Hong Min, an expert on North Korea at the state-run Korea Institute for National Unification, said North Korea had been portraying an image of Kim’s “stable family” by showing the wife and the daughter along with Kim at major events.
Kim Ju Ae, who is believed to have been born in the early 2010s, attended this year’s New Year celebrations, according to state media on Thursday. In September, she travelled to Beijing with her father on her first public overseas outing.
Kim visits Kumsusan to honour his grandfather and state founder, Kim Il Sung, and father Kim Jong Il on key dates and anniversaries in a gesture affirming the dynastic heritage of the nuclear-armed country.
North Korea has never confirmed Ju Ae’s age.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry spokesperson declined to comment on Ju Ae’s appearance. An official told reporters the government’s view is that it is too early to say she is a successor, given her age and that she does not hold an official position.
Hong said potential roles of Kim’s other children have left room for caution in drawing conclusions about Ju Ae’s succession.
“It’s practically impossible to publicly designate Kim Ju Ae, who is believed to have just turned 13, as the successor when she’s not even old enough to join the (Workers’) Party,” Hong said.
Source: CNA
