Kim Jong Un’s daughter, believed to be Kim Ju Ae, has made her first public appearance outside North Korea, accompanying her father during a visit to Beijing.
The North Korean leader arrived by armored train on Tuesday, where Chinese officials greeted him and led him down a red carpet.
Observers noticed the young girl walking behind him, dressed formally and smiling.
This marks one of the first significant appearances of Kim Ju Ae outside North Korea.
Previously, she had been seen only at military-related events, which fueled speculation about her possible future role in the North Korean leadership.
Analysts note that her presence at a parade showcasing China’s military forces, alongside leaders like Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, could signal her introduction to international diplomacy at an early age.
The exact age of Kim Ju Ae is uncertain, though she is estimated to be in her preteen or early teen years. Her existence was first publicly confirmed in 2022, after years of speculation.
American basketball player Dennis Rodman previously revealed in 2013 that Kim had a daughter, saying he had held her during a visit to Pyongyang.
Since her introduction, Kim Ju Ae has appeared at several key events, including the 2022 ICBM launch and a military parade in 2023.
Experts suggest that these appearances demonstrate the strong connection between the Kim family and North Korea’s military power, reinforcing the idea of a hereditary dictatorship.
There is debate among analysts about whether Kim Ju Ae is being groomed as a potential successor.
Some point to the positive attention she receives in state media and her early exposure to military and political events as indicators of special status.
Others believe her appearance may be more symbolic, designed to cultivate an image of Kim Jong Un as a devoted father and leader, rather than indicating plans for succession.
Experts also note that while her older brothers remain largely out of the public eye, Kim Ju Ae’s visibility could limit her ability to study abroad or live privately, making her life closely tied to North Korea’s political and military sphere from a young age.