North Korean Media Uses Honorifics for 11-Year-Old Kim Juae... Taeyongho Says "Completely Second-in-Command Position"

North Korea experts are placing significant weight on the scenario that Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, might designate his daughter Kim Ju-ae as his successor. The use of honorific language by North Korean media towards Kim Ju-ae and her accompanying a series of political schedules are seen as steps toward appointing her as the next successor.

Former North Korean diplomat and lawmaker Tae Yong-ho appeared on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' on the 9th and stated, "Recent North Korean media reports show that Kim Ju-ae has fully entered the position of second-in-command," claiming that North Korean media is using honorific expressions for the regime's second-in-command. He said, "Regarding the inspection of the chicken factory in Hwangju County, Hwanghae Province, reported by North Korean media the day before, honorifics were used for Chairman Kim and Kim Ju-ae, saying 'visited the chicken factory' and 'his child accompanied him.' However, for the Premier, the expression 'accompanied' was used without honorifics." He added, "Originally, honorifics should only be used for Chairman Kim, but they also used honorifics for Kim Ju-ae."

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un visited the newly constructed Gwangcheon Chicken Factory on the 7th, according to a report by Korean Central TV on the 8th. Accompanying him were his daughter Ju-ae, Premier Kim Tok-hun, Deputy Department Director of the Party Kim Yo-jong, and Deputy Department Director of the Workers' Party Propaganda and Agitation Department Hyon Song-wol, among other officials. [Korean Central TV screen] [Image source=Yonhap News]

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There is also analysis emphasizing the need to pay attention to the external changes of Kim Ju-ae appearing in official settings. Kim Ju-ae first appeared at the test launch site of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-17 in November 2022 wearing a white padded jacket. However, recently, she has mostly been seen wearing adult clothing such as suits and high heels.

Kim Yeol-soo, Director of the Security Strategy Office at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs, said on TV Chosun's 'Issue Analysis,' "Previously, she appeared as a child wearing a white padded jacket, but now she appears wearing high heels and a suit," adding, "Considering the issuance of Kim Ju-ae stamps and expressions like 'morning star female general,' overall, it seems to be steps toward appointing her as successor." Nam Sung-wook, Director of the Korea University Institute for Unification and Convergence, also said on YTN's 'News Live,' "Kim Ju-ae used to wear flat shoes but started wearing high heels, making her appear suddenly taller," and "This was done to make her height not differ much from her father's, resembling a First Lady role."

The National Intelligence Service also views Kim Ju-ae as the likely successor to Chairman Kim. Cho Tae-yong, the nominee for the new Director of the National Intelligence Service, stated in written answers during the confirmation hearing on the 4th, "Analyzing the public activities and level of protocol since Kim Ju-ae's appearance comprehensively, it currently appears that Kim Ju-ae is the most likely successor." However, Cho added, "But since Kim Jong-un is still young and in good health without major issues, and there are many variables, all possibilities are being kept open and monitored."

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