How Kim Jong Un’s Past Traumas Shaped His Obsessive Protection of Daughter Ju Ae

Wiping glasses thoroughly after they were used — aides carefully cleaning every railing and desk the young girl touched

On September 11, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported that there had been an unusual level of caution toward Kim Ju Ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and widely viewed as his likely successor. From September 2 to 4, Kim and his daughter visited China to attend events celebrating the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan. During the visit, North Korean aides reportedly took extraordinary steps to ensure that no trace — such as hair or skin cells — was left behind, not only for Kim Jong Un but also for Ju Ae.

“During the trip, Ju Ae stayed inside the North Korean embassy in Beijing and never appeared in public. Despite the fact that she never left the building, North Korea’s precautions were excessive. Used tissues, trash, and even bodily waste were reportedly collected and flown back to North Korea. A special aircraft is said to have been used to transport them,” said a South Korean newspaper reporter.

Why is North Korea so sensitive about Ju Ae’s personal information? According to Pyun Jin-il, editor of Korea Reportand an expert on the Korean Peninsula, the reason is clear:

“For North Korea, the leader’s health is the highest state secret. Hair or bodily waste are critical materials that must never fall into foreign hands, as they could be analyzed for health information. It’s said that during Kim Jong Un’s previous trips abroad, aides would meticulously wipe any glass he drank from to remove every trace of sweat or saliva.”

“What’s strange this time,” Pyun continued, “is that Ju Ae never left the embassy, which, being under diplomatic immunity, is already highly secure. If even her waste was carried back to Pyongyang, it suggests she’s being treated as Kim’s future successor — a clear signal both domestically and internationally.”

Kim Jong Un is currently 41, and Ju Ae is believed to be 12. That might seem too young to be named a successor, but Pyun points out that Kim’s own experience may explain the urgency.

“Kim Jong Un was reportedly designated as his father Kim Jong Il’s successor around 2009 or 2010. But just a year later, in December 2011, Kim Jong Il died suddenly of a heart attack. Kim Jong Un hadn’t yet built up experience or a strong power base, and faced fierce resistance from military and party factions. That led to brutal purges and dismissals as he fought to consolidate power.”

“For Kim Jong Un, that was deeply traumatic. To prevent his daughter from suffering the same fate, he’s showcasing Ju Ae early — even on overseas visits like this one — to build her image as a successor and allow her to gain experience. Her frequent public appearances at home are also likely intended to strengthen loyalty to her among the military and party elite.”

Not necessarily bad news for Japan

Kim Jong Un, who is said to weigh over 140 kilograms, has long been rumored to suffer from health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Given the uncertainty of his own health, it’s believed he wants to prepare his daughter to take over as leader as soon as possible.

Who leads North Korea could have major implications for Japan as well. According to Pyun Jin-il, Kim Ju Ae’s rise is not necessarily bad news for Japan.

“For a teenager like Ju Ae, the issue of Japanese abductions of North Korean citizens is something she personally has no involvement in. Without the historical baggage of past leaders, she might be more open to dialogue with Japan. The key will be to establish a line of communication with her early on,” Pyun said.

“Next September, the Asian Games will be held in Nagoya, and North Korea is reportedly planning to send a large delegation. That presents a major opportunity. Japan should use the athletes’ visit as a chance to make contact with North Korean officials and move closer to Ju Ae, the country’s next leader.”

The traces of Ju Ae that North Korea meticulously carried back home may, in fact, contain crucial clues to the country’s political future.