Kim Jong Un's daughter makes public visit that could boost heir prospects

Reportedly Kim Ju Ae, about 13, visited the Kumsusan Palace on New Year's Day and state media published images of her bowing with her parents; experts say this bolsters her status as a potential heir.

The teenage daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on New Year's Day, and North Korean state media published images of her standing with her parents and bowing. The girl is reportedly named Kim Ju Ae and is about 13 years old. The appearance follows several prior public outings since 2022 and comes ahead of a planned Workers' Party congress. Reported details: - The visit took place on New Year's Day and images showed her in the front row bowing at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. - The palace contains the embalmed bodies of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and is described as a site that symbolizes the regime's legitimacy. - The girl is reported to be Kim Ju Ae and about 13 years old in state media coverage. - Some analysts, including Cheong Seong-Chang of the Sejong Institute, described the visit as politically orchestrated and said it could raise her standing as a possible successor. - South Korea's National Intelligence Service has said the party congress will likely occur in January or February and in earlier briefings viewed her as a likely heir and reported no major health problems. Summary: The public appearance reinforces recognition of Kim Ju Ae in state media and has prompted expert commentary that it could bolster her status as a potential heir ahead of the upcoming Workers' Party congress. Analysts differ on whether she would be given a high-level post now, and the exact timing and outcomes of the congress are undetermined at this time.