Kim Ju-ae's Appearance at Apartment Completion Ceremony Publicly
Disclosed, Presence at Missile Drill Not Mentioned
North Korean media omitted any mention of Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of leader Kim Jong-un, accompanying him on a military field inspection at the end of May. This is unusual, as they previously reported her attendance at a large apartment complex completion ceremony in Pyongyang on the 14th of last month. Analysts interpret this omission as an effort to maintain focus on provocations against South Korea by downplaying Kim Ju-ae's presence.
Kim Jong-un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae are seen conversing at the Jonwi Street opening ceremony in Pyongyang on May 14
/ Korean Central Television
On May 31, North Korean media, Rodong Sinmun, reported that Kim Jong-un had overseen a demonstration of the 600mm Super-large Multiple Launch Rocket Systems the previous day, releasing photos showing 18 of these systems firing simultaneously and hitting an island target.
However, one of the released photos showed Kim Ju-ae's reflection on a monitor screen. Despite the intention to capture only Kim Jong-un and military officials, Kim Ju-ae, standing in the background, was visible. It is unusual for North Korean media to omit Kim Ju-ae from the report despite her accompanying her father on the inspection.
Previously, on May 14, North Korean media, including Rodong Sinmun, reported Kim Ju-ae's attendance at the Jonwi Street opening ceremony in Pyongyang.
Kim Jong-un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae attending the Jonwi Street opening ceremony in Pyongyang / Korean Central News Agency
Jonwi Street connects Sosan Intersection, near the Pyongyang Three Revolutions Exhibition, to Sambong Bridge and is part of the Sopho Area in northwestern Pyongyang.
The Sopho Area project, aiming to build 4,100 households, is one of three major initiatives proposed by the Workers' Party of Korea last year. Construction began in February, conducted entirely by 100,000 'youth volunteers' including the Paektusan Hero Youth Shock Brigade and the Speed Battle Youth Brigade, rather than the military.
The name 'Jonwi Street' was officially announced on December 5 last year by the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly. It is named after 'Chongnyon Jonwi,' a youth group that leads in achieving North Korea's ideological and construction goals.
At the ceremony, Kim Jong-un personally cut the red ribbon and encouraged the youth involved in the construction. The broadcast highlighted Kim Ju-ae's presence, stating, "Amid welcoming music, when our great leader Kim Jong-un arrived at the opening ceremony with his beloved daughter, there were enthusiastic cheers from the crowd."
On May 31, Kim Ju-ae was seen on a monitor screen as Kim Jong-un watched the Super-large Multiple Launch Rocket System firing drill
/ Korean Central Television
Ju-ae also attended the Sopho Area groundbreaking ceremony last February and the Jonwi Street opening ceremony this time, symbolizing the 'beginning and end' of the project. Throughout the event, she stayed close to Kim Jong-un, frequently whispering to him.
This move aims to connect Kim Ju-ae with the youth, portraying her as a future-generation icon. Born in 2013, she drew attention with her mature appearance, suggesting she is being styled to convey future leadership. Despite this focus, North Korean media did not report her accompanying Kim Jong-un to the Super-large Multiple Launch Rocket System firing drill. Analysts believe this omission was to avoid drawing attention to her during heightened tensions with South Korea following a reconnaissance satellite failure and subsequent provocations.
Some speculate that North Korea is limiting Kim Ju-ae's public exposure in response to internal and external criticism of presenting such a young child as a potential successor.