As Chinese President Xi Jinping returned home after a state visit to North Korea, it was found that Kim Jong-un's daughter, Ju Ae, did not appear during the events.
According to Yonhap News on the 9th, Ju Ae did not appear in the footage and photos reported that day by Korean Central Television, China Central Television (CCTV), and Xinhua News Agency.
Kim, the Chairperson, and his wife, Ri Sol-ju, accompanied Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, for most of the schedule except the summit, from their arrival in Pyongyang the previous day until their departure for Beijing that afternoon.
The couples of Chairperson Kim and President Xi attended together on the first day the welcome events held at the airport and Kim Il Sung Square, as well as the commemorative banquet and performance. On the second day, they also attended together the visit to the Korea–China (North–China) Friendship Tower, the luncheon, and the airport send-off ceremony.
As with Xi's first state visit to North Korea in Jun. 2019, the couple-accompanied protocol at the highest level is seen as emphasizing the close relationship between the two countries.
Ahead of Xi's visit this time, whether Ju Ae would appear drew attention. If she did, it could be interpreted as North Korea sending a signal about a plan for succession.
Since first appearing at the scene of the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launch in Nov. 2022, Ju Ae has built her presence by accompanying the Chairperson, Kim, dozens of times at political events.
In particular, when she accompanied the Chairperson, Kim, on his Beijing visit last September to mark the 80th anniversary of China's Victory Day, it added weight to the view that Ju Ae had been "designated as successor."
However, with Ju Ae not appearing during Xi's visit schedule this time, some say it is still early for her to become the official successor.
Some also suggest China may have felt burdened by Ju Ae accompanying the schedule. Meeting Ju Ae in an official setting could be interpreted as Xi recognizing North Korea's fourth-generation hereditary succession.