What Was the Purpose of Kim Ju-ae Whispering with
the Russian Ambassador?
Lee Seung-hyun
Research Fellow at SAND Institute
A recent video shows Kim Ju-ae, daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, whispering with Russian Ambassador Alexander Ivanovich Machegora during the 79th anniversary celebration of North Korea's Party Foundation Day on October 10. The footage captures Kim Ju-ae leaning in to whisper as they greeted each other.
This marks the first time she has been seen publicly interacting with a foreign diplomat at an official event. The only previous instance of her meeting a foreign figure was in September 2013, when former NBA star Dennis Rodman, invited to North Korea by Kim Jong-un, met her privately.
Footage released by Korean Central Television (KCTV) shows Kim Ju-ae arriving at the event dressed formally, accompanied by her father in a luxurious Aurus limousine, a high-end Russian vehicle. The limousine was a gift from Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to North Korea in June and features the number ‘7.27.1953,’ commemorating the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement.
Upon arriving, Kim Jong-un and Kim Ju-ae greeted senior officials already present. Ambassador Alexander Ivanovich Machegora was notably present as a special foreign guest, highlighting the close ties between North Korea and Russia. North Korean media described him as a “personal guest” of Kim Jong-un.
Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of Kim Jong-un, was seen greeting and whispering with Alexander Ivanovich Machegora
during the 79th anniversary event of the WPK’s Foundation Day held on October 10 / Korean Central Television
During the event, Kim Jong-un introduced his daughter to Machegora after shaking hands with him. Kim Ju-ae then warmly shook hands with the ambassador before leaning in to whisper, a gesture that made Machegora smile broadly.
Later in the evening, Kim Ju-ae attended a celebratory performance and banquet, where Machegora was seated next to North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, further emphasizing the close relations between the two nations.
Meanwhile, Russia has voiced support for North Korea's claims that South Korea sent a drone over Pyongyang.
On October 14, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova issued a statement condemning Seoul’s actions as a violation of North Korean sovereignty and an interference in its internal affairs.
Zakharova also reiterated Russia's commitment to playing a constructive role on the Korean Peninsula, in line with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Russia and North Korea. She emphasized that Russia aims to prevent escalating tensions and restore stability in the region.
Russia’s increasing alignment with North Korea follows its conflict with the West over its invasion of Ukraine. Moscow has frequently criticized the South Korean government, often echoing North Korea’s rhetoric.
On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted a bill to the State Duma to ratify the ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement’ signed with North Korea in June. This agreement, finalized after Putin’s summit with Kim Jong-un, signifies deeper cooperation between the two countries. The treaty contains provisions for mutual military assistance, stipulating that if either country faces military invasion, the other will provide support according to the United Nations Charter and relevant laws. Analysts view this as a sign that North Korea and Russia are strengthening their alliance to a military level.
Last month, Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, visited Pyongyang to meet Kim Jong-un, while North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui visited Russia, holding talks with Sergey Lavrov before attending the Eurasian Women’s Forum, highlighting active diplomatic exchanges between the two nations.
As allegations persist about North Korea supplying Russia with weapons for its invasion of Ukraine, there are even claims that North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russian forces there.
The scene of Kim Ju-ae whispering to Machegora is seen as a calculated move to display the closeness between North Korea and Russia. In contrast, the Chinese ambassador to North Korea was notably absent from the podium, highlighting the current strained relationship between North Korea and China.