Why Are North Korean Residents Dissatisfied with Kim Ju-ae's 'Idolization'?

"Ten-Year-Old Daughter Presented as a Special Figure"
"Kim Juae Emerges, Kim Jong Un's New Governing Style"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] The appearance of Kim Ju-ae, daughter of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un, has reportedly become a hot topic even within North Korea. In particular, following the 75th anniversary military parade commemorating the founding of the Korean People's Army (Army Foundation Day), movements seemingly idolizing Kim Ju-ae have been detected, and it is known that there is significant dissatisfaction and concern among North Korean residents.

On the 13th (local time), Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported that concerns are being raised among North Korean residents about the sudden increase in Kim Ju-ae's presence. According to RFA, a resident source from Yanggang Province said, "The surprise and positive interest in the sudden public reveal of the daughter are turning into criticism and concern," adding, "There are quite a few residents worried about the excessive promotion of a young child after the military parade event."

The source claimed, "Kim Jong-un, who promoted his younger sister (Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Workers' Party) to a candidate member of the Party Political Bureau before she turned thirty, is now bringing his daughter, who is just over ten years old, to major events and promoting her as a special figure," adding, "This is something neither Kim Il-sung nor Kim Jong-il ever did."

On the 9th, Chosun Central TV broadcast a recorded coverage of the 75th anniversary military parade commemorating the founding day of the Korean People's Army (Army Foundation Day) held the previous night. The photo shows the main event of the parade where daughter Kim Ju-ae touches the face of her father, Chairman Kim Jong-un, who looks pleased. [Image source=Yonhap News]

A resident source from North Hamgyong Province said, "When Kim Jong-un's daughter first appeared, many people showed interest in her appearance and clothing and evaluated her positively," but added, "Currently, the residents' reactions are not very favorable." He said, "My daughter, who is 14 years old this year, looked at the television screens and newspaper photos featuring Kim Ju-ae and pouted, saying that if she were the daughter of an ordinary worker, would she receive such special treatment?"

On the 8th, Kim Ju-ae's unprecedented actions at the North Korean Army Foundation Day military parade attracted international attention. At the parade, Kim Ju-ae held Chairman Kim's hand and walked on the red carpet while receiving a military review, receiving exceptional treatment. She also showed uninhibited behavior, such as touching Chairman Kim's face as he stood on the podium.

Meanwhile, North Korea recently unveiled a new postage stamp design featuring a photo of Kim Ju-ae. There have also been claims that North Korean residents sharing the same name as Kim Ju-ae are being forced to change their names.

Experts' interpretations of Kim Ju-ae vary. While some analyze that she has effectively been designated as the successor, there is also an interpretation that this is intended to reassure Ri Sol-ju, the wife, who is concerned about the influence of Deputy Director Kim Yo-jong. Since it is presumed that Chairman Kim has a son, some analyses suggest it is premature to conclude that Kim Ju-ae has been designated as the successor.

Professor Kim Dong-yeop of the University of North Korean Studies pointed out regarding Kim Ju-ae's appearance, "Some North Korean residents may feel discontent, but it cannot be concluded that this reflects the overall atmosphere in North Korea."

He continued, "(Kim Ju-ae's appearance) is a new governing method and style by Kim Jong-un to show a familial and pro-social image," adding, "Although there is analysis that Kim Ju-ae is the successor, designating a successor could jeopardize Chairman Kim's own power and fuel health-related rumors, so it is not a reasonable move."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.