Kim Jong Un’s 10-Year-Old Daughter Takes on Crucial Role in North Korea

A year ago, a young girl, dressed in a puffy white winter coat, walked hand in hand with her father past a powerful weapon capable of destroying an American city. This event marked a turning point for North Korea’s propaganda machinery and showcased the key role of Kim Jong Un’s 10-year-old daughter in the country.

The debut of Kim’s daughter took place during the test of an intercontinental ballistic missile designed to carry a nuclear warhead to the US mainland. This was a significant departure from tradition, as no other North Korean leader had ever shown their children to the public at such a young age. The girl, whose actual name is still unknown but believed to be Ju Ae, has been referred to as the “respected daughter” and “beloved child” by state media.

The primary purpose of showcasing Kim’s daughter in state propaganda is to demonstrate that there is a new generation ready to continue the family dynasty established during the Cold War. It also aims to emphasize the country’s reliance on nuclear weapons for its survival. By humanizing Kim as a father, the regime hopes to convey a message to North Korean parents that supporting the country’s arms program means protecting their children from a potential US invasion and safeguarding the “unique” socialist state created by the Kim family.

However, this attempt to soften Kim’s image may face challenges. The North Korean people continue to suffer from famine and live under oppressive conditions, regardless of the country’s missile capabilities. Unless Kim takes significant steps to improve their living conditions and grant them true freedom, their perception of him is unlikely to fundamentally change.

Nevertheless, North Korea has persistently used Kim’s daughter for political purposes. Over the past year, she has made 16 public appearances, with 13 of them related to the military. Her most significant moment came in February when she joined her parents at a banquet honoring the military and was prominently featured in a photo with powerful members of the armed forces. She also participated in a military parade where North Korea showcased its missiles capable of delivering nuclear strikes.

The display of weapons alongside the presence of Kim’s daughter sends a clear message to the world that North Korea will not be willing to negotiate away its nuclear arsenal anytime soon. The personal touch of the daughter brushing her father’s cheeks further emphasized the importance of the regime. This moment was captured by state media and broadcast nationwide.

Since then, Kim’s daughter has become a regular presence at weapon tests, accompanied her father to the country’s new space agency, and watched soccer matches with him. Speculation has arisen regarding her potential succession as leader, but given her young age and the secretive nature of the leadership, it is too early to determine if she has been chosen as the successor. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service believes that there is an older brother yet to be publicly revealed, and according to North Korea’s patriarchal practices, he would be the preferred choice.

While it is highly unlikely that Kim would install his elementary school-aged daughter in a government role at this stage, her prominent role in state propaganda is expected to continue. North Korea has issued stamps featuring photos from her public debut at the ICBM launch, and they will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the launch with the country’s first-ever Day of Missile Industry to showcase their strength as a world-class nuclear power.

(Note: This news article has been rewritten and is based on a syndicated feed. The headline has not been edited by NDTV staff.)