"A Member of the Baekdu Bloodline Touched? Scene of Kim Jong Un's Daughter Being Touched Aired Unfiltered"

Physical Contact with the 'Baekdu Bloodline' Is Highly Unusual
Regardless of Intent, Could Be Interpreted as 'Disrespect'

Chairman Kim Jong Un of North Korea is seen shoveling while Defense Minister No Kwang Chol appears to be patting Ju Ae on the back. Korean Central Television

A scene in which a senior North Korean military official touches the body of Kim Ju Ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was broadcast unfiltered on state television. Experts have analyzed that it is highly unusual for a non-family member to physically contact a member of the so-called "Paektu bloodline," and regardless of intent, such an act could easily be interpreted as disrespectful.

On January 25, Ko Young Ki, editor-in-chief of the North Korea-focused media outlet Daily NK Japan, stated, "Given the nature of the North Korean regime, this is not something that can be taken lightly," and added, "There is a possibility that this could escalate into an issue during the official video censorship process."

The scene in question was captured in a news video from January 5, showing an inspection of the construction site for the 'Overseas Military Operations Battle Command Memorial Hall.' In the footage, while Chairman Kim was shoveling, Kim Ju Ae was standing behind him. Defense Minister No Kwang Chol approached and lightly patted Ju Ae on the back twice, gesturing for her to step forward.

Subsequently, First Lady Ri Sol Ju and others nearby were seen intervening, and in the next scene, Kim Ju Ae moved in front of Chairman Kim to participate in the shoveling.

"A Scene That Crossed a Regime Taboo...Party Censorship Is Key"

The key issue is how this incident will be interpreted, especially as Kim Ju Ae, widely considered the leading candidate for succession, is emphasizing her image as part of the Paektu bloodline to compensate for the political handicap of being female.

Editor Ko commented, "While it may have been an impromptu response to manage the situation, the result is that it remains a scene that crossed a regime taboo," adding, "In North Korea, symbolism and protocol are directly tied to politics."

He further stated, "The crucial point in this case is not whether there will be immediate disciplinary action, but rather how it will be evaluated during the party's propaganda and censorship process," and noted, "The mere fact that this was captured on video could become a burden for those involved in the future."