is still relatively young and in good health, Ju-ae’s role is expected to expand further. However, the exact process of succession remains unclear, and it will depend on internal dynamics within North Korea’s elite and how they respond to a potential female leader.
In conclusion, Kim Ju-ae’s international debut is a pivotal moment that could shape North Korea’s future leadership and its foreign relations, with implications for regional stability and global geopolitics.