Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended a concert marking International Women's Day with his wife, Ri Sol-ju, and his daughter Ju-ae, celebrating the role of women in the nation's development, state media reported.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim attended the event at Pyongyang Indoor Stadium alongside female party and government officials, workers, and members of foreign missions. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that while the state media did not disclose the daughter's name, she is widely believed to be groomed as a future leader, often referred to as Kim's "beloved daughter."
Images released by the state media depicted Ju-ae seated between her parents, with Kim affectionately holding her hand during the performance. The concert was part of North Korea's observance of International Women's Day, which is celebrated as a national holiday to foster national unity, despite widespread concerns about women's rights in the country.
In his speech at the concert, Kim expressed gratitude to Korean women for their significant contributions, calling them "the strong pillars of the revolution." He emphasized the importance of women in continuing the traditions of patriotism, stating that their roles are crucial for a stronger and more prosperous society.
Kim further highlighted the irreplaceable roles and responsibilities of women in the development of North Korea's socialism, asserting that they will be instrumental in bringing prosperity and power to the country.
The event also featured prominent female figures, such as Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, Kim's sister Kim Yo-jong, and renowned news anchor Ri Chun-hee. This occasion marked Kim's first speech at an International Women's Day event and his first attendance at a celebratory concert for the occasion with his family.
Yoon Min-ho, spokesperson for South Korea's unification ministry, suggested that this rare appearance might have been orchestrated to project an image of a socialist society as a unified family.