China’s grand military parade last week was meant to impress the world with missiles, tanks, and marching troops, but it was a 12-year-old girl in a smart navy suit who stole the headlines.
Following North Korean leader Kim Jong Un off his green armored train, she smiled calmly at Chinese officials and mingled with visiting dignitaries, including Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.
This girl, Kim Ju-ae, is Kim’s only confirmed child, and her presence in Beijing marks an unprecedented move: it’s rare for North Korea’s leader to take a potential successor on an official foreign trip, especially to China, a country critical to the survival of the isolated regime.
A Carefully Crafted Public Image
For ordinary North Koreans, who are raised to revere the Kim bloodline, Ju-ae’s public appearances send a clear message: she is being groomed to be the next leader.
With her father’s health reportedly fragile—struggling with obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and past serious illness—the timing of her rise may not be far off.
Despite her tender age, Ju-ae has become a fixture in state propaganda, referred to as a “great person of guidance.”
Analysts note that her appearances are highly choreographed, from her wardrobe to the way she claps, signaling intense preparation for a future leadership role.
From Baby to Political Figure
Ju-ae was first introduced to the public in 2022, holding her father’s hand in front of a missile.
Within months, she appeared at official banquets and even on postage stamps.
By late 2023, she was positioned front and center in images with Kim Jong Un behind her, a clear signal of her rising prominence.
Her style has matured alongside her role. Gone are the padded jackets and red ballet pumps of her early appearances; now she wears dark suits and fur-trimmed coats reminiscent of her father’s wardrobe.
The media shifted from calling her “beloved” to “respected,” highlighting her symbolic authority.
Childhood Behind Closed Doors
Ju-ae’s life is far from ordinary. She reportedly studies at home in Pyongyang and enjoys horse riding, skiing, and swimming.
The family has access to lavish compounds, including a waterfront estate in Wonsan with pools, tennis courts, a recreation center, and even a private airstrip.
Visitors, including former basketball star Dennis Rodman, have described these residences as secluded and luxurious, almost like a private resort.
Security is tight, and the family’s train and mansions enable them to move between estates in comfort and secrecy.
The Political Stakes
While some analysts argue Ju-ae’s public role could be a PR move to soften her father’s image, her recent appearances suggest she may indeed be the chosen successor.
In North Korea’s highly patriarchal and tightly controlled society, introducing her publicly helps condition both the population and military to accept a direct family succession rather than a military takeover.
However, experts warn that her youth presents risks.
If Kim were to die suddenly, internal rivalries could erupt, echoing medieval succession conflicts.
Aidan Foster-Carter of Leeds University notes that bloodline succession always carries the potential for jealousies and power struggles.
A Woman at the Helm
Choosing a daughter as heir apparent is unusual in North Korea, where male leadership has dominated for decades.
Analysts describe the move as “brilliant” in its strategic messaging, offering a chance for continuity while opening the door for potential change.
Yet Ju-ae’s path is far from guaranteed.
Kim’s formidable sister, Kim Yo-jong, remains a powerful figure with a ruthless reputation, capable of executing rivals if necessary.
She accompanied Ju-ae on the China trip, signaling that she may play a role in supporting or supervising her niece’s rise.
The Future of Ju-ae
For now, Ju-ae appears innocent and composed, enjoying childhood interests under extreme scrutiny.
But history suggests that growing up in the Kim dynasty comes with dangers.
Should she eventually take the reins, this sweet-faced tween could find herself running one of the world’s most secretive and heavily armed states—a role that has historically been unforgiving, even lethal.