Kim Jong Un’s daughter to succeed him? Family’s Kumsusan Palace visit puts spotlight on Ju Ae’s rising profile

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, his wife Ri Sol Ju and their daughter Kim Ju Ae visit the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to mark the New Year, in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on January 1, 2026. (Reuters)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared with his daughter Kim Ju Ae at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, fueling speculation about her as a possible successor. Analysts note her rising public profile but say her young age makes formal succession unlikely for now.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a carefully choreographed appearance at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on January 1 that has renewed speculation about the future of the country’s dynastic rule. For the first time, his daughter Kim Ju Ae joined her parents on a public visit to the mausoleum that houses the remains of the state’s founding leaders, according to photographs released by KCNA on Friday.

The visit, which also included Kim’s wife Ri Sol Ju, took place at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, a site deeply symbolic of North Korea’s ruling lineage. Kim traditionally visits the mausoleum on major anniversaries to pay respects to his grandfather Kim Il Sung and father Kim Jong Il, reinforcing the hereditary nature of power in the nuclear-armed state.

Ju Ae stood between her parents in the main hall, a placement analysts view as politically significant. Cheong Seong-chang, vice president at the Sejong Institute think tank, described her appearance as a calculated move by Kim ahead of an upcoming ruling party Congress. According to Cheong, the timing suggests her succession could be discussed or formally acknowledged at the event.

Ju Ae has emerged as a recurring presence in North Korean state media over the past three years. She first appeared publicly in 2022 during a military missile launch event, after which she has been regularly shown alongside her father at weapons tests, parades, and national celebrations. In September last year, she accompanied Kim on her first overseas trip to Beijing, further fuelling speculation about her elevated status.

Despite the attention, little is officially known about Ju Ae’s personal life. North Korea has never confirmed her exact age, though analysts believe she was born in the early 2010s. There is no public information about her education, but given her age, experts assume she is still in school and has no formal political or party role. Her increasing visibility is therefore widely seen as symbolic rather than administrative.

Hong Min, an expert at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the regime has been projecting an image of Kim’s “stable family” by featuring his wife and daughter at major events. He cautioned, however, against drawing firm conclusions. “It’s practically impossible to publicly designate Kim Ju Ae, who is believed to have just turned 13, as the successor when she’s not even old enough to join the (Workers’) Party,” Hong said.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry declined to comment on the latest appearance. A spokesperson said it was too early to label Ju Ae as a successor, noting her age and lack of an official position. For now, analysts say, Kim appears focused on reinforcing dynastic legitimacy, even as questions over North Korea’s future leadership remain unanswered.