In a highly symbolic gesture to mark the start of 2026, North Korean state media (KCNA) released photographs on Friday showing Kim Ju Ae visiting the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang. This marks her first public visit to the mausoleum where the embalmed bodies of her grandfather, Kim Il Sung, and father, Kim Jong Il, are enshrined.
Standing directly between her father and her mother, Ri Sol Ju, Ju Ae’s prominent placement in the main hall of the “eternal leaders” is being viewed by international observers as a significant step in her transition from “beloved child” to potential heir apparent.
Key Developments in Ju Ae’s “Grooming”
The visit follows a year of unprecedented public activity for the young Kim, suggesting a rapid acceleration in her public profile:
- Central Positioning: During the January 1 visit, Ju Ae was positioned in the center of the procession, a spot typically reserved for the supreme leader. Analysts suggest Kim Jong Un “yielded” this position to her to signify her status within the “Paektu bloodline.”
- First Overseas Outing: In September 2025, Ju Ae made her international debut by traveling to Beijing with her father. She attended a military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in WWII, standing alongside her father as he met with world leaders.
- The “Hyangdo” Title: State media has increasingly used the term “hyangdo” (Great Person of Guidance) to describe her—a prestigious title previously reserved only for top leaders and designated successors.
Expert Analysis: Preparing for the Party Congress
Cheong Seong-chang, vice president at the Sejong Institute, characterized the mausoleum visit as a “calculated move” ahead of an upcoming Ruling Party Congress. There is growing speculation that her role as successor could be formalized during this high-level political gathering.
“North Korea is portraying an image of Kim’s ‘stable family’ to underpin the country’s dynastic leadership,” said Hong Min, an expert at the Korea Institute for National Unification.
However, Hong also noted that while the signals are strong, Ju Ae’s young age (believed to be 13) and the fact that she is not yet old enough to join the Workers’ Party mean a formal designation may still be some years away.
South Korea’s Cautious Stance
The South Korean Unification Ministry remains cautious. While the National Intelligence Service (NIS) noted in late 2025 that she appears to be the “most likely” successor, official government spokespeople stated on Friday that it is “too early” to confirm a transition, citing her lack of an official government position and the potential existence of other Kim siblings.