Kim Jong-un’s daughter makes first public visit to North Korea’s mausoleum

Kim Ju Ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has made her first known visit to the Kumsusan State Mausoleum, where the country’s founding leaders are entombed. 

Footage released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) showed Kim Ju Ae standing between her parents in the mausoleum’s main hall, paying tribute to her grandfather Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, and her uncle Kim Jong-il, the country’s second leader. Senior government and party officials accompanied the family during the visit.

Analysts view the appearance as a significant political signal, coming amid growing international attention to questions of leadership succession in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Kim Ju Ae has appeared alongside her father at several high-profile state events in recent years, prompting speculation about her future role.

KCNA also reported that Kim Jong-un paid his own respects at the mausoleum, in line with past practice marking key anniversaries in North Korea’s political calendar. 

By Sabina Mammadli