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North Korea's Party Magazine Stresses Need to Designate Kim Jong-un's Successor

A North Korean party magazine obtained by Yonhap highlighted the critical issue of designating a political successor to inherit the leader's role. The March 2023 publication, which did not name anyone, is viewed as potentially setting the stage for a third hereditary power transfer within the ruling family. This comes amid ongoing speculation that Kim Jong-un's daughter, Ju-ae, is being groomed as his successor, following her resumed public appearances and a significant New Year's Day visit to the family mausoleum. North Korean state media has not officially designated a successor, referring to Ju-ae only as Kim's "beloved daughter."

Key Points: N. Korea Magazine on Leader Succession Amid Heir Speculation

  • Party magazine stresses successor designation
  • Seen as stage for hereditary power transfer
  • Focus on loyalty to successor
  • Ju-ae's public appearances fuel speculation
  • No official designation made
2 min read

North Korea stresses importance of designating leader's successor in party magazine

A North Korean party publication stresses designating a political successor, fueling speculation about Kim Jong-un's daughter, Ju-ae, as the heir apparent.

"issue of designating a successor to inherit the status and role of the political head - Geunroja magazine"

Seoul, Jan 8

A North Korean party magazine stressed the importance of designating the state leader's successor in a publication in March last year, shortly before leader Kim Jong-un's daughter, Ju-ae, resumed public appearances following a brief hiatus.

Amid speculation that Ju-ae is being groomed as Kim's potential successor, the publication has gained attention as it may have been aimed at setting the stage for the ruling family's third hereditary transfer of power.

"Geunroja," which means 'workers' in Korean, a magazine published for party officials, raised the "issue of designating a successor to inherit the status and role of the political head and establishing (the designee's) leadership," in the March publication obtained by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.

The magazine, a key party publication intended for ideological indoctrination and policy promotion among officials, described the issue as central to handling the country's leadership succession, although it made no mention of Ju-ae.

Designating a successor in line with the people's respect and trust, and the collective will of the party as well as establishing the successor's leadership while the state head is alive were listed as central to addressing the succession issue.

The magazine also noted the importance of nurturing party and workers' loyalty to the successor, and combating any dissent against the successor's monolithic leadership, referring to the power transition from late leader Kim Jong-il to the current leader and his son, Kim Jong-un.

Kim Jong-il paid attention early on to grooming Kim Jong-un as his successor and made 'enormous' efforts to that end, it said, also calling for cooperation from the party and its officials in succession issues.

The March publication came a month before the teenage Ju-ae was seen in North Korean media accompanying her father at an official inspection of a construction site in Pyongyang, resuming her public appearances after remaining out of the public eye for about three months.

On New Year's Day, Ju-ae paid tribute to the late North Korean leaders and her ancestors at the family mausoleum, the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, for the first time alongside her father. Her presence at the mausoleum has rekindled speculation she may be the heir apparent to Kim.

North Korea has yet to publicly designate Kim's successor, instead introducing her as Kim's beloved daughter whenever she has been mentioned in state media.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The article mentions "combating any dissent." That's the most chilling part. It shows the absolute control required to maintain such a dynastic rule. Thankful for our freedoms here, despite all our political chaos! 🙏
R
Rohit P
From a strategic perspective for India, a stable leadership in North Korea, even if hereditary, might be preferable to sudden instability. Their alliances and actions impact the whole region. But it's sad for the common people there who have no say.
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Ananya R
They publish a whole magazine for party officials just to prepare them for this? The level of ideological conditioning is intense. Makes you appreciate the vibrant, and sometimes too loud, media debate we have in India.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see a potential female successor in such a rigid system. If true, Ju-ae's grooming breaks a male-only pattern. However, it's power inherited, not earned. True women's empowerment looks very different.
K
Karthik V
The magazine says to establish leadership while the current leader is alive. Smart move to avoid a power vacuum, but also ensures total control over the narrative. It's a masterclass in political engineering, albeit for a closed society. The common North Korean citizen probably has no access to this magazine either.

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