Reports indicate that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is actively preparing his 12-year-old daughter, Kim Ju-ae, to inherit his position. This succession plan is evident through her consistent presence in public with her father, signaling her role in the country’s future leadership.
The decision to promote Kim Ju-ae is reflected in her increased visibility in North Korean state media. She attends events and military exercises alongside her father, suggesting a systematic training process to familiarize her with leadership responsibilities. This has been noted by various international analysts.
Kim Ju-ae’s public image has transformed over the past three years. Her formal attire and prominent role within the regime, surpassing her mother and Kim Yo-jong, indicates a strategic elevation within the ruling family.
Kim Jong-un is training her by including her in crucial military and political events. She has been introduced to military facilities and given opportunities to interact with top officials. The early grooming of Kim Ju-ae is likely driven by a desire to avoid the instability that followed her grandfather’s death.
Kim Jong-un’s health concerns, including his weight and lifestyle, are factors that have accelerated the succession planning. The strategic advantages gained by presenting a young successor also play a key role in the process, aiming for a stronger stance against the United States and South Korea.