Kim Jong Un’s Daughter Ju Ae Emerges as Potential Successor

The recent public appearance of Ju Ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, raises questions about the future leadership of the hermit kingdom. During a grand military parade in Beijing to commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War II, the 13-year-old accompanied her father, marking another significant moment in her evolving role within the regime. This appearance, her first outside North Korea, follows a series of public engagements since her existence was first confirmed by state media in 2022.

Analysts suggest that Ju Ae’s increasing visibility indicates that she is being groomed as a potential successor. Her appearances, which reportedly total nearly 30 since November 2022, often at military events, suggest a deliberate strategy by Kim Jong Un to signal her future leadership role. According to Sung-yoon Lee, a North Korea scholar at the Sejong Institute, “That’s clearly sending the message to the world that she will inherit Kim Jong Un’s power one day.” Lee also noted similarities between Ju Ae’s initial public demeanor and that of her father during his early leadership days, suggesting a confidence that has evolved over time.

Ju Ae and Kim Yo Jong’s Potential Roles

While Ju Ae’s public profile is rising, experts caution that she will not be able to lead until she reaches adulthood. This leaves her aunt, Kim Yo Jong, as the most viable temporary leader should the need arise. Kim Yo Jong has served as a key advisor to her brother for nearly a decade, known for her assertive statements regarding relations with South Korea and the United States. Her involvement in significant diplomatic events, including the historic 2018 summit between Kim Jong Un and former US President Donald Trump, positions her as a powerful figure within the regime.

Lee emphasizes the practical implications of Ju Ae’s youth, noting, “It would be completely weird for his teenage daughter to pretend to be the supreme leader of a sovereign state.” He argues that naming a teenager as the supreme leader could provoke backlash within the country and destabilize the regime. Until Ju Ae matures, likely into her mid-20s, Kim Yo Jong remains the only qualified family member to maintain stability.

Whether Kim Yo Jong would willingly pass power to her niece is uncertain. Lee highlights the historical context of power struggles within the Kim family, citing the execution of Jang Song-thaek, Kim Jong Un’s uncle, in 2013 as a cautionary tale. This incident underscores the need for caution among family members regarding their ambitions.

Gender Dynamics in North Korean Leadership

Another critical aspect of this potential succession is the question of whether North Korea, which has historically endorsed male leadership, would accept a female supreme leader. Lee acknowledges that while it would be unprecedented, the Kim family’s priority remains the consolidation of power within the family. “Many people say it’s an impossibility,” he states, “or the people won’t accept that. I disagree humbly.”

Although rumors suggest that Kim Jong Un may have a son, analysts have cast doubt on these claims. Lee points out that Dennis Rodman, the American basketball star who has visited North Korea multiple times, has never mentioned a son in discussions with Kim Jong Un. This lack of confirmation adds to the uncertainty surrounding the line of succession.

As North Korea navigates its leadership dynamics, the roles of Ju Ae and Kim Yo Jong will be closely monitored. The country’s unique political landscape, shaped by the Kim family’s legacy, continues to evolve, with implications that extend beyond its borders.