For the first time since its founding in 1948, North Korea may one day be led by a woman. Kim Ju Ae, the daughter of Kim Jong Un, recently accompanied her father on a visit to China, where he met with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. Her highly visible presence has fueled assessments by South Korean intelligence, who believe the teenager is now being positioned as the regime’s official successor.
A Carefully Orchestrated Spotlight
Kim Ju Ae’s appearance in Beijing in early September is seen as a significant step in shaping a succession narrative. Standing alongside her father, she was presented as a central figure in the regime’s future.
Some observers have speculated about the existence of an older son kept away from public view, but South Korean authorities consider such claims unlikely. Intelligence officials point out that in such a sensitive context, attempts to hide important details rarely succeed, making an alternative line of succession improbable.
A Potential Break with Tradition
Kim Ju Ae first appeared publicly in 2022 during a North Korean missile launch, after years of secrecy surrounding her existence. Before that, only a brief mention in 2013 had confirmed she was Kim Jong Un’s daughter. Since then, state media have increasingly highlighted her, portraying her as the “beloved” child of the nation, without ever disclosing her full identity.
If she were to inherit power, Kim Ju Ae would become the first woman to lead North Korea. The prospect remains uncertain, but it suggests internal shifts within a regime long known for its secrecy, patriarchal structure, and dynastic leadership.