Jooae Kim Appears at Military Event Followed by Stamp Production
'Second-in-Command' Kim Yo-jong Stands Alone Behind the Event
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] The presence of Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un, is becoming more prominent, appearing at military-related events and on commemorative stamps. On the other hand, Kim Yo-jong, Kim Jong-un's sister who played the role of 'second-in-command,' did not ascend to the presidium even at the military parade, leading to analyses suggesting a possible change in the power structure.
On the 14th, the North Korean Korea Stamp Corporation unveiled eight designs for new stamps scheduled to be issued on the 17th. The stamp designs, totaling eight types, were created based on photos of Chairman Kim’s on-site inspection during the launch of North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) 'Hwasong-17' on November 18 last year.
The Korea Stamp Corporation of North Korea revealed eight new stamp designs scheduled for release on the 17th. The stamp designs are based on photos of Chairman Kim inspecting the launch of North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) "Hwasong-17" on November 18 last year, and many of the stamps feature Chairman Kim's daughter, Kim Ju-ae. The photos are the stamp designs released on the Korea Stamp Corporation's website. Photo by Korea Stamp Corporation website, Yonhap News Agency
Among the produced stamps, five featured Kim Ju-ae. The images depict Kim Ju-ae walking hand in hand with Chairman Kim against the backdrop of the missile or taking commemorative photos with People's Army soldiers.
Kim Ju-ae is Kim Jong-un’s second daughter and first appeared at the Hwasong-17 ICBM test launch site on November 18 last year. Chairman Kim was accompanied again by Kim Ju-ae on November 27, when he took commemorative photos with those credited for the ICBM launch. Notably, her appearance on that day drew attention for changes in hairstyle and attire, styled similarly to Kim Jong-un’s wife, Ri Sol-ju.
Kim Ju-ae also appeared at the military parade held on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army on the 8th. In the parade footage released by the Korean Central News Agency on the 9th, Kim Ju-ae is seen ascending to the presidium with Kim Jong-un, touching his face with both hands, to which Kim responded with a broad smile.
On that day, Kim Ju-ae rode a white horse during the parade, raising speculation about her potential as a successor. In North Korea, white horses are regarded as 'combat means of brave and wise commanders' and symbolize the 'Paektu bloodline' that continues through Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un. It serves as a propaganda tool to idolize the Kim family.
North Korea held a military parade at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang on the 8th, marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 9th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
The titles used to address Kim Ju-ae have also been elevated. North Korean media initially referred to her as 'beloved daughter,' then as 'honored daughter,' and during the military parade, she was introduced as 'respected daughter.'
In contrast, Kim Yo-jong, known as the 'second-in-command,' appears to have stepped back from the forefront. At the military parade, instead of ascending to the presidium, she was seen watching over Kim Ju-ae from the rear of the venue. Kim Yo-jong, dressed in a black coat, was observed keeping a distance from the family members entering with Kim Jong-un. She did not appear in other broadcast footage of the parade.
This has led to speculation about changes in Kim Yo-jong’s status. The contrasting appearances of Kim Ju-ae, who effectively took center stage at the parade, and Kim Yo-jong have drawn attention. Previously, Kim Yo-jong had ascended to the presidium or assisted Kim Jong-un during military parades.
However, there is also analysis suggesting that Kim Ju-ae is merely a 'propaganda tool.' Her uninhibited behavior, such as caressing Kim Jong-un’s cheek, is said to differ from the demeanor expected of a successor. According to the report titled 'Analysis of the 75th Anniversary Military Parade of the 2.8 People’s Army Foundation' released on the 13th by the Institute for National Security Strategy, "Kim Ju-ae acted freely throughout the parade, and it was difficult to find the restrained posture or attitude typically required of a successor. The widely speculated successor theory seems premature to conclude at this point."
The report analyzed Kim Ju-ae’s appearances as conveying a message of protecting future generations through nuclear military power. It stated, "Kim Ju-ae has appeared officially five times so far, all at military-related events. If Kim Ju-ae symbolizes North Korea’s future generations, her appearances at military events can be seen as continuously sending the message that North Korea’s formidable military power, centered on nuclear forces, is responsible for the life and safety of future generations."
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