‘Kim Ju Ae’s prominent appearances may indicate early succession’
Unification Minister Kim Yeong-ho spoke at a press conference in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, on December 6. ⓒ Newsis
On December 6, Unification Minister Kim Yeong Ho stated, “North Korea’s continued emphasis on Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju Ae, may indicate a rushed succession plan amidst difficulties.”
Minister Kim noted at a press conference in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, “There have been continuous signs that North Korean authorities are facing multiple difficulties this year. The withdrawal from diplomatic posts overseas indicates North Korean diplomacy’s challenges and financial limitations.”
He added, “Despite propaganda, the food shortage continues due to the expected insufficient crop yield and the government’s control over grain distribution. Particularly, the number of defectors has increased to around 180, which we believe is influenced by factors beyond COVID-19, including cultural influences.”
Furthermore, he explained, “North Korea has been escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula through actions such as the so-called ‘military reconnaissance satellite’ launch and the rearmament of the Panmunjom and guard posts (GP). This seems to be an attempt to shift internal difficulties outward.”
In response, Minister Kim repeatedly urged North Korea to take the path of dialogue. He stressed, “North Korea should shift its policy direction to focus on improving people’s livelihoods rather than strengthening military power as stated in their plenary meeting. This is the only way to realize the ‘people-first ideology,’ which Kim Jong Un himself has mentioned. They must face the reality that it’s impossible to catch both the rabbit of military and economy and make a bold decision for the economy and people’s livelihood.”
He also advised, “We should not make the mistake of continuously severing dialogue and cooperation between North and South. North Korea should wisely judge for itself what truly benefits its future and what is for the livelihood of its people, as it has recently stated in its discourse about ‘dialogue and confrontation.'”
He added, “I express regret that North Korea continues to make unjust claims about our government’s self-defensive measures and continues military provocations. I urge them to stop further tension-building activities.”
A high-ranking official from the Ministry of Unification said that the repeated exposure of Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, cannot rule out the possibility of succession. The official stated, “It could be seen as an early appearance in the process of succession.”
The official cited several reasons for this assessment: Kim Ju Ae appeared 19 times publicly, 16 of which involved military activities; military commanders saluted her during her November 30 visit to the Air Force Command; she occupied the central seat during the 9.9 parades; Park Jeong Cheon, the party’s military policy director, knelt to converse with her; she saluted the Russian and Chinese delegations at the parade; and she wore matching outfits with Kim Jong Un at the aviation festival.
He also emphasized, “The slogan shouted by the soldiers when Kim Ju Ae visited the military command was ‘Defend the Mount Paektu bloodline.’ Looking at these things, we cannot rule out the possibility of Kim Ju Ae as a successor.”
Additionally, the official noted that North Korea established the first secretary position, the next position after the party general secretary held by Kim Jong Un at the 8th Party Congress in 2021.
A senior official noted the challenges in proposing the first secretary position while Kim Jong Un is still in power. They mentioned that Kim Jong Un himself had proposed the creation of the first secretary role as a systematic approach to power succession. While this position remains vacant, recent developments appear to be taking Kim Ju Ae into consideration for the role.
Most Commented