Rumours are rife about the possibility that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is working on his 12-year-old daughter, Kim Ju-ae, for the chance to assume the reins of the secretive nuclear-armed country. A thorough report from The New York Times has given an explanation for the compelling motives behind this extraordinary action, indicating that the girl may be the fourth generation Kim to run the country’s dynastic government.
Kim Ju-ae’s first appearance in the spotlight was in the month of November 2022, as she was with her father during an international ballistic missile (ICBM) launch. Since then, the North Korean state-run media has increasingly featured Kim Jong-un with her at prominent events, which has led to debates on her possible role as Kim Jong-un’s successor. From military parades to gatherings for diplomats Kim Ju-ae’s meticulously planned public appearances indicate her cultivation as a leader in a nation steeped in patriarchal traditions.
A Transformation Over Three Years
In the last three years, Kim Juae’s public image has experienced a significant change. Based on South Korean intelligence officials and analysts quoted in the New York Times, Kim Ju-ae’s growing visibility and changing image point to a deliberate plan from her dad to help her prepare to be a candidate for power. At first, she was seen wearing a basic jacket with padding; the young woman is now wearing formal clothes with fur collars and leather coats as well as fitted designer suits, displaying an aura of authority.
Her popularity has been eclipsed by that of her mother, Ri Sol-ju, and also her aunt, Kim Yo-jong, who was previously thought a potential successor. Kim Ju-ae is now the most well-known female character in Kim Ju-ae, the ruler of the Kim dynasty. The state media call Kim Ju-ae the “most beloved daughter” and even a person for guidance—a term reserved for high-ranking leaders or their successors.
Training for Leadership
Kim Jong-un is carefully guiding his daughter’s journey to the top and drawing parallels to his own preparations as successor to his father, Kim Jong-il. The most important aspects of her grooming include:
- Strategic Public Appearances It was no accident that Kim Ju-ae showed up for the 2022 ICBM launch. Since then, she’s been with her father on trips to nuclear sites as well as military bases as well as state functions, such as visiting the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang in May 2025. These excursions are a reflection of the military-centric approach Kim Jong-un chose to establish his authority prior to becoming the head of state. power.
- commanding loyalty Military officials of the highest rank have been spotted showing respect to Kim Ju-ae. This gesture was previously restricted to her father. An example that stands out was in 2023’s final days, in which a commander was spotted kneeling in front of Kim Ju-ae in a parade for the military, which was a clear indication of her status as a high-ranking official.
The New York Times suggests that Kim Jong Un’s decision to educate his daughter at such an early age is based on the lessons t he learntfrom his father’s slow succession planning. Kim Jong-il’s stroke, which occurred prior to his father’s death, an injury to his brain before the appointment of his successor, made the transition process hurried and insecure. In grooming Kim Ju-ae prior to Kim Jong-un, he is hoping to facilitate a smoother transfer of power.
Why the Rush to Name a Successor?
The speculation about Kim Ju-ae’s future is closely connected to concerns about Kim Jong Un’s health. At the age of 41 and a half, Kim Jong-un, 41, the North Korean leader, reportedly weighs around 140 kilos and is believed to be a frequent smoker and drinker. South Korean intelligence reports indicate that he is suffering from heart-related illnesses, a condition which claimed the lives of both his grandfather and father. Analysts believe that creating the next generation of Kim dynasty members now will give North Korea a psychological advantage against rivals like those of the United States and South Korea as well as secure the Kim dynasty’s heritage.
Despite her increasing popularity, there are still a few questions. The deeply patriarchal nature of North Korea and the absence of a formal announcement raise questions over whether Kim Ju-ae can become the nation’s first female leader. Some analysts believe that a brother, perhaps one of the sons, might be a potential successor, whereas others consider Kim Yo-jong to be an experienced contender.
A Dynasty in the Making?
Kim Ju-ae’s carefully planned appearances – from being front and centre during military events to addressing foreign dignitaries – are an intentional effort to establish her status as an official of power. North Korean state media has even released postage stamps that feature her and her father, a nod to her rising popularity. As Cheong Seong-chang, who is an analyst at the Sejong Institute, told The New York Times, “In North Korea, where officials and people are not ready to accept a female leader, Kim Jong-un is making his daughter’s successor status a fait accompli by repeatedly exposing her through state media.”
At present, the world is watching with awe as Kim Ju-ae, who is in her teens, enters the spotlight in one of the most hidden regimes. If she is indeed destined to inherit the leadership role is unclear, but her transition from a child who was curious to a well-mannered leader demonstrates the country’s long-standing commitment to the dynastic system of government.