Is Kim Jong-un grooming his daughter to lead North Korea?

North Korea has long been one of the most secretive nations in the world, ruled by a single family since its founding in 1948.

This week, that dynastic tradition appeared to take another step forward when North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrived in Beijing accompanied by his young daughter, widely believed to be named Kim Ju-ae.

The trip, which included attendance at China’s largest military parade in decades, is being analysed not only because of Kim’s rare visit itself but also because of what it may reveal about the future leadership of the nuclear-armed state.

Ju-ae’s appearance alongside her father in another country for the first time comes at a moment when China is showcasing its growing military strength and deepening ties with North Korea and Russia.

While Pyongyang has historically kept details about Kim’s children under strict secrecy, the decision to include her on this highly visible visit brings into question whether she is being readied to eventually take control of the regime.

Why Kim Jong-un’s visit to Beijing is historic

Kim Jong-un departed Pyongyang on Monday aboard his heavily fortified green train, a mode of transportation closely associated with the Kim family.

The journey to Beijing was slow but secure, as the train is reinforced with advanced security features and heavily guarded along the route.

Reports indicate that the train has around 90 carriages, which include conference rooms, audience chambers, bedrooms, and even a restaurant serving French wines and high-end cuisine such as fresh lobster.

Crossing the border into China on Tuesday, Kim’s arrival was marked by a formal reception at Beijing Railway Station. As he stepped onto the red carpet, senior Chinese officials greeted him with handshakes before escorting him to the next stage of the visit.

Walking closely behind Kim was Ju-ae, dressed formally in black attire with her hair neatly tied in a bow. Her presence was immediately noticed by observers, as it was her first time appearing outside of North Korea.

The highlight of the trip was the “Victory Day” parade, staged by Chinese President Xi Jinping to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.

This year’s parade was particularly significant, with Chinese leadership seeking to demonstrate the country’s military advancements and political influence. The 70-minute event featured massive formations of troops, hundreds of aircraft, tanks, and new anti-drone systems, reflecting China’s evolving defence capabilities.

The parade also served as a rare gathering of leaders from nations with strained relations with the West. Among those present were Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, and leaders from Iran, Cuba, and several Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

European representation was minimal, limited to Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, while Bulgaria and Hungary sent lower-level delegations.

This was the first time in decades that a North Korean leader attended a Chinese military parade. The last such instance dates back to 1959, when Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea and Ju-ae’s great-grandfather, was present in Beijing.

In contrast, during the previous major Chinese parade in 2015, North Korea sent only a senior official, Choe Ryong Hae. Kim Jong-un’s personal attendance this year signalled a strengthening relationship between Pyongyang and Beijing amid heightened global tensions.

What Ju-ae’s symbolic debut tells us

For Ju-ae, the Beijing visit marked a pivotal moment. Although she has appeared frequently alongside her father at domestic events since late 2022, this was her first venture beyond North Korea’s borders.

Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership expert at the US-based Stimson Center, highlighted the importance of her participation.

“Right now, Ju-ae is the front runner as next supreme leader of North Korea,” Madden told Reuters. “She is getting practical protocol experience which should serve her well as North Korea’s next leader or a core elite.”

He pointed out that Ju-ae was gaining valuable firsthand exposure by meeting foreign dignitaries and observing international diplomatic proceedings, something Kim Jong-un himself never experienced during his preparation to lead the country.

Madden noted that neither Kim nor his influential aunt accompanied Kim Jong-il, the previous leader, on trips outside the country, making Ju-ae’s presence even more unprecedented.

During the parade itself, held in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, Ju-ae did not walk the red carpet alongside her father, who appeared alone before joining other heads of state.

However, the symbolic significance of her journey to China was not diminished by her absence from that specific moment.

Rachel Minyoung Lee, another researcher at the Stimson Center, observed that Ju-ae’s increasing public appearances have shifted beyond strictly military functions to include political and economic events.

“The scope of her public appearances certainly has expanded from military-related sites to political and economic events over the years,” Lee told Reuters.

“If this is part of a succession campaign, this would certainly help with that effort as it would be seen as Kim Ju-ae’s debut on the international stage.”

What we know about the Kim family’s line of succession

North Korea has been ruled exclusively by the Kim family since its establishment after World War II. Kim Il-sung, who founded the state in 1948, was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong-il, following his death in 1994.

Kim Jong-un assumed power 17 years later when Kim Jong-il passed away in 2011. The hereditary nature of this succession has made leadership transitions closely watched global events.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has stated that Ju-ae is currently considered the most likely successor among Kim’s three known children. The intelligence agency has estimated her age to be between 10 and 13 years old.

