Kim Jong Un, daughter Ju Ae appear in matching outfits at military parade, fuel succession buzz

Ju Ae walks red carpet with Kim Jong Un, stokes succession rumours

Dressed in matching black leather jackets, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae appeared together at a military event, drawing renewed attention to speculation that she is being groomed as his successor.

Ju Ae was seen walking down a red carpet beside her father as he received salutes from senior military officials, underscoring her prominent presence at the event. Kim’s wife, Ri Sol Ju, also appeared alongside the duo in similar attire.

State media photographs released Thursday showed the father-daughter pair standing side by side as they reviewed a large-scale military procession marking the closing stages of the ruling Workers’ Party congress.

Symbolism behind matching leather jackets

Analysts suggested that the choice of matching leather jackets, a signature look associated with Kim during key public appearances, could carry symbolic weight.

“In North Korea’s political symbolism, that look carries weight," analyst Lim Eul-chul told the news agency, noting that it is linked to the image of the leader as guarantor of national security and prosperity. “When that same attire is put on his young daughter, it is unlikely to be accidental."

Other photos from the parade showed Ju Ae striding along the red carpet next to her father as he received salutes from North Korea’s top military brass. Ju Ae has been clearly "designated as a successor", South Korea's national intelligence service said earlier this month. Korean affairs expert Leif-Eric Easley said Ju Ae's latest appearance demonstrated her elevated status.

"But she still appears in her capacity as the leader's daughter. "She is probably not yet old enough to participate in the congress with an official party title."

Growing public profile of Kim Ju Ae

Ju Ae was first introduced publicly in 2022 when she accompanied her father to an intercontinental ballistic missile launch. Since then, she has appeared at several high-profile events, including weapons tests, factory visits, and diplomatic engagements.

Attention intensified last month when she joined her parents at Pyongyang’s Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the mausoleum housing the embalmed bodies of her grandfather Kim Jong II and great-grandfather Kim II Sung. Analysts viewed the visit as a symbolic gesture, suggesting she was being presented before the country’s founding leaders.

Despite her rising prominence, North Korean state media have never officially named her, referring only to Kim’s “respected" or “most beloved" child. The name Kim Ju Ae is widely believed based on remarks by former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who said he met Kim’s baby daughter during a 2013 visit to Pyongyang. South Korean intelligence believes she was born that year.

Luxury fashion and leadership image

Ju Ae has also drawn attention for her taste in luxury fashion, appearing in Gucci sunglasses and wearing a Cartier watch. At other times, she has mirrored her father’s distinctive style, wearing matching leather jackets and dark glasses.

The Kim family has ruled North Korea for decades, with a strong personality cult built around the so-called “Paektu bloodline.” Ju Ae’s increasing visibility at major political and military events has further intensified speculation that she could be the next in line in the country’s dynastic leadership.