Pyongyang: The teenage daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Ju-ae, drew renewed attention as she took center stage with her father at this week's military parade that wrapped up the North's key party congress, further reinforcing views that she may be in line to lead the communist dynasty. In a symbolic display underscoring her rising standing, Ju-ae was seen next to Kim attending the nighttime parade in Pyongyang on Wednesday to mark the conclusion of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea's ninth party congress, a key party meeting that outlines the country's five-year plans and goals.
According to Yonhap News Agency, footage released by North Korean media showed Ju-ae, clad in a leather jacket similar to her father's, standing beside him at the center of the viewing stand. Ju-ae, believed to be in her early teens, has been widely seen as a potential successor as she has increasingly appeared alongside her father at major domestic events, drawing attention to whether she will take the North Korean leadership, which has been ruled by the Kim family for eight decades.
Earlier this month, South Korea's spy agency stepped up its assessment of Ju-ae's succession prospects, saying she may be positioned to succeed Kim as state leader, compared with its previous evaluation of her as the "most likely successor." Footage of the event captured several moments of Kim speaking with Ju-ae and pointing toward the parade. At one point, she was seen occupying the center of a staircase, while Kim climbed down the stairs at the side, holding the handrail.
The Rodong Simun, the North's main newspaper targeting the domestic audience, also published several photos of Kim and his daughter standing together as he encouraged the troops, further emphasizing her presence. The party congress had drawn attention over whether Ju-ae will receive a formal title at the party event. However, North Korean state media did not report any public appearances by her during the event until her attendance at the military parade.
Experts said Ju-ae's presence at the military parade and taking the central position at the viewing stand may be intended to highlight her status as a potential successor. Shin Jong-woo, secretary-general of the Korea Defense and Security Forum (KODEF), said the military parade was notably different from that of the past as Kim had previously entered Kim Il-sung Square from behind before taking his position on the viewing stand. "This time, Kim entered the square with Ju-ae and took his place at the viewing stand, while the troops and North Koreans were already assembled," he said. "This appears intended to highlight the image of a great leader and the hereditary succession."