Kim Jong Un’s Sister Bows to His Daughter: Is North Korea Grooming a Future Leader?

It was observed that Kim Yo Jong, a Deputy Department Director and the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, displayed notable respect for her niece, Kim Ju Ae, the daughter of Kim Jong Un. Kim Ju Ae made her first public appearance in over 80 days at an official event.

Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim Jong Un attended a new tactical ballistic missile launcher handover ceremony in Pyongyang last Sunday.

The released footage shows that many party, government, and military officials attended the evening ceremony. Ju Ae, dressed in a formal outfit, made a striking entrance, appearing quite mature for her age.

As Ju Ae followed Kim Jong Un to the podium, Kim Yo Jong approached to guide her to her seat. With a smile, Kim Yo Jong slightly bowed and extended her arm in a gesture of courtesy while Ju Ae stood upright, observing her aunt.

It is rare to see Kim Yo Jong, the second most powerful figure in North Korea, show such respect to anyone at an event. Typically, Kim Yo Jong assists Kim Jong Un only on significant occasions. For instance, during the June North Korea-Russia summit, she supported him by handing him a pen and managing documents when he signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported last week that “North Korea is implying Ju Ae as a prime successor at this time and is conducting successor training.” They noted, “While being mindful of public reactions towards Ju Ae, they are adjusting the level of propaganda and the frequency of her public appearances while also balancing private activities.”