Kim Ju-ae, the 12-year-old daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, made headlines during a recent family outing at the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist zone. She is joined by her father and her mother, Ri Sol-ju, along with senior officials. Collectively, these initiatives are helping her build her own legitimacy as a future successor in the Kim dynasty, which has ruled the reclusive country since its founding in 1948.
Since late 2022, Kim Ju-ae has been making regular appearances alongside her father at public events. This has led some analysts to speculate that she may be on the verge of becoming the fourth member of the Kim family to run North Korea. Should she assume this role, Kim Ju-ae will be the first female to guide the country. This accomplishment represents a historic breakthrough in a nation where male leadership has usually dominated.
During their recent visit, Kim Ju-ae was photographed enjoying time with her parents on a balcony overlooking a 4km-long beach. The family could be spotted poolside, watching some fabulous Dubai holidaymakers and very clearly having as lovely sophisticated family day out as you’d want. It is through these red-carpet appearances that we see a gentler side of North Korea’s first family. Second, they want to poetic a less intimidating profile to the general public.
In a statement reflecting his aspirations for North Korea’s tourism sector, Kim Jong-un remarked that his daughter will “play a leading role in establishing the tourist culture.” This announcement highlights the regime’s prioritization of tourism as a tool for economic growth and soft-power cultural diplomacy.
Kim Ju-ae, the most visible of Kim Jong-un’s children thus far, is the middle child of his marriage with Ri Sol-ju. Her instant prominence on the international stage has opened up questions about what role she might play in North Korean politics to come. Observers say her recent appearances with her father may be an indication of an effort to groom her for leadership.
Scanners detected Kim Ju-ae with her own Gucci bag during her last outing. This raised alarm bells about violations of UN sanctions on luxury goods. Such details inject another wrinkle of mystery and intrigue into her public persona and the regime’s understanding of its international standing.
Speculation swirls about Kim Ju-ae’s future, and whether she will become a viable long-term heir. Her ability to appear with her parents at big events looks like a long-term calculated game plan. Her participation deepens the dynastic legacy. Beyond that, it provides a glimpse into the policy direction North Korea could take under future leadership.