Kim Jong Un arrived in China for his first multilateral meeting, accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who stood behind him as he exited his armored train. Observers noted her presence, as she has been identified by South Korea’s intelligence agency as a potential successor to her father, although details about her age and background remain scarce.
Kim Ju Ae is believed to be the second of Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol-Ju’s three children, but the exact order and number of their children are not publicly confirmed. She is the only child acknowledged by North Korean leadership, with no sightings of her siblings. Her existence was first revealed by basketball player Dennis Rodman in 2013, who mentioned having held her during a visit to North Korea.
Her public appearances have been limited until recently, with notable exposure beginning in November 2022 when she appeared with her father during the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. By February 2023, she was depicted on postage stamps and attended official events, referred to in North Korean media as “respected,” a title typically reserved for high-ranking officials or leaders.
In recent reports from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), Kim Ju Ae was described as enjoying hobbies such as horse riding and skiing and was noted to be home-schooled in Pyongyang. Estimates suggest she is around 10 years old. The NIS later indicated she is the “most likely” successor to Kim Jong Un, recognizing that various factors could influence future leadership dynamics.
Her appearance in China marks her first trip outside North Korea, igniting further discussion about her potential role in the future leadership of the country, particularly as North Korea’s ruling class has traditionally been male-dominated. The Kim family, claiming a divine lineage, has ruled North Korea since 1948, leading to questions about the implications of her introduction in a patriarchal society.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgvgj7ejqdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss