North Korea's 'Kim Juae Baekma' Emerges... Signs of Idolization?

'Symbol of Baekdu Lineage' Displaying Status as Daughter of Military Commander with White Horse

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] There is an analysis that North Korea is starting to 'idolize' Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of Chairman Kim Jong-un. According to Korean Central TV on the 12th, a 'white horse' believed to be ridden by Kim Ju-ae appeared on the recorded broadcast of the military parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Army held on the 8th.

Korean Central TV reported, "Our Marshal's legendary famous horse that galloped across the Paektu region, the dazzling Paektusan military horse, stands at the forefront of the cavalry," and "The beloved child’s most cherished loyal horse follows behind, leading the lively flow of the parade."

The term 'beloved child' refers to Kim Ju-ae, interpreted as publicly revealing that Kim Ju-ae is riding the white horse, a symbol of the Paektu bloodline, and that her horse participated in the parade. North Korean state media have not yet officially used the name 'Ju-ae.' They refer to her as 'Honored Child,' 'Beloved Child,' or 'Respected Child.'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, government officials do not evaluate Kim Ju-ae as a successor.

Some claim that North Korea is forcing residents with the same name as Kim Ju-ae to change their names. On the 11th, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported, citing sources, that recently in Jeongju City, North Pyongan Province, and Pyongsong City, South Pyongan Province, women registered under the name 'Ju-ae' were forced to change their names.

RFA also reported that during the eras of President Kim Il-sung and Chairman Kim Jong-il, people were not allowed to use the same name as the supreme leader, and name changes were also forced when the Kim Jong-un era began.