The Intentions and Implications of Kim Ju-ae's appearance in North Korean Media

Kyubum Kim

Research Fellow

gbkim826@sejong.org

The Sejong Institute

   Recently, Kim Ju-ae, Kim Jong-un's daughter, made headlines after her appearance in North Korean media. Starting with his observation on ICBM "Hwaseongpo-17" on November 18 last year, Kim Jong-un accompanied his daughter to major events such as the 75th anniversary of the founding North Korean People's Army, highlighted by North Korean media. Though there had been cases when the children of North Korean leaders attended public appearances, the activities of underage children have never been promoted to the current level. Therefore, Kim Jong-un's frequent introduction of his daughter is a very usual case, and it is highly regarded as an intentional purpose. This article analyzes the message intended by Kim Kong-un and points out the "Kim Ju-ae successor theory" that is currently being actively discussed.

   First of all, considering the place where Kim Ju-ae first appeared was the ICBM launch test site, it is estimated that the key message is closely related to nuclear and missile development. The Nov. 19 edition of the Rodong Shinmun featured Kim Ju-ae observing the launch of the "Hwaseongpo-17" and listening to her father's speech. In particular, a photograph of a father and a daughter walking against the ICBM was released to connect paternalism with the images of nuclear missiles. In response, many North Korean experts analyzed that Kim Ju-ae's appearance showed the development of nuclear missiles will guarantee the safety of future generations of North Korea.

   The political theory of the "Serious Declaration of the Worker's Party of Korea" published on the front page of the Rodong Shinmun the next day supports this view. The argument introduced one of the mother's statements that the success of the strategic weapon's development will ensure "our children to live under the clear blue sky without knowing war." Hence the paper stressed the source of Kim Jong-un's will to take the "first road to strengthen national power" lies in "The endless happiness of the people" and the "Bright smile of future generations." This proves the main intention of Kim Ju-ae's appearance is to justify the development of nuclear weapons and missiles.

   Another factor that drew attention to Kim Ju-ae's appearance was the friendly image between Kim Jong-un and Kim Ju-ae. The two walked hand in hand whenever they accompanied and Kim Ju-ae treated her father with no hesitation, whispering and stroking his face. In response, Kim Jong-un laughed and showed his affection between father and daughter, while North Korean media focused on these scenes. This is in the same context as the public-friendly acts that Kim Jong-en actively presents, and its intention to highlight their "Paektu Bloodline." In the past, the North Korean leadership saw highlighting the "country as an extension of the family" as effective in governing its people.

   Such production would be seen very differently from the perspective of North Koreans. Unlike Kim Il-sung and Kim Jung-il eras, North Koreans will be able to watch their leader's harmonious life as if the people of the monarchy watching their royal family, improving the attractiveness of their entire "Paektu Bloodline."

   Meanwhile, some argue that Kim Ju-ae has been appointed as the successor due to North Korea's continuous broadcast on her. These views are based on the fact that she is called "respected" and "beloved" and North Korea's unusual protocol and propaganda toward her. However, it seems difficult to affirm her as a successor. Though her modifier and treatment are special, it is unclear to determine such protocol was for herself or whether to emphasize the whole "Paektu Bloodline." From the analysis by multiple institutions, it is confirmed that Kim Jung-un has children other than Kim Ju-ae. The confirmation of what other children are called and their education, how the treatment differs from Kim Ju-ae and other children, and the reason for the daughter's appearance in North Korean media rather than his son must be done to analyze the successor of Kim Jong-un.

   The bigger reason why it is hard to conclude Kim Ju-ae is a successor is due to her young age. Of course, Kim Jong-un was selected as the successor by Kim Jong-il at the age of 8 but suffered as his appointment was announced too late. However, the early appointment of a successor is followed by political risks. First of all, It might be able to verify Kim Ju-ae's several abilities, but hard to confirm the talents required to rule a modern country. Moreover, appointing a successor brings major political changes, such as the dispersion of power and reorganization of the political structure. Therefore, historically, verification and appointment, and announcement of a successor have been carefully conducted over a long period. Even if, Kim Ju-ae is the most loved child, it would not be a reasonable choice for Kim Jong-un to appoint a successor without a definite verification process.

   At this point, it is important to read the intention and message of the appearance of Kim Ju-ae in North Korean media. Since the 2019 Hanoi Summit, the Kim Jong-un regime has been concentrating its nuclear development policy by legislating nuclear force and significant expansion of missile tests. From Kim Jong-un's point of view, a new justification and propaganda were required to alter the former position of denuclearization and to persuade North Koreans more broadly. In this process, choosing Kim Ju-ae to smoothen the message and be relatively free from the controversy over being appointed as successor compared to boys, seems to have been suitable as a messenger. Kim Ju-ae is expected to appear more frequently for the time being in both military and non-military fields where she should double the impression for "Paektu Bloodline" and focus on her father's policy line