North Korean ‌leader Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who is likely ​being prepared as his successor, accompanied her parents on her first public visit to the Kumsusan mausoleum to pay respects to former leaders, state media photos published on Friday (January 2, 2026) showed. Hong Min, an expert on North Korea ‌at the state-run Korea Institute for National Unification, said North Korea had been portraying an image of Mr. Kim’s “stable family” by ‍showing the wife and the daughter along with Mr. Kim on major events. Mr. Kim visits Kumsusan to honour his grandfather and state founder, Kim Il Sung, and father Kim Jong Il on key dates and anniversaries in a gesture affirming the dynastic heritage of the nuclear-armed country. North Korea has never confirmed Kim Ju Ae’s age. Mr. Hong ⁠said potential roles of Kim’s other children have left room for caution in drawing conclusions about Ms. Kim’s succession.

Source: The Hindu January 02, 2026 11:31 UTC