Preparing her as successor? Kim Jong Un's daughter visits state mausoleum

In addition to his daughter, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was accompanied by his wife Ri Sol-ju and senior officials. Footage released by KCNA showed Kim Ju-ae standing between her parents in the main hall of the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun.

Media reports note that Kim Jong Un visited the mausoleum to honor the memory of his grandfather Kim Il Sung, the state’s founder, as well as his father Kim Jong Il. The visit coincided with key anniversaries and dates, reinforcing the dynastic legacy of the nuclear-armed state.

Analysts' assessments

According to Reuters, Kim Ju-ae has appeared with increasing frequency in state media over the past three years. This trend has fueled speculation among analysts and South Korean intelligence that she could eventually become a fourth-generation leader and succeed her father.

Cheong Seong-chang, vice president of the Sejong Institute, interpreted her first appearance at the mausoleum as a calculated move by Kim Jong Un ahead of a future congress of the ruling party, where her status could potentially be formalized.

At the same time, Hong Min of the Korea Institute for National Unification suggested that North Korea is shaping an image of a "stable Kim family" by publicly presenting the leader alongside his wife and daughter at major events.

What is known about Kim Ju-ae

North Korean state media indicate that Kim Ju-ae, believed to have been born in the early 2010s, attended New Year celebrations in 2025. In September, she also made her first publicly reported overseas trip with her father. Pyongyang has never officially confirmed her age.

A spokesperson for South Korea’s Ministry of Unification declined to comment directly on her appearance, while noting that the government considers it premature to conclude succession given her age and the absence of any official position.

Hong Min also pointed out that the potential roles of Kim Jong Un’s two other children make any conclusions about succession cautious. He noted that publicly designating Kim Ju-ae, who is believed to be around 13 years old, as an heir would be highly unusual, as she is not yet of an age eligible to formally join the ruling party.

Media previously reported in September that Kim Ju-ae’s status as a potential successor appeared to strengthen following a visit to China. South Korean intelligence assessments suggested that the trip formed part of a broader effort to consolidate a succession narrative.

In November, Kim Jong Un publicly presented his daughter during ballistic missile tests, further drawing international attention to her role.