Rodong Sinmun: Kim Ju-ae's China Visit Day “Perfectly Realized the Succession of the Revolutionary Cause”
Kim Dong-soo
Former North Korean Diplomat
Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, visited China on the 2nd to attend the 80th anniversary of China's Victory Day. It has been confirmed that his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, accompanied him. While Kim Jong Un's wife, Ri Sol-ju, has accompanied him on visits to China before, this marks the first time he has appeared on the diplomatic stage with his children. This is interpreted as an important political move that goes beyond mere protocol.
North Korea's Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers' Party, drew attention on the same day by mentioning the ‘bloodline of Paektu’ and the ‘complete resolution of the succession issue’. This has led to analysis that North Korea has effectively formalized the fourth-generation succession both domestically and internationally.
In an article titled ‘The Unique Characteristics of Our State’ published on the 3rd, Rodong Sinmun stated, “It is a promising country with firm continuity that has perfectly realized the succession of the revolutionary cause.”
It further reported, “Our country has long regarded the succession of the revolution as a state task of eternal importance and devoted considerable effort to this endeavor.” It emphasized, “The fact that the issue of leadership succession has been elevated as a fundamental matter determining the future of the Party and the revolution, and as a fundamental issue in the succession of the socialist state political system, and has been perfectly resolved both theoretically and practically, is the greatest pride and honor of Juche Korea.”
Earlier, on the 2nd, the Rodong Sinmun published an article titled “Even as Time Flows and Generations Change a Hundred Times Over,” introducing Chairman Kim Jong Un's statement that “the lifeline of our Party and revolution must be perpetuated forever through the ‘Baekdu bloodline.’”
The related article details Chairman Kim Jong Un's visit to the Daesongsan Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery, North Korea's equivalent of a national cemetery, in April 2022 to mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of the anti-Japanese guerrilla forces.
There, he emphasized loyalty to the first-generation guerrilla leaders. This underscored loyalty to the successor among North Korean officials. It appears to be an attempt to put an end to the succession structure debate that has persistently surfaced since Kim Ju-ae's first public appearance.
Since her initial public unveiling in November 2022, Kim Ju-ae has steadily elevated her political standing by appearing at key civilian and security sites, including inspections of military supply factories and military parades. Notably, in May, she accompanied Chairman Kim Jong Un to the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang during the Russian Victory Day commemorations.
Meanwhile, the public activities of Ri Sol Ju, who previously performed the role of ‘First Lady,’ have sharply decreased. At the completion ceremony for the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone last June, she was seen standing behind Chairman Kim Jong Un and his daughter.
Even Kim Yo-jong, Vice Department Director of the Workers' Party and Kim Jong-un's sister, was seen bowing to Kim Ju-ae and guiding her to her seat, underscoring the special treatment Kim Ju-ae receives within North Korea.
Kim Ju-ae, who has effectively solidified her presence as a successor by performing the role of First Lady, has now stepped directly onto the multilateral diplomatic stage. This move is seen as a political message going beyond mere protocol, fueling predictions that North Korea will soon formalize its successor.
Amid this, attention is focused on why North Korea is rushing the ‘fourth-generation succession’. Observers suggest that bringing a young daughter in her early teens onto the international stage so early indicates a sense of urgency. While various interpretations circulate, some analysts link this move to speculation about Chairman Kim's health issues, viewing it as an effort to stabilize the succession system early.
South Korean intelligence authorities and experts unanimously observe that Chairman Kim's weight recently reached 140 kg and that he is classified as a high-risk group for heart disease. The analysis labeling him a ‘high-risk group for heart disease’ is based on a comprehensive assessment of his gait, breathing, and physical changes visible in footage. Reports also suggest he is seeking additional medication beyond his existing regimen.
Repeated observations pointed to Kim Jong-un's “swollen neck” during the July 72nd anniversary event of the Armistice Agreement as a sign of health issues. While some counter that it is simply obesity, others cite the precedent of his grandfather Kim Il-sung suffering from a neck lump during his lifetime, suggesting “the same condition could recur.”
Professor Park Won-gon of Ewha Womans University, citing common discussions among North Korea experts, stated, “It would be strange if Chairman Kim Jong-un were not experiencing health issues.”
He explained, “Chairman Kim sleeps at 5 a.m., smokes two packs of cigarettes a day, drinks heavily, and leads a life bordering on workaholism. Considering his weight and lifestyle, it's inevitable he has various adult diseases.” This is why rumors about his health issues persist.
Nevertheless, Chairman Kim appeared relatively normal during the Victory Day event in Beijing on the 3rd, climbing stairs and greeting President Xi Jinping one-on-one. Intelligence authorities have also drawn a line, stating that 'Kim Jong-un's health issues and Kim Ju-ae's succession training are not directly linked.‘
Amid this, observers suggest that Chairman Kim Jong-un bringing Ju-ae along on his overseas trip reflects an intent to cultivate diplomatic acumen early in his daughter, whom he has designated as successor.
Jung Sung-jang, Vice President of the Sejong Institute, analyzed, “Chairman Kim Jong-un, who was designated as successor at age 8 but faced many restrictions on external activities and thus lacked diplomatic experience, is showing his determination not to repeat the same limitations with Ju-ae.
This can be seen as a measure to strongly signal to the international community that Kim Ju-ae will become the next leader, while also formally initiating her diplomatic training.”