Is Kim Jong-un’s ‘respected’ daughter North Korea’s next leader or merely a propaganda vehicle?
- Kim Ju-ae has been gaining prominence at public events, with South Korean authorities now considering the possibility she may be the heir apparent
- Analysts say it is unlikely Ju-ae could succeed her father as North Korea’s leader, given the country’s male-dominated military structure
This question looms large among political observers, as the North’s state media increasingly highlights the girl’s presence at public events, using progressively elevated terms of address, from “lovely child” to “dear child”, and most recently, “respected child”.
Observers have noted her quick development, both in physical appearance and demeanour, as she reportedly carries herself with a level of poise and confidence surpassing children her age. Her image has transitioned from childlike to a more mature look after she swapped her initial red flats for high-heels and now sports the same shoulder-length hair as her mother Ri Sol-ju.
On November 30, the elder Kim and his daughter, sporting matching leather trench coats and sunglasses, were shown inspecting combat aircraft at the Sunchon Airbase north of Pyongyang on the country’s “Aviation Day”.