At a Glance
- Kim Jong Un‘s daughter visited Kumsusan Palace on New Year’s Day.
- The girl, about 13-year-old Kim Ju Ae, was seen bowing with her parents.
- The visit may signal her rise as heir before the Workers’ Party congress.
Why it matters: The move is a rare public display of succession planning in North Korea.
On New Year’s Day, the teenage daughter of North Korea’s leader made a historic appearance at the mausoleum that houses the bodies of his father and grandfather. The event, captured by state media, has sparked speculation that she could be positioned as the next generation of leadership. The visit comes just before the Workers’ Party congress, where major appointments are expected.
Background
The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is a symbolic site where the embalmed bodies of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are displayed. Kim Jong Un, 41, regularly visits the palace to honor his predecessors during key anniversaries. The palace has become a ritual of legitimacy for the regime.
Implications for Succession
Experts say the appearance of Kim Ju Ae at the mausoleum could boost her legitimacy as heir. Cheong Seong-Chang, deputy head of the Sejong Institute, suggested she might be appointed to the party’s second-highest post. Other analysts argue her age makes a top post unlikely, favoring lower-level roles.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| November 2022 | First state media appearance of Kim Ju Ae | |
| September 2023 | Kim Jong Un brought her to Beijing | |
| New Year’s Day 2024 | Visit to Kumsusan Palace | |
| January 2024 | NIS assessed her as likely heir |
The National Intelligence Service‘s assessment came after she accompanied her father to multiple public events, including military parades and missile launches.
Key Takeaways
- Kim Ju Ae’s 13-year-old visit to Kumsusan Palace signals potential succession move.
- The Workers’ Party congress is expected to decide key appointments soon.
- Analysts disagree on whether she will receive a top post or a lower-level role.
As North Korea prepares for its first Workers’ Party congress in five years, the spotlight remains on the young heir’s future role.
