Heir apparent? Kim Jong Un’s mysterious daughter, Ju Ae, fuels speculation with new appearance
New York PostMAR 16 2023
As state-run media controls information in North Korea, Kim's daughter's appearances indicate that she is the next in line to rule the country. Yes, Ju-ae is nine or ten years old and is reportedly not her father's firstborn, but Kim himself was appointed as heir apparent on his eighth birthday despite not being the oldest brother, and women have increasingly played important roles in the regime.
Though some people may assume that Kim Ju-ae's appearances hint at her being North Korea's next leader, these moves are more likely linked to Kim Jong-un's attempt to be seen as a caring, stable father figure to boost the stability of his leadership. It's just too early for him to unveil his real successor — particularly because there have been no efforts so far to create a personality cult around his daughter.