Kim Ju Ae's Kumsusan Palace Visit Fuels Succession Talk Ahead of Workers' Party Congress

Kim Ju Ae, daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, recently made her first reported visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang, a mausoleum for her late grandfather and great-grandfather. This appearance, alongside her parents, has intensified discussions regarding her potential future role within North Korea's leadership, particularly ahead of an anticipated Workers' Party congress.

Kim Ju Ae's Growing Public Profile

On New Year's Day, Kim Ju Ae, believed to be approximately 13 years old, was depicted in North Korean state media bowing at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun with her parents, Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju. The palace serves as the resting place for the embalmed bodies of Kim Il Sung, the nation's founder, and Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un's father. Kim Jong Un, the third leader from his family lineage, regularly visits the palace on significant state anniversaries.

Kim Ju Ae first appeared in state media in November 2022 during a long-range missile test. Since then, she has accompanied her father at various public events, including military parades, weapons tests, factory openings, and missile launches. Last September, she reportedly traveled with Kim Jong Un to Beijing for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. North Korean state media consistently refers to her as Kim Jong Un's "respected" or "most beloved" child, without publicly disclosing her name. Her believed name, Kim Ju Ae, and estimated birth year of 2013 originate from an account by former NBA player Dennis Rodman and South Korean intelligence assessments.

Diverging Views on Succession Prospects

The visit to Kumsusan Palace and Kim Ju Ae's increased public visibility have led to varied assessments regarding her future in North Korean leadership.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) informed lawmakers that it assesses Kim Jong Un's daughter is nearing designation as the country's future leader. The agency stated that she has moved from a previous characterization of being in "successor training" to the "successor-designate stage." The NIS cited her increased presence at military events, her Kumsusan visit, and indications that Kim Jong Un has begun seeking her input on policy matters. In January 2024, the NIS had initially assessed her as her father's likely heir, noting in November that Kim Jong Un did not appear to have significant health issues.

However, some external experts and South Korean officials have offered differing perspectives. Hong Min, an expert at the state-run Korea Institute for National Unification, suggested that publicly designating a 13-year-old as a successor is not feasible due to her age and ineligibility for the Workers' Party. A spokesperson for South Korea's Unification Ministry also stated that concluding she is a successor is premature, citing her age and lack of an official position. Other analysts note that the roles of Kim Jong Un's other children, including a likely older son and a younger third child, remain undisclosed.

"The visit to Kumsusan Palace and Kim Ju Ae's increased public visibility have led to varied assessments regarding her future in North Korean leadership."

Cheong Seong-Chang, deputy head of South Korea's Sejong Institute, characterized Kim Ju Ae's Kumsusan visit as a politically motivated action. He suggested that Kim Jong Un might appoint his daughter to the position of first secretary at the Workers' Party congress, which is the party's second-highest role, potentially without immediate public disclosure. Conversely, other analysts question the likelihood of her receiving such a senior post or formal party role, citing the party's minimum age requirement of 18. Koh Yu-hwan, former president of South Korea’s Institute of National Unification, suggested that if Kim Jong Un uses the congress to solidify his daughter's succession, any indications would likely be subtle, possibly through party statements praising a "successful inheritance of the revolution."

A Break from Dynastic Precedent

North Korea has been governed by male members of the Kim family since its founding in 1948, beginning with Kim Il Sung, followed by Kim Jong Il, and then Kim Jong Un. Kim Jong Un was officially named heir in 2010 at age 26, two years after his father's stroke, and assumed leadership in December 2011 with limited preparation.

Kim Ju Ae's public exposure as a minor is noted as a deviation from historical practice, as neither Kim Jong Un nor Kim Jong Il were featured in state media before reaching adulthood.

"Some analysts propose that Kim Jong Un's repeated public appearances with his daughter may be intended to solidify public support for the continuation of his family's rule, possibly reflecting his own rapid ascension to power."

Anticipated Workers' Party Congress

An upcoming Workers' Party congress, the first in five years, is anticipated to establish new state policy priorities and involve official reshuffles. North Korea has not announced the exact date for the congress, but the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) has indicated it is likely to take place in January or February. The last congresses were held in 2016 and 2021. Observers are monitoring whether Kim Ju Ae will appear alongside her father at this event or receive a formal title, which could further intensify speculation regarding her succession path.