Kim Jong Un's Daughter Ju Ae Steps into Public Spotlight as He Prepares for Ruling Party Congress

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's daughter, Ju Ae, has taken her first public visit to the state mausoleum, the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, alongside her parents. This move has sparked speculation about her potential role as the country's future leader, especially given her increasing prominence in state media over the past three years. The 13-year-old, who has been making high-profile appearances since 2020, accompanied her parents on the visit to pay respects to her grandfather and state founder, Kim Il Sung, and her father, Kim Jong Il. This gesture is seen as a calculated move by her father ahead of the upcoming ruling party Congress, where her succession might be formalised. Experts believe that North Korea is portraying an image of Kim's 'stable family' by showcasing his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and daughter, Ju Ae, alongside him on major events. While the country has never confirmed Ju Ae's age, her recent appearances, including attending the New Year's celebrations and traveling to Beijing with her father, have fueled speculation about her potential role. However, some experts caution against drawing conclusions about her succession, citing her age and lack of an official position. 'It's practically impossible to publicly designate Kim Ju Ae as the successor when she's not even old enough to join the (Workers') Party,' said Hong Min, an expert on North Korea at the Korea Institute for National Unification. The South Korean government has also declined to comment on Ju Ae's appearance, citing that it's too early to say she is a successor given her age and lack of official position. As Kim Jong Un prepares for the ruling party Congress, the world is watching closely to see how his daughter's role will unfold.