"North Korea's Kim Juae Could Become an Even More Fearsome Figure Than Kim Jongun"

"Usually Shows Affection 'To the Point of Not Knowing Fatigue'"
Kim Jongun's Age a Variable... "Certainly One of the Leading Successor Candidates"

Kim Jongun, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, was watching a celebratory performance at the completion ceremony for 10,000 housing units in Phase 4 of the Hwaseong district in Pyongyang on the 16th with his wife Ri Solju and daughter Juae, when Juae was gently holding with both hands the hand Kim had extended. Korean Central Television, Yonhap News

As it has become known that Kim Juae, the daughter of Kim Jongun, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, stands at an important inflection point in the North Korean succession structure, an analysis has emerged suggesting that she could become an even more fearsome figure than her father.

According to Kansai TV in Japan on the 18th, Lee Sodeitsu, a professor at Ryukoku University in Japan, predicted that although Juae is still young, has no political experience, and remains a mysterious figure, she may come to occupy an important position in the future process of power succession.

Professor Lee Sodeitsu referred to the scene in November 2022, when Kim Juae was first made public, appearing while holding hands with the Chairman, and explained, "He was smiling when he looked at his daughter, and according to testimony from a defector who was a senior official, Kim Jongun is very affectionate and familiar toward Juae, to the point of 'not knowing fatigue' in his devotion."

Professor Lee analyzed that if Juae were to inherit power, it could have a major impact on North Korea's power structure. However, he noted that the Chairman is still young at 42, and there is a possibility that he could change his mind before the succession takes place. He also said, "There is a great deal of uncertainty about what kind of person Juae will become," adding, "The message that power succession will continue to the next generation is clear, and it is reasonable to regard Juae as one of the leading candidates."

Professor Lee predicted that if a child who has only ever seen scenes of the Chairman scolding or executing generals were to inherit power, there is a possibility that she could become an even more fearsome figure than her father.

Regarding diplomatic issues such as North Korea's abduction of Japanese nationals, he added, "Even if Juae becomes the successor, the abduction issue will not change. North Korea's power structure will not change. Therefore, Japan needs to respond on its own so that it can change."