North Korean dictator’s daughter makes appearance spurring speculation of leadership role

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un’s daughter has made an appearance again spurring speculation that she may be in line for a leadership role.

Although she has not been named in state media, South Korean intelligence officials believe her name is Ju Ae. She was called this name by Dennis Rodman, the former American basketball player who spent time with Kim’s family back in 2013.

The daughter joined Kim Jong Un and her mother, Ri Sol-Ju, at major military events this week, which included the 75th anniversary of the Korean People’s Army.

The family shared drinks, dined with senior army commanders and watched missile parades. According to Bangkok Post, her presence has added to speculation that she could be in line for a leadership position, and maybe even in line to take over Kim Jong Un’s role in the future.

She appeared yesterday with Kim at a huge military parade, where she marched with him and her mother.

Mason Richey, a professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, told Bangkok Post that she may be getting groomed for such a role.

“For all we know this is just him doting on a favourite child, but the more that she shows up, the more it seems that she’s either being fully groomed for leadership or at least floated as a possibility.”

“What is more clear is a message that the country’s nuclear weapons are for posterity, and she’s a part of that.”

“So another way of signalling that denuclearisation is totally off the table.”

But, Rachel Minyoung Lee, a North Korea expert with the Vienna-based Open Nuclear Network, says it is premature to conclude that she is being prepared for leadership.

“The North Korean leadership probably has to make the case for why the country has to keep investing in national defence despite the deteriorating economic conditions.”

“And no propaganda can be more potent than the leader’s young daughter to convey that message.”