Kim Jong Un’s Relationship With His Daughter Kim Ju-ae
- Kim Ju-ae is the daughter of North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un.
- Despite making no public appearances whatsoever prior to late 2022, she is now making several public appearances raising speculations.
Kim Ju-ae: Age, Early Life, Mother
Kim Ju-ae is the daughter of North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol-Ju.
Despite being in the public eye, little is known about the young Kim, and information about her is scarce and often unconfirmed.
Kim Ju-ae is believed to have been born in 2013, making her 9 years old as of now.
The first mention of her was made in a 2013 dispatch by North Korean state media, which referred to her as “the most beautiful girl in the world.”
Since then, there have been several unverified reports about her and her family, but nothing has been officially confirmed by the North Korean government.
Kim Ju-ae’s early childhood has been shrouded in secrecy, and there is little information about her upbringing or education.
Some reports suggest that she has been raised in the lap of luxury, with access to the best schools, toys, and playmates. However, this information has not been independently verified.
Also read: Who is Kim Jong un’s wife Ri Sol-ju. 6 Unknown Facts about Ri Sol-ju!
How is the relationship between Kim Ju-ae and her father?
Despite the lack of information about Kim Ju-ae, her father, Kim Jong Un, has been known to have a soft spot for his children.
According to reports, he has taken steps to ensure that they are protected and well taken care of and has gone to great lengths to keep their lives as private as possible.
In 2017, a South Korean newspaper reported that Jong Un had ordered the execution of a top official who had expressed disapproval of his daughter’s upbringing, further underscoring the North Korean leader’s commitment to his family’s safety and privacy.
What is the significance of her recent public appearances?
Kim Ju Ae was dressed in a fur-lined coat with gold buttons marching down the front, leather gloves, and a black hat for her sixth public appearance.
She joined her parents at a banquet for military officers shortly before the parade. In some of these images, she took center stage, walking alongside Kim Jong Un.
Some photos provided by the country’s state media show her sitting with her father, flanked by key military officials, while others show her mother, Ri Sol Ju.
The statements released this past week by state media indicate that Kim Ju Ae has been elevated to a position that now makes her a “respected” and “beloved” daughter, generating speculation about who succeeds Kim Jong Un.
Is Kim Ju-ae going to be the successor to her father?
Cheong Seong-chang, a senior analyst at South Korea’s Sejong Institute, spoke with CNN on the issue.
He believes the girl’s recent appearances and how she is referenced in state-run media demonstrate she is being groomed to follow her father.
According to him, the state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper mentions the girl before Kim’s wife in stories, using the phrases “beloved” and “respected” to emphasize her unique status.
Cheong added:
“The beginning of this personality cult for Kim Ju Ae suggests that, even though she has not yet (been given) the status of an official successor … she is de facto designated successor.”
He went on to say that if the girl wants to replace her father, she will need the military’s help.
Putting her in the spotlight at military events from an early age will allow her to build credibility with the military over time, according to Cheong.
Her position as North Korea’s next leader is far from assured, but with each appearance she makes, it appears more likely.
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