Is North Korea's Succession Solidifying? Kim Ju-ae Inspects 'Chicken Factory' with Kim Jong-un

Communication, Kim Juae's 'Respected Son'

The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 8th that Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the National Defense Commission, conducted an on-site inspection of the Kwangcheon Chicken Factory in Hwangju County, Hwanghaebuk Province on the 7th. His daughter Kim Ju Ae also accompanied him on the visit.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un was seen visiting a newly constructed chicken factory with his daughter Kim Ju-ae, ordering an increase in production. The atmosphere is solidifying the speculation that Kim Ju-ae is the North Korean successor.

On the 8th, the Korean Central News Agency reported that Chairman Kim inspected the Kwangcheon Chicken Factory in Hwangju County, North Hwanghae Province on the 7th. Kim Ju-ae, who has recently accompanied mainly on military schedules, was also present. In addition, Premier Kim Tok-hun, Deputy Director of the Party Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Party Propaganda and Agitation Department Hyon Song-wol, and Party Secretaries Ri Il-hwan, Jon Hyun-chol, and Oh Su-yong were present.

Chairman Kim said that this factory is "a proud example of the era that the Party desires and demands, and a goal that all units aiming for modernization must reach," adding, "The Party plans to establish another factory like the Kwangcheon Chicken Factory in Pyongyang within this year."

He continued, "Seeing meat and eggs pouring out from the modernized production process is truly gratifying," and ordered, "By continuously enhancing production capacity, more meat and eggs must reach the people."

The photos released that day captured Chairman Kim and Kim Ju-ae smiling while holding chicken meat and eggs. The news agency referred to Kim Ju-ae as the 'respected daughter' before other attendants. Analysts interpret this as reaffirming Kim Ju-ae's superior status above the highest-ranking North Korean officials.

Previously, Cho Tae-yong, nominee for the Director of the National Intelligence Service, stated in a written response submitted to Rep. Yoon Gun-young, the Democratic Party's floor leader on the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, that "Currently, Kim Ju-ae appears to be the most likely successor." The Ministry of Unification also explained, "There is a characteristic of introducing Kim Ju-ae's accompaniment separately ahead of other officials," and added, "(Regarding succession) all possibilities are being kept open and related matters are being closely monitored."

Chairman Kim's visit to the chicken factory that day is interpreted as an attempt to show the image of a leader caring for people's livelihood. On the 2nd, Kim also visited the agricultural machinery exhibition held at the Pyongyang Three Revolutions Exhibition Hall.

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