North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un keeps his family a big secret. But now he shows himself surprisingly with his eldest daughter. The appearance could be a signal.
North Korea’s ruler Kim Jong Un has appeared in public with his daughter for the first time, confirming long-circulating reports of her existence. The girl, believed to be Kim Chu-ae, accompanied him on Friday inspecting the country’s largest ICBM launch.
North Korea’s state-run news agency KCNA released several photos showing the two holding hands while chatting, talking to officials, inspecting missiles and watching the launch from an observation deck.
Michael Madden, North Korea expert at the Stimson Center in Washington, called Chu-ae’s public appearance on the BBC significant. Kim, the third-generation leader of North Korea, is showing his country’s elites that he still has a firm grip on power, Madden said. He said this could be Kim’s way of showing “that the fourth generation of succession to power will be through my [blood] line.” Chu-ae is believed to be between 12 and 13 years old. This would mean that she would be preparing for college or military service in about four to five years.
Back in September, North Korea experts reported that Chu-ae could be seen in a video at the country’s National Day celebrations. However, the North Korean leadership did not confirm that it was actually the leader’s daughter.
The daughter’s existence was first mentioned in 2013 after retired American basketball star Dennis Rodman made a controversial trip to North Korea. Rodman afterwards reported spending time with Mr Kim’s family, relaxing by the sea and “holding her baby Chu-ae”.
Experts believe Kim has up to three children – two girls and a boy, with Chu-ae being the eldest child. The head of state only allows little information about his family – the existence and identity of his wife Ri Sol-ju was also kept secret for a long time.