Kim Jong Un, the Chairperson of the State Affairs Commission, visited China with his daughter Ju Ae. This is the first time Kim has taken his daughter on an overseas trip.
A photo published by the Korean Central News Agency on the 2nd shows Ju Ae standing behind Kim, who is being greeted by Chinese officials. While his wife, Ri Sol Ju, has accompanied him on three trips to China, this is the first time Ju Ae has been seen. Ju Ae, who first appeared publicly in 2022, has gradually expanded her activities into the realms of people's livelihoods and security, thereby increasing her political stature.
The visit by Kim and his daughter to China could be interpreted as a declaration that Ju Ae is the next leader in front of the international community. When Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un were named presumptive successors, they also visited China together in a kind of 'inauguration ceremony.'
With the emergence of Ju Ae, who is highly regarded as a potential successor, the frequency of public appearances by First Lady Ri Sol Ju has gradually decreased. Since the New Year's Day grand performance on Jan. 1, 2024, Ri has vanished from public view, and only Ju Ae's activities have been highlighted.
During a completion ceremony for the Wonsan-Galma coastal tourist area in June, mother Ri made an appearance after a year and a half, but she was seen standing a step behind Kim and Ju Ae, further showcasing Ju Ae's elevated status as a successor.
Kim Yo Jong, the Deputy Director of the Labor Party and sister of Kim, also guided her niece Ju Ae, bending at the waist in a courteous manner during a ceremony for the transfer of a new tactical ballistic missile weapon system last August. Ju Ae attended a commemorative event held by the Russian Embassy in North Korea in May to mark the 80th anniversary of Russia's Victory Day, making her debut on the diplomatic stage instead of Ri.
The fact that Ju Ae has effectively been taking on the role of 'first lady' and is being recognized as the next successor means her participation in multilateral diplomatic events with Kim should not be viewed merely as attending diplomatic functions, but rather as a type of succession announcement.
However, some perspectives suggest that because North Korea has not officially announced a successor, Ju Ae's trip to China is merely a continuation of utilizing her as a symbol of 'future generations,' rather than an indication of her official succession.