"Designer-Loving Kim Ju Ae?" Already Dressing Like Her Father... The Hidden 'Successor Code' in Her Fashion

Symbolizing Privileged Status with Leather and Fur

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

As North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s daughter Kim Ju Ae continues to make public appearances, there is growing analysis suggesting that her attire carries political messages. In particular, her consistently mature and authoritative style—despite her young age—has fueled interpretations that her image is being deliberately crafted with succession in mind.

Projecting a Mature and Strong Leader Image, and Visualizing Privileged Status

On May 6 (local time), the BBC conducted an in-depth analysis of Kim Ju Ae’s fashion, diagnosing that her outfits could serve as a symbolic tool reflecting North Korea’s power structure. Kim Ju Ae first appeared in public in November 2022 at the site of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch. At that time, she appeared alongside Kim Jong Un, wearing black pants and a white padded jacket. Her presence at a military site at such a young age was considered highly unusual.

Since then, Kim Ju Ae has repeatedly appeared in clothing such as leather jackets, fur-trimmed coats, and sheer blouses—items that are not easily accessible to ordinary North Korean citizens. The BBC analyzed that this shift in Kim Ju Ae’s attire not only projects the image of a mature and strong leader, but also serves as propaganda to highlight the Kim family’s privileged status, distinct from that of ordinary citizens.

Kim Jong Un and Kim Ju Ae shooting. Screenshot from Korean Central Television

Outfits Resembling Kim Jong Un... The 'Image Replication' Strategy

One particularly notable point is that Kim Ju Ae frequently wears leather jackets similar in style to those worn by her father, Kim Jong Un. This is interpreted as an extension of the “image replication strategy” that has been repeatedly employed in the North Korean power succession process. Kim Jong Un himself, in the early stages of his rule, emphasized his legitimacy by adopting hairstyles and attire similar to those of his grandfather Kim Il Sung. In other words, visual similarity is used as a way to imprint the continuity of power.

It appears that Kim Ju Ae’s attire is determined by the Propaganda and Agitation Department of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Jeong Seong Jang, Deputy Director at the Sejong Institute, told the BBC, “The Propaganda and Agitation Department played a crucial role in orchestrating a series of processes so that respect for Kim Il Sung would naturally transfer to Kim Jong Un,” adding that Kim Ju Ae likely went through a similar process. He further stated, “Limitations such as lack of experience and young age, which young successor Kim Jong Un had, could be offset solely by the fact that he resembled Kim Il Sung.”

'Visualization of Privilege'... Showcasing Special Status

Deputy Director Jeong analyzed that, in addition to solidifying Kim Ju Ae’s legitimacy as a successor, there is also an intent to demonstrate that her social status is fundamentally different from that of ordinary citizens. He explained, “Wearing luxurious leather clothing is a way to flaunt her special status,” and added, “Leather garments are rare among North Korean residents. Designer brands, leather jackets, and fur coats are precious items that ordinary North Koreans cannot wear.”

Kim Jong Un and Kim Ju Ae shooting. Screenshot from Korean Central TV

It is also noteworthy that Kim Ju Ae sometimes dons a suit similar in style to her mother, Ri Sol Ju. This is interpreted as an attempt to dilute her youthful image and build a more mature leader persona.

With Kim Ju Ae’s frequent public appearances, speculation about her as a possible successor has persisted, drawing continued international media attention. The UK’s Telegraph ran an article in September last year titled, “Is this child the most dangerous 12-year-old in the world?” focusing on Kim Ju Ae. The media outlet pointed out, “Kim Ju Ae is the only child of the North Korean leader to be publicly revealed and is a strong candidate as a successor,” adding, “If she becomes the next leader of the nuclear-armed hermit state, she will be the most powerful and dangerous girl in the world.”

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