RFA Views — North Korea’s Kim Jong-un lately visited Beijing along with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae. South Korea’s intelligence company suggests she could also be entering into the “successor highlight.”
Many anticipated Kim Ju Ae to look at Beijing’s iconic websites, much like how Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko’s son, Nikolai, appeared at China’s Tiananmen navy parade 10 years in the past.
However that didn’t occur.
Throughout Kim Jong-un’s 54-hour keep, Kim Ju Ae was by no means seen at official occasions.
In keeping with the South Korean spy company, she primarily stayed on the North Korean embassy, avoiding public publicity.
Nonetheless, the company believes Kim Ju Ae is a probable future chief.
Her go to to China is seen as a part of signaling her succession, and he or she is assumed to have gained sufficient “revolutionary fame” to strengthen her place.
At simply 12 years outdated, her official succession function should still be seven to eight years away.
One professional famous that in North Korea’s closed, male-dominated society, a feminine chief would face distinctive challenges — however in the end, bloodline issues extra.
In the meantime, Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, was noticed at a luncheon reception, asserting her presence and demonstrating her continued prominence.
“I’ve at all times believed since we heard information in regards to the daughter of Kim Jong-un, that being a member of this household with the Paektu lineage can be extra essential than the gender,” Jean H. Lee, a North Korea professional and Presidential Chair of the East-West Middle.
“And equally, in case you have a look at monarchies of the previous in a really. I believe male-dominated eras, international locations that being a member of that household, whether or not you’re male or feminine, have been extra essential.”
