In a series of images released by North Korea’s state media on Friday, Kim Ju Ae was prominently featured alongside her parents, participating in a solemn ceremony at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang. This location, home to the embalmed remains of her grandfather and great-grandfather, holds deep symbolic significance for the North Korean regime.

The visit to this revered site, especially before the upcoming Workers’ Party congress, is seen as a deliberate political maneuver. Cheong Seong-Chang, a deputy head at South Korea’s Sejong Institute, emphasized the palace’s role in underscoring the legitimacy of the ruling family.

Kim Jong Un, now 41, continues the dynastic leadership initiated in 1948 by his grandfather Kim Il Sung. The tradition of commemorating significant state anniversaries at the Kumsusan Palace remains a hallmark of his leadership, as he pays homage to his father, Kim Jong Il, and his grandfather.

Cheong further suggested that at the forthcoming congress, Kim Jong Un might appoint his daughter to a prominent position within the Workers’ Party, potentially elevating her to the role of first secretary, the second-highest post in the party.

Cheong predicted that Kim Jong Un could give his daughter the first secretary post at the Workers’ Party, the party’s No. 2 job, at the congress.

The congress, the first of its kind in five years, is meant to establish new priorities in state policies and reshuffle officials.

In September, Kim Jong Un brought her on his trip to Beijing. During New Year’s Day celebrations this week, she kissed her father on the cheek, showing their closeness.

In January 2024, the NIS said it viewed Kim Ju Ae as her father’s likely heir.

Some outside experts disagree with that assessment, citing Kim Jong Un’s relatively young age and the extremely male-dominated nature of North Korea’s power hierarchy.

Revealing the young Kim Ju Ae was a surprise to foreign experts because neither Kim Jong Un nor Kim Jong Il were mentioned in North Korean state media before they became adults.

Some observers say Kim Jong Un likely aimed to shore up public support for his plan to extend the family’s rule by repeatedly disclosing Kim Ju Ae in public events.