She’s Daddy’s little dictator.
According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), Kim Jong Un appears to be considering his enigmatic daughter, Kim Joo, who is thought to be around 13, as a potential successor.
This turn of events would certainly be unexpected in North Korea’s traditionally male-centric leadership. Still, experts caution that her youth doesn’t necessarily imply a more compassionate leadership style.
“Kim Jong Un would likely expect her to rule as he does,” noted Joseph Bermudez Jr., a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He mentioned that Ms. Joo could face immense pressure if she were to take over, and might, in fact, emulate her father’s approach.
The NIS believes that the girl is on a trajectory to become her father’s successor, as she’s been increasingly spotted at official engagements alongside him, despite the existence of an elder brother.
If this is accurate, it would mark a significant shake-up for the ruling Kim family, following Kim Jong Un’s ascent to power in 2011 after taking over from his father, Kim Jong Il.
From Secret Child to National Figure
For a long time, Kim Joo’s existence was shrouded in secrecy.
The public first caught a glimpse of her in November 2022 at a missile launch site, donning a white puffer jacket and holding her father’s hand while he inspected the massive Hwasong-17 rocket.
State media referred to her as “admired” and “my most beloved daughter,” but they never disclosed her name. Following a 2013 visit by American basketball player Dennis Rodman to Kim in Pyongyang, Western outlets believed her name to be Kim Ju-ae. Rodman even mentioned having held baby Joo-ae and talked to Kim’s wife.
Over the years, she has attended military parades, weapons tests, and official events, often positioned prominently next to military leaders. Experts suggest her visibility isn’t merely coincidence; it holds significant symbolism in the regime.
Bermudez indicated that her increasing presence at public events and favorable media portrayal indicate readiness for succession.
“However, being named a potential successor soon doesn’t guarantee stability,” he remarked. “She’ll require support from various internal security and military structures to wield influence effectively.”
If she chooses to emulate her father, she might initially tread a similar path, but there’s always the possibility of her making her own decisions later on.
Bermudez pointed out that Kim Jong Un underwent considerable transformation himself. After he inherited power, he adhered strictly to a succession plan laid out by his father before pivoting to a more aggressive approach, even executing his own uncle.
The NIS informed lawmakers in Seoul on Thursday that Kim Joo, daughter of Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol-ju, is nearing an official nomination as her father aims to extend the dynasty into a fourth generation.
Representative Lee Sung-kwon commented, “Kim Ju Ae has been vocal at various events, suggesting she’s asserting opinions on national policies. The NIS believes she’s on track to be named her father’s successor.”
The NIS’s assessment comes as North Korea is gearing up for its largest political conference later this month, where Kim is expected to outline his policy goals for the coming five years and fortify his authoritarian governance.
Breaking Tradition
The Kim dynasty has overseen North Korea since 1948, established by Kim Il Sung, then succeeded by his son Kim Jong Il, and later Kim Jong Un. The state’s propaganda places heavy emphasis on military power, male lineage, and the purity of the “Baekdu bloodline.”
A teenage girl’s ascension would disrupt decades of entrenched tradition.
Yet, analysts warn that North Korea’s ideology prioritizes bloodline over gender. As long as Joo possesses the revered Kim lineage, ruling is theoretically feasible even in a patriarchal context.
“It’s not entirely unusual given the country’s dominant male culture, but there are strong women in North Korea,” Bermudez explained.
“Kim Jong Un’s sister, for instance, holds a high-ranking political position and is involved in diplomatic ventures.”
“In Korean society, bloodline is crucial, often overshadowing gender.”
Some experts speculate that her rising profile is aimed at cementing loyalty among domestic elite and signaling that the fourth generation of the dynasty is underway.
Will Rules Change?
The pressing question many are contemplating is whether Joo will foster a more benevolent North Korea compared to her father.
History offers little assurance here. Although Kim was educated in Switzerland and had a keen interest in basketball and Western pop culture, he has overseen an era of nuclear growth, missile testing, and suppression of dissent.
If Joo were to assume leadership, Bermudez anticipates she would likely be shaped into a figurehead similar to her father, emphasizing military strength and the necessity of safeguarding the Kim dynasty.
“It’s hard to gauge what kind of leader she might turn out to be because had she never truly engaged with the Western world or been publicly accessible,” he mentioned.
Successor Gamble
Historically, Kim has shown a tendency to identify successors early, just as his father did with him.
Nevertheless, North Korea remains notoriously secretive. Kim is thought to be in his early 40s, and there isn’t visible evidence suggesting an imminent transition. He might have other children, including a possible son, though they remain undisclosed to the public.
The first child is reportedly a son born in 2010, but the family has never acknowledged him. The third child, possibly a daughter, was reportedly born in February 2017.
Speculation surrounds whether Joo’s emergence is a strategic maneuver aimed at reinforcing stability amidst international sanctions, economic strife, and closer ties with Russia and China.
Some analysts question whether she would assume a formalized role, given that party regulations typically necessitate members to be at least 18 years old.
Regardless, her carefully staged appearances—saluting generals, supporting missile launches, and walking with soldiers—strongly suggest a long-term strategy.
“In cultures like Korea, one can wield power early, influenced by familial connections. Proximity to leadership increases one’s status,” Bermudez concluded.
