So, picture this: on a Tuesday in Beijing, North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un emerges from his armored green train, shaking hands with Chinese officials on a flashy red carpet. But amid the pomp, many noticed a young girl trailing behind him. With her bow-tied hair and poised smile, she caught plenty of eyes.
This young lady is thought to be none other than Kim Ju Ae, the hidden daughter of the leader. She’s popped up at various military functions over the years, which has led to lots of chatter about her visit to Beijing and whether Kim is looking to set her up as his successor one day.
Her debut international trip is a big deal, especially aligned with a parade where Chinese President Xi Jinping will showcase military muscle. It’s a moment where Kim stands shoulder to shoulder with other heavyweights like Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Who knows, these might be the connections she needs to navigate through the world later on.
However, as her father strolled through the red carpet at Tiananmen Square the following day, Kim Ju Ae was notably absent.
Not much is revealed about Kim’s daughter, who first made headlines in 2022 when she stepped into the limelight after years of speculation about whether she even existed.
The buzz started back in 2013 when American basketball legend Dennis Rodman visited Pyongyang. He revealed to The Guardian, “I held their baby Ju Ae and spoke with (Kim’s wife) as well,” dropping the bombshell about her existence.
As for her age, reports are all over the place, but she’s generally estimated to be preteen to early teen now. This guesswork comes mostly from Rodman’s earlier statements, and it’s murky how old she was at the time of their meeting.
Kim’s daughter was first introduced to the spotlight in true Kim fashion in 2022, when she accompanied him to supervise an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch. Later, in 2023, she appeared more often at military events, even checking out rows of ICBMs during a military parade in Pyongyang.
Experts indicated that her presence at such events signals a strong message about North Korea’s commitment to holding on to its nuclear capabilities and that the Kim family is still at the forefront of military power.
“By openly including his wife and daughter, Kim aims to portray his family dynasty intertwined with North Korea’s military strength,” explained Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, following her appearances at 2023 events.
Since its founding in 1948 by Kim Il Sung, North Korea has operated as a dynastic dictatorship. Kim Il Sung passed away in 1994, leaving his son Kim Jong Il in charge, and Kim Jong Un took over just 17 years later after Kim Jong Il’s death.
Given the importance of this family legacy, the public showcase of Kim’s daughter has ignited discussions about the possibility of her being groomed as the next leader, which has sparked varied opinions among the experts.
Some argue that the way state media portrays her—as “beloved” and “respected”—could suggest she holds a special place in the hierarchy. Bringing her along to military affairs could be part of preparing her for potential leadership roles over 1.3 million military personnel and fostering trust among the ranks.
On the flip side, skeptics remain, believing that Kim’s other children will ultimately take precedence when it comes to succession.
Moreover, Kim Ju Ae’s public appearances could serve a public relations purpose, painting a picture of Kim as a devoted family man or making him appear more relatable. According to Jenny Town, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, it makes sense to showcase her—especially since Rodman already spilled the beans about her—meshing nicely with the idea of projecting a softer side while allowing her siblings to remain low-key.
Considering Kim’s own extensive spending years studying in Switzerland, Town noted, “Kim’s daughter is too recognizable by now. There’s no way she could attend school overseas.”
