Kim Jong Un Appears Holding Hands During Armed Forces Day Encouragement Walk
National Intelligence Service Denies 'Kim Ju-ae Successor Theory'
Terms of Address Elevated from Beloved to Honorable to Respected
[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army, Kim Ju-ae, daughter of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un, appeared alongside him in a striking presentation. North Korea's deliberate promotion of Kim Ju-ae has reignited the previously quiet topic of the 'successor.'
On the 8th, the Korean Central News Agency reported that Chairman Kim visited the military generals' quarters the day before the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Army, stating, "Comrade Kim Jong-un arrived at the quarters with his respected child."
Kim Jong-un attends 'Founding Day' commemorative banquet with daughter Kim Ju-ae [Image source=Yonhap News]
This is the third time Kim Ju-ae has appeared at an official event since last November 18, when she was present at the launch site of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-17. She also attended a commemorative photo session with those credited for the development and launch of the ICBM on November 26 of the same year.
Including the footage aired by Korean Central Television on the 1st of last month showing Kim Jong-un and Kim Ju-ae inspecting ballistic missile-related facilities following the 6th plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party, this marks the fourth occasion.
Increasingly Elevated Titles... Even Removed Kim Portrait Badges
Kim Jong-un attends 'Founding Day' commemorative banquet with daughter Kim Ju-ae [Image source=Yonhap News]
One notable point is the changing titles used. When Kim Ju-ae was first introduced by the Korean Central News Agency in November last year, she was referred to as "beloved child." At the second appearance, she was called "honored child," and this time, an unusual modifier "respected" was used.
Photos released that day revealed bold staging reflecting North Korea's intention to elevate Kim Ju-ae's status. First, Kim Ju-ae was seated at the head table between her father, Chairman Kim, and her mother, Ri Sol-ju. The focus of the photos was on Kim Ju-ae rather than Chairman Kim, and both Kim and Ri turned their bodies toward her. Senior military generals, including Pak Su-il, Chief of the General Staff of the People's Army, Kang Sun-nam, Minister of Defense, Jong Kyong-thaek, Director of the General Political Bureau of the People's Army, and Hwang Pyong-so, former First Deputy Director of the Party's Organization and Guidance Department, stood upright behind Kim Ju-ae like a screen.
Notably, when Chairman Kim entered the banquet hall, he firmly held his daughter's hand rather than his wife's. Meanwhile, photos of Kim Yo-jong, Kim Jong-un's sister and considered the highest-ranking female official in the North Korean regime, were not separately published. The only glimpse of her was a fleeting shot caught by Korean Central Television among other attendees.
It is also striking that Kim Ju-ae did not wear the 'Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il portrait badge' on her chest. She had not worn the portrait badge during previous public appearances either. Ri Sol-ju wore a brooch symbolizing North Korea's national emblem instead of the badge. In North Korea, only Chairman Kim and Ri Sol-ju are exempt from wearing the Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il portrait badges. Kim Yo-jong always wears the portrait badge during her activities.
"No Doubt She Is the Successor" vs. "Symbol of the Future Generation"
Kim Jong-un attends 'Founding Day' commemorative banquet with daughter Kim Ju-ae [Image source=Yonhap News]
Because of this, speculation that Kim Ju-ae will become Kim Jong-un's successor has flared up again. Since her first appearance, some experts have analyzed that she has been designated as the successor, but the National Intelligence Service reported to the National Assembly Intelligence Committee earlier last month that "it is better not to conclude that (Kim Ju-ae) is the successor."
However, Jeong Seong-jang, head of the Unification Strategy Research Office at the Sejong Institute, focused on the elevated expression "respected." He said, "In the November 19, 2022 edition of the Rodong Sinmun, Kim Ju-ae was described as 'beloved child,' but in the November 27 report, Kim Jong-un referred to her as 'most beloved child,' clearly implying she would be his successor. Furthermore, the use of 'respected' intentionally fosters a personality cult around Kim Ju-ae."
He added, "There is no longer any doubt that Kim Ju-ae has been designated as Kim Jong-un's successor. It is necessary to pay attention to how this will affect North Korea's domestic and foreign policies in the mid to long term and how North Korean citizens will accept the fourth-generation succession."
On the other hand, some still interpret her role as merely symbolizing North Korea's future generation. Professor Park Gye-ri of the Unification Education Institute said, "The fact that Kim Ju-ae does not wear the portrait badge while Kim Yo-jong always does reflects who the 'actual leader' is beyond the Paektu bloodline," but she interpreted this as "not meaning Kim Ju-ae is the successor, but emphasizing her legitimate lineage."
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