The actions of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speak volumes about him, as no one, big or small, can escape the death penalty. Family members or officials are executed using methods that suit his mood: an execution by anti-aircraft missile for the "offense" of sleeping during a military parade, or by flamethrower for being associated with his uncle, Jang Song-thaek, whom he also executed, along with his aunt's husband, his brother, and many others. In contrast to the image of a dictatorial leader, a softer image of a caring father has recently emerged, playing with his daughter who is nicknamed "the beloved child," "the noble child," "the respected child," or "the precious daughter," and no family in the "North Korean cocoon" is allowed to name their daughter Kim Joo-ae, as it is a name reserved for the leader's 10-year-old daughter.
South Korean intelligence "eyes" suggest that she might be being prepared as her father's potential heir, while those familiar with the history of nations doubt that a young girl can command an army of 1.2 million soldiers in a male-dominated country deeply rooted in patriarchal Confucianism. A third viewpoint asserts that nothing is impossible under the leader, and what he wants is as sacred as his daughter, who is directly descended from the founding father, Kim Il-sung. Kim Joo-ae first appeared publicly in November of last year alongside her father during his inspection of the Hwasong-17 missile, and she was present during the launch. Before that date, very little was known about the Kim family aside from what was permitted, except for the revelation of her name by former basketball star Dennis Rodman following a visit to what he describes as his "friend." Reports confirm that the leader's first child is a boy born in 2010, and the third child’s gender remains undisclosed, having been born in 2017. Some claim that the first child has special health issues or that he is studying under a pseudonym in another country. The identity of the leader's wife, Ri Sol-ju, remains murky; some say she was a singer in the famous North Korean orchestra "Unhasu" and later changed her name after marriage.
The name Kim Joo-ae gained traction following North Korea's release of eight new stamps commemorating its latest intercontinental ballistic missile test, five of which featured her image, alongside her repeated public appearances with her father at various events allowing North Koreans to recognize her closely. What image has been formed about her?
**Obesity Equals Wealth**
North Koreans describe Kim Joo-ae as "entirely different" from the children of "ordinary people," who do not receive three meals a day due to food shortages in the country. Recent South Korean experts indicate that North Korea will suffer a shortage of one million tons of grain this year, which represents about 20 percent of its annual needs. A citizen compares her to his own children: "She must eat well; her face is full and white like the moon, while my daughter’s facial bones are prominent from malnutrition." Kim Joo-ae leads a closed lifestyle; it is known that she does not attend regular school because she is homeschooled and enjoys horseback riding, swimming, and skiing.
Alongside her "round, rosy cheeks," citizens express discontent about how she is allowed to wear anything she likes, regardless of the price, whether from Dior or Chanel, whereas others in the country are punished for following "capitalist culture" by wearing modern clothes or letting their hair grow long. Women in North Korea must avoid wearing short skirts, provocative female stockings, or clothes adorned with English writings. Women donning such attire are considered lawbreakers and can be apprehended by police, facing financial penalties for their infractions.
**Aunt Yo Jong**
Influence of Kim's sister, Yo Jong, has grown following news about the leader's illness, taking on the position of "number two" in power last August, overseeing relations with South Korea and the United States, managing state affairs based on that mandate. Yo Jong is the youngest daughter of former leader Kim Jong-il from his third wife, the former dancer Ko Yong-hui. She began her political career with her father, serving in the government before being appointed deputy director of propaganda in 2014 under her brother's administration. Since their father's death, she has been a close confidante of the new leader Kim Jong-un, a relationship built on siblinghood and shared educational experiences in Switzerland. She largely grew up under strict training, celebrating ordinary birthdays without extravagance. For years, she has served as the director of propaganda for the Workers' Party and typically appears in official meetings alongside leader Kim, and it is believed she holds the same position now while also acting as his personal advisor. What has changed since the emergence of the "precious daughter" on the scene?
**Who Holds Leadership?**
Even though there are reports of dangers surrounding the leader's sister to make way for the favored daughter, especially since Kim has a history of eliminating his uncle, half-brother, and numerous family members, the Kim regime remains highly secretive, and no one can ascertain the true reason behind the sudden prominence of the royal lineage's daughter or what it signifies. Some critics suggest that Kim wants to make his daughter a shield for his son and hopes she will gain popularity among the public and military to assist her brother in executing policy once he assumes power. This explains her frequent appearances at military events, considering that the establishment of armed forces precedes the founding of the state. It is crucial to note that leading the army in crises is a matter of vital importance for the nation.
Kim's daughter has appeared multiple times in promotional videos and photos astride a white horse. In Kim's historical narrative, the white horse serves as a powerful symbol of the family’s sacred duty to lead North Korea towards a glorious future. It may also hint at the potential future dictator of North Korea. Ultimately, Kim Jong-un will decide his successor. He may choose a surprising option, or it may turn out his son does not even exist. In either case, he remains in his thirties and is not in a hurry to designate a successor, unless he is suffering from a terminal illness. Parallel to this, there are connections made to legislation issued months ago allowing for preemptive nuclear strikes if leadership is threatened. In the daughter’s emergence, it suggests that fatherhood and emotion are one side, while ensuring the country's stability is another. As for feminine issues in leadership, they are well known according to North Korean traditions: men for the army, and women to earn the necessary funds to support the family, alongside the sacrifices women in North Korea must make to earn the title of "Hero Mother and Resistance."
And indeed, the future is near.
