PHOTO Important signal sent by Kim Jong Un, who took his daughter to the Kumsusan mausoleum
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's daughter Ju Ae, who she is likely grooming to be his successor, accompanied her parents on her first public visit to the Kumsusan mausoleum to pay respects to the country's former leaders, according to photos released by Pyongyang's state media on Friday.
Ju Ae has appeared increasingly in the North Korean regime's press over the past three years, fueling speculation by analysts and South Korean intelligence that she could be in line to become the country's fourth-generation leader.
Cheong Seong-chang, vice president of the Sejong Institute think tank, sees Ju Ae's first appearance at Kumsusan palace as a calculated move by her father ahead of the upcoming ruling party congress where her succession could be formalized.
Kim was accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju and senior officials on the Jan. 1 visit, with Ju Ae standing between his parents in the main hall of the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, according to photos released by state news agency KCNA.
Hong Min, a North Korea expert at the Korean Institute for National Unification, said the Pehnian presented an image of Kim's “stable family”, showing Kim's wife and daughter with him at important events.
Kim Ju Ae's age is not known for sure
Kim Ju Ae, who is believed to have been born in the early 2010s, attended this year's New Year celebrations, according to state media, which also released pictures.
The New Year, marked in Pyongyang with a show of proportions for the North Korean leader. Kim Jong-un appeared again with his daughter
Also in September, she traveled to Beijing with her father in his first public outing abroad.
Kim makes visits to Kumsusan to honor his grandfather and founder of the state, Kim Il Sung, and his father, Kim Jong Il, on important dates and anniversaries, events that underscore the country's dynastic rule.
North Korea has never confirmed Ju Ae's age.
A spokesman for South Korea's Unification Ministry declined to comment on Ju Ae's appearance. An official told the media that in the government's view, it is too early to say that she is the successor, given her age and the fact that she does not hold an official position.
Hong said the potential roles of Kim's other children warrant caution in drawing conclusions about Ju Ae's succession claims.
“It is virtually impossible to publicly designate Kim Ju Ae, who is believed to have just turned 13, as her successor when she is not even old enough to join the (Workers') Party,” Hong said.
