The Rise of Kim Ju Ae: North Korea's Potential Future Leader
Kim Jong Un's recent visit to China for a significant multilateral meeting drew attention not only for his presence but also for the appearance of his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who stood behind him as he disembarked from his armored train. Kim Ju Ae is believed to be the second of Kim Jong Un's three children with his wife, Ri Sol-Ju, although details about her, including her exact age, remain scarce. The North Korean leader is known for keeping his family life private, only revealing his wife to the public after years of marriage.
Kim Ju Ae's existence was first disclosed by basketball player Dennis Rodman in 2013, and she made a public appearance in November 2022 during the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Since then, she has been seen on postage stamps, attending official banquets, and participating in public events alongside her father. South Korea's National Intelligence Service shared some insights about her hobbies and education, suggesting she enjoys horse riding, skiing, and swimming and is homeschooled in Pyongyang.
In January 2024, the NIS speculated that Kim Ju Ae is the most likely successor to Kim Jong Un, given her prominent role in official events and her increasing public presence. Her appearance in China alongside her father has sparked further speculation about her potential future leadership role in North Korea. The Kim family has a long history of ruling the country, emphasizing their sacred bloodline as the only legitimate leadership. However, introducing Kim Ju Ae to the public may also be an attempt to challenge traditional gender roles in the patriarchal society of North Korea.