Ju-ae’s existence was first revealed in 2013 when former NBA star Dennis Rodman visited Pyongyang and met Kim Jong-un’s family. After returning, Rodman told The Guardian, “I held their baby Ju-ae and spoke with (Kim’s wife) as well.”

For years, no additional details were released. That changed dramatically in November 2022 when Ju-ae appeared alongside her father at the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

The event confirmed her identity to the world and signalled her potential importance within the regime. Her subsequent appearances have steadily grown in prominence.

How Kim Jong-un is grooming Ju-ae

Kim Jong-un’s strategy for integrating Ju-ae into leadership circles mirrors his own early grooming. When preparing to succeed his father, Kim focused on cultivating control over the military, the most critical institution in North Korea.

Analysts believe he is now doing the same with his daughter by involving her directly in military-related events and ceremonies.

Since her debut, Ju-ae has attended missile launches, naval ceremonies, and parades, often positioned prominently alongside her father. This includes her presence at the unveiling of the Kang Kon, one of the North Korean navy’s newly built destroyers.

By appearing at these events, she not only learns how the regime manages its armed forces but also provides senior military leaders with opportunities to demonstrate loyalty to her personally.

Three months after her first public appearance, she participated in a military parade, walking with both her parents as top-ranking officers followed closely behind. Such moments are carefully choreographed to signal unity and hierarchy within the regime.

Kim’s decision to introduce his daughter to key figures in the weapons program also underlines the centrality of the country’s nuclear arsenal to the family’s rule.

By showcasing Ju-ae at sites tied to nuclear development, he reinforces the message that the continuation of the Kim dynasty is inseparable from the preservation of North Korea’s strategic weapons.

How Ju-ae is transforming into a leader herself

Observers have noted how Ju-ae’s public image has evolved rapidly over the past two years. When she first appeared in 2022, she wore a simple white padded jacket, similar to those worn by other children of the country’s elite.

Over time, her style has become increasingly formal and authoritative. Today, she is often seen wearing tailored leather coats with fur collars or sleek two-piece designer suits, projecting an image of maturity and command.

This shift extends beyond clothing. Analysts have remarked on changes in her body language and demeanour, suggesting deliberate preparation for a leadership role.

Even small gestures, such as her clapping during public ceremonies, now appear carefully practised and more deliberate than during her initial appearances.

Her mother, Ri Sol-ju, has gradually retreated from public life in recent months, and Ju-ae seems to have adopted elements of her mother’s refined fashion sense.

What alternative theories about Ju-ae’s role say

Despite the mounting evidence pointing toward Ju-ae’s role as a potential heir, not all experts are convinced that she is being groomed to lead. Some analysts argue that her appearances may serve a different purpose entirely.

Jenny Town, senior fellow at the Stimson Center and director of its Korea Program, suggested in a 2024 interview with CNN that Ju-ae’s visibility could be part of a broader strategy to shape Kim Jong-un’s image.

She explained that featuring his daughter prominently could help Kim project himself as a caring father and relatable figure to the public, especially given North Korea’s strict control of state narratives.

Because Dennis Rodman had already disclosed Ju-ae’s existence years earlier, she was a natural choice for this role. In contrast, Kim’s other two children remain completely unknown to the outside world, allowing them to stay out of public scrutiny while still being potential future leaders.

This theory posits that Ju-ae’s prominence does not necessarily guarantee her ascension to supreme leader.

Why Beijing’s parade this year matters

The timing and setting of Ju-ae’s international debut added further weight to her appearance. China’s Victory Day parade was not only a display of historical remembrance but also a showcase of geopolitical alliances and military strength.

Chinese President Xi Jinping used the event to highlight China’s rising status as a global power, particularly at a time when relations with the United States are strained.

US President Donald Trump’s ongoing tariff policies have disrupted global trade, and China has sought to position itself as a reliable economic and diplomatic partner to counterbalance Washington.

Russia’s participation put a spotlight on Beijing’s growing closeness with Moscow. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, North Korea has supplied both weapons and troops to support Russian forces.

While Western governments have accused China of indirectly aiding Russia through purchases of oil and dual-use materials, Beijing has denied these allegations.

At the parade, Putin referred to Xi as a “dear friend,” while Chinese state media described their relationship as exemplary.

For Kim Jong-un, standing alongside Xi and Putin reinforced North Korea’s position within this bloc of nations opposing Western influence.

With inputs from agencies