Recent events at North Korea's ruling party congress have sparked speculation about the country's future leadership, with many observers believing Kim Jong-un has selected his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, as his successor. However, experts are divided on whether the deeply patriarchal nature of North Korean society will allow a woman to assume the role of supreme leader.
Kim Ju-ae, referred to by state media as the leader's 'most beloved' child, has appeared alongside her father at dozens of official events, including a New Year's Day visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. This has led some analysts, such as Lee Sung-Yoon of the Sejong Institute, to conclude that Kim is grooming his teenage daughter as heir.
Yet others argue that North Korea's Neo-Confucian monarchy and the reluctance of ageing generals to swear loyalty to a young woman present significant barriers. Mitch Shin of The Diplomat suggests Kim may be using his daughter as a 'human shield' for a rumoured older son, shielding him from international scrutiny.
Shreyas Reddy of NK News describes Kim Ju-ae's prominence as more performative than political, aligning with a push to depict Kim as a father figure. The South Korean intelligence service has claimed Kim is close to naming her as future leader, but no official confirmation has been made.
