"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 member of North Korea's military leadership touches the body of Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of Chairman Kim Jong Un, was broadcast unfiltered on state television. Experts have analyzed that it is highly unusual for a non-family member to physically interact with a member of the so-called 'Baekdu 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 a scene that can be taken lightly," adding, "There is a possibility that this could become a serious issue during the official video censorship process."

The scene in question was captured in a news report on January 5, showing an inspection of the 'Overseas Military Operations Combat Meritorious Service Memorial Hall' construction site. In the footage, while Kim Jong Un is shoveling, Kim Ju-ae stands behind him. Defense Minister No Kwang-chol approaches and lightly pats Ju-ae on the back twice, gesturing for her to move forward.

Subsequently, Ri Sol-ju and others nearby are seen intervening, and in the next shot, Kim Ju-ae moves to the front near Kim Jong Un and begins to participate in the shoveling.

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

Given that Kim Ju-ae, widely regarded as a leading candidate for succession, has been emphasizing the image of the Baekdu bloodline to compensate for her political handicap as a woman, how this scene will be interpreted is of critical importance.

Editor Ko commented, "It may have been an impromptu response to manage the situation, but ultimately, it remains a scene that crossed a regime taboo. In North Korea, symbolism and protocol are directly linked to politics."

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