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Kim Jong-un's Daughter Center Stage in North Korea's "Socialist Family" Imagery

A South Korean official assesses that the prominent public appearances of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's daughter, Ju-ae, are focused on projecting a "socialist great family" image. This propaganda theme portrays the leadership as parents and the people as children to foster social unity. The analysis suggests this is a primary motive, rather than explicitly signaling her as the heir apparent. The official cited her placement between both parents during a key event as evidence for this family-oriented messaging.

Key Points: North Korea Uses Leader's Daughter for "Socialist Family" Propaganda

  • Ju-ae's center-stage appearances
  • Projecting "socialist great family" imagery
  • Downplaying heir speculation
  • Propaganda for social unity
  • Analysis from Seoul official
2 min read

North Korea leader's daughter appearing at centre stage likely aimed at socialist family imagery: South Korean official

South Korean official says Ju-ae's prominent appearances aim to project North Korea's "socialist great family" imagery, downplaying succession speculation.

"The recent trend appears to focus on emphasising family characteristics, or the so-called socialist great family, rather than any aspects of the succession structure. - South Korean Unification Ministry Official"

Seoul, Jan 6

The appearances of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's daughter, Ju-ae, at the centre of recent public events appear aimed at projecting socialist imagery that portrays society as one great family, a Seoul official said on Tuesday.

An official at the unification ministry in Seoul made the assessment after Kim's teenage daughter captured headlines by appearing at back-to-back public events alongside her father, reports Yonhap news agency.

Photos carried by state media showed Ju-ae standing at the centre of the front row between her parents as they, accompanied by rows of officials, visited the family mausoleum to pay tribute to the former leaders on New Year's Day. The images rekindled long-brewing speculation that Ju-ae may be being groomed as Kim's heir apparent.

Again on Tuesday, Ju-ae was seen in North Korean media joining Kim and other officials at a ceremony the previous day to plant trees for a memorial museum in Pyongyang commemorating North Korean soldiers killed while fighting for Russia in the war with Ukraine.

The unification ministry official said the focus of North Korea's recent exposure of Ju-ae is likely on stressing "socialist great family" imagery rather than on leadership succession.

The socialist great family concept is a propaganda theme used by the North Korean regime to drum up social unity and loyalty by portraying the leadership as the parents and the people as children.

"The recent trend appears to focus on emphasising family characteristics, or the so-called socialist great family, rather than any aspects of the succession structure," the official told reporters.

The official cited the accompaniment of Kim's wife, Ri Sol-ju, at the mausoleum as grounds for the assessment.

It would have been more natural for Ju-ae to be placed behind Kim during the mausoleum visit if the succession structure were being emphasised, according to sources.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's heartbreaking to think of the ordinary North Korean people who are fed this narrative while struggling. The focus should be on their welfare, not on cementing a family's legacy. The world's attention is on the wrong thing. 🇮🇳
R
Rohit P
Whether it's succession planning or family imagery, it all points to the same thing: a closed, authoritarian system. Makes you appreciate our democratic freedoms in India, despite all our challenges. We can debate our leaders openly without fear.
A
Anjali F
The part about North Korean soldiers killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine is chilling. It shows how interconnected these conflicts are. India's stance of strategic autonomy feels more crucial than ever. We must navigate these global tensions carefully.
S
Sarah B
Reading this from an outside perspective, the analysis seems a bit simplistic. Surely the succession question and the "great family" propaganda are two sides of the same coin? By normalizing her presence, they are grooming her for a future role. It's a long game.
K
Karthik V
The poor girl is just a teenager being used as a political pawn. Can't imagine the pressure. In our culture, family is sacred too, but this feels like a gross manipulation of that concept for absolute power. Very disturbing.

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