Kim Jong Un’s Daughter Ju Ae Missing for Over a Month — Mystery Deepens as Unknown Woman Rides Beside Him in Limousine

“Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju Ae, has not been seen in over a month” (The Korea JoongAng Daily)

“Absent from military parade — the Ju Ae mystery” (The Chosun Ilbo)

South Korean media outlets have recently reported that Ju Ae, daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has gone missing from public view. Ju Ae has been identified by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) as Kim’s most likely successor.

This is no small matter for Japan either — any instability in North Korea’s succession could have major implications for diplomatic issues such as the abduction problem.

Since around February 2023, Ju Ae’s public appearances had increased sharply. She accompanied her father at missile launch tests and unveilings of new weapons, drawing both domestic and international attention. When Kim Jong Un visited China in September this year, Ju Ae joined him on the trip, further raising her global profile. But then—

“After returning from the China visit, Ju Ae has not been seen for over a month. Her sudden disappearance, after her growing prominence, has sparked intense speculation — rumors about her health, discord with her father, or even her own decision to step back.

Perhaps the most symbolic moment was her absence from the October 10 military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea. This stood in stark contrast to September 2023, when she appeared beside her father, smiling on the viewing platform during the 75th anniversary parade,” a South Korean newspaper reporter said.

A power struggle between women

Shinichi Hen, editor-in-chief of Korea Report and an expert on Korean Peninsula affairs, also expressed puzzlement over the situation.

“Ju Ae is said to be only 12 years old and holds no official party position. The 80th anniversary military parade of the Workers’ Party of Korea was attended by many high-ranking officials from countries such as Russia and China. Considering the pressure such an event would place on her, her absence is understandable.

However, it’s strange that she didn’t appear at the mass games or the evening festivities with fireworks surrounding the parade. Those would have been perfect opportunities for her to showcase her presence to both domestic and international audiences as Kim’s successor.”

While Ju Ae has disappeared from public view, another woman’s influence has been growing — Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s younger sister. During Kim’s visit to China, she reportedly rode in the same limousine as Russian President Vladimir Putin, and she was also seen at the parade marking the party’s 80th anniversary. Hen continues:

“There’s no doubt that Kim Yo Jong, deeply trusted by her brother, holds considerable power. If anything were to happen to Kim Jong Un, who is rumored to have health issues, she would likely act as the de facto authority supporting the young Ju Ae. But while she could be a stabilizing force, she also poses a serious threat to Ju Ae’s future.

Both Kim Yo Jong and Ju Ae are descendants of Kim Il Sung, the founder of the state, and thus share the ‘Paektu bloodline,’ which qualifies them for succession. If those around Kim Yo Jong start saying, ‘Ju Ae is too young — you are the rightful heir,’ it’s hard to predict how events might unfold. Should anything happen to Kim Jong Un, a bloody power struggle between the two women could erupt.”

The rise of Kim Yo Jong’s prominence may strengthen Ju Ae’s political backing on one hand, but on the other, it could ignite a fierce succession battle — a double-edged sword for North Korea.