--- title: "Kim Jong Un's Daughter Kim Ju Ae Makes High-Profile Appearances" url: https://newscentral.site/kim-jong-un-s-daughter-kim-ju-ae-makes-high-profile-appearances/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "World" published: 2026-11-10T06:18:07.000Z updated: 2026-11-10T07:46:58.832Z id: c9cdd6ff-bd8d-4828-aace-6a864e3a0003 source: "ABC News International https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/north-korean-defectors-view-kim-jong-uns-daughter-137999884" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/kim-jong-un-s-daughter-kim-ju-ae-makes-high-profile-appearances/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Kim Jong Un's Daughter Kim Ju Ae Makes High-Profile Appearances A teenage girl named Kim Ju Ae frequently appears in public alongside her father, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, sparking speculation about a potential succession plan. A teenage girl, believed to be about 13 years old and named Kim Ju Ae, has been at the center of international media attention as she frequently appears in public alongside her father, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. These high-profile appearances have sparked speculation that Kim is grooming his daughter to succeed him one day. The notion is not new, with most experts expecting Kim to eventually hand over power to one of his children and extend the family's rule into a fourth generation. Some individuals who have escaped North Korea, including Tae, a former minister at the country's Embassy in London, are expressing concern about the implications of such a succession plan. Tae defected to South Korea in 2016 and later served as a member of parliament there. According to Tae, it is deeply lamentable to observe what he believes are Kim's moves to prolong his family's rule, describing this development as a "wretched reality" that would only serve to further isolate North Korea from the rest of the world. The images of Kim Jong Un's daughter, Ju Ae, have been making headlines globally, sparking debate about her possible role as successor to the North Korean leader. For many North Koreans who have defected to South Korea, however, these images are a stark reminder of the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite. According to one defector, Kim fled North Korea in May 2023 and shared her observations on how ordinary citizens view Ju Ae's public appearances. She noted that while some may be unhappy with the young girl's fashion choices, they dare not express their discontent openly due to fear of retribution. The defector also pointed out that many North Koreans are conditioned to accept the privileges enjoyed by the Kim family without question. As a result, even the most extravagant displays of wealth and status are seen as justified when it comes to the ruling elite's children. In particular, one defector noted that Ju Ae's affectionate display with her father on the cheek is unusual in North Korean culture. However, some citizens may interpret this gesture as a sign of their leader's benevolence rather than an intimate moment between family members. The fact that Kim's daughter is seen as a potential monarch by many ordinary North Koreans highlights the cult-like personality surrounding the ruling family. Some defectors believe that this perception is further reinforced by the regime's propaganda, which portrays Kim as a paternal figure who has brought prosperity and protection to his people. The perception of North Korea's leadership as a dynasty is deeply ingrained in the country's culture. This notion is reinforced by the regime's propaganda, which portrays the leader as a paternal figure who has brought prosperity and protection to his people. Lee, a defector and lawyer who runs a website providing outside information to North Koreans, believes that given the country's patriarchal hierarchy, it would be challenging for a woman to become the leader. He noted that even in South Korea, which is considered more progressive than North Korea, women have faced difficulties holding leadership positions. South Korea has had only one female president, Park Geun-hye, who served from 2013 to 2017. Lee pointed out that despite this example, a woman leading North Korea would be unlikely due to the country's deeply rooted male-dominated culture. An analyst at Seoul's Korea Institute for National Unification warned against assuming that Kim Jong Un's daughter is his heir apparent. However, if she were formally designated as his successor, she could quickly consolidate her power by rallying support from members of the ruling elite who share similar interests and eliminating potential opponents. To make his succession plan more palatable to his people, Ahn believes that Kim would need to deliver tangible economic improvements and raise living standards. This is particularly important for younger North Koreans, who have been influenced by South Korean TV and cultural content despite living under repressive rule. The lack of widespread opposition to Kim Jong Un's rule is a testament to his ability to maintain control over North Korea's population. Analysts believe that as long as he can present his plans to the people and have them accept them, even begrudgingly, there will be little chance of a mass uprising against him. According to sources within North Korea, the decision to prepare Kim's daughter as his successor is still uncertain among the population. While some believe she is indeed being groomed for power, others remain unsure about her potential role in the country's leadership. This uncertainty may be due in part to the fact that Kim's health has been a subject of speculation. Kim Jong Un's own health status remains a concern, with South Korea's spy agency reporting that he suffers from severe obesity and is at high risk of cardiovascular disease. His family history also suggests that heart problems may be a significant threat, given the deaths of his father and grandfather due to similar conditions. --- Source: [ABC News International](https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/north-korean-defectors-view-kim-jong-uns-daughter-137999884) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/kim-jong-un-s-daughter-kim-ju-ae-makes-high-profile-appearances/