Kim Jong Un Celebrates New Year With Daughter Ju Ae
The Spin
Narrative A
Kim Ju Ae's New Year appearance at Kumsusan alongside both parents highlights family image-building rather than succession planning. Her positioning between Kim and Ri, her smiling expressions, and her walking ahead of her father contrast sharply with past succession patterns, in which heirs walked behind leaders with stiff demeanors. At just 13 years old, below the party's entry age, publicly designating her as successor would require an impossible level of political energy.
Narrative B
Kim Ju Ae is the most likely successor, based on a comprehensive analysis of her public activities and elevated status since 2022. The shift from "beloved" to "respected" daughter signals cemented succession intentions, mirroring Kim Jong Un's own designation process. Her presence at critical military events, including ICBM launches and spy satellite deployments, demonstrates deliberate positioning to establish authority early and overcome patriarchal prejudices.
