In recent years, Kim Jong-un has often brought his eldest daughter, Kim Ju-ae, with him on trips abroad, leading to speculation that he intends to announce her position as his future successor. (AI-generated image)
[People News] Kim Ju-ae, who accompanied her father Kim Jong-un to Beijing, has not made any public appearances. She did not attend the military parade with him, nor have any media outlets reported on her whereabouts. So, where exactly is Kim Ju-ae? On September 12, the Chosun Ilbo cited an analysis from the South Korean National Intelligence Service, which suggested that to avoid exposure, Kim Ju-ae is likely staying at the North Korean embassy in China during her visit. Furthermore, regarding the possibility of Kim Jong-un having other disabled children, the National Intelligence Service considers it unlikely.
The Chosun Ilbo reported that on September 11, the South Korean National Intelligence Service stated, "Following North Korea's strengthening ties with Russia, it has begun to focus on improving relations with China and is attempting to pursue a joint North-China-Russia alliance. In the near future, North Korea is likely to take more aggressive actions based on the confidence gained from this visit to China."
As for the purpose of Kim Ju-ae's visit to China, the National Intelligence Service believes it is primarily aimed at crafting a narrative that supports her hereditary succession.
Since her arrival in Beijing on September 2, Kim Ju-ae has not made any public appearances. South Korean People Power Party member Kim Gi-hun analysed on September 4 for the Chosun Ilbo: "During Kim Ju-ae's visit to China, referencing the precedents set by Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il during their visits, she is likely visiting places that heirs must see, as well as locations of symbolic significance."
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) analysis suggests that during her visit to China, Kim Ju-ae primarily remained at the North Korean embassy, minimising her outings. When returning to North Korea, she took a special train ahead of schedule to avoid media attention. Despite this, Kim Jong-un has provided ample 'revolutionary narrative' to craft her image as a potential successor, which can be viewed as preliminary groundwork for a hereditary transfer of power.
In response to inquiries about 'whether there are other children besides Kim Ju-ae,' the NIS remarked: 'We do not find the claims that this child is disabled or studying abroad to be credible.' They further noted, 'If the child were studying abroad, any attempt to conceal their existence would likely lead to exposure, making it unlikely.'
There have been ongoing rumours that Kim Jong-un has an eldest son, but due to his short stature and overly pale and frail appearance, he has not been publicly acknowledged by his father.
For North Korean leaders, possessing a robust physique akin to that of the first leader, Kim Il-sung, appears to be a necessary trait. Many experts believe that Kim Jong-un has made efforts to gain weight to fit this image and achieve his current build.
Old photographs indicate that Kim Jong-un was quite thin in his youth. It is said that his father and aunt advised him that he needed to gain weight to establish authority.
In March 2023, the NIS reported in a parliamentary intelligence committee meeting that Kim Jong-un's first child is a son. The NIS stated: 'While there is no concrete physical evidence regarding the eldest being a son, we are fairly confident based on intelligence shared with external agencies, indicating that it is indeed a son.'
Previously, a shipment of toy guns was sent to Kim Jong-un's residence, suggesting that these toys were intended for a boy rather than a girl. However, these are merely hints and do not definitively prove that Kim Jong-un has a son.
The National Policy Research Institute further stated: 'The son has never been publicly revealed, and there is no additional information to support the claims regarding his mental and physical issues.'
Moreover, reports indicate that Kim Jong-un's legitimate children include only his eldest son and Kim Ju-ae, along with two other illegitimate children whose genders remain uncertain.
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