Seoul notes rising prominence of Kim Jong-un’s daughter Ju-ae in state protocol and image-making
South Korea’s Ministry of Unification said on the 4th that it is preparing for all scenarios in response to North Korea’s evolving diplomatic maneuvers, following Kim Jong-un’s appearance alongside Chinese and Russian leaders at Beijing’s Victory Day ceremony marking the 80th anniversary.
A senior ministry official remarked, “The image of the North Korean, Chinese, and Russian leaders standing side by side suggests the possibility of a strengthened anti-U.S. alignment. At the same time, there are views that Pyongyang may leverage its deepened ties with Beijing and Moscow as a springboard to reengage in dialogue with Washington.”
The official emphasized that Seoul remains committed to ensuring peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, regardless of how Pyongyang positions itself. “Our government is preparing for every possible development,” the official added.
The ministry also highlighted Kim Jong-un’s decision to bring his daughter Ju-ae to Beijing, noting the deliberate elevation of her status in public view. “North Korea has steadily enhanced Ju-ae’s protocol ranking. For example, at the opening of the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone in June, state television broadcast images of Ri Sol-ju deferring to her daughter,” the official said. “Her presence in Beijing continues that trajectory, signaling to the domestic audience that she is being groomed as a figure of high symbolic significance.”
Analysts interpret these moves as part of North Korea’s strategy to shape perceptions of leadership continuity and to solidify Ju-ae’s position as a possible successor.
The South Korean government pledged to continue monitoring North Korea’s dual-track approach—strengthening its trilateral cooperation with China and Russia, while also leaving the door open for engagement with the United States. Officials reiterated that Seoul will pursue every diplomatic avenue to safeguard stability and security on the peninsula.