Kim Jong Un and Daughter Ju Ae Hold Puppy and Cat... Spotted Visiting 'Pyongyang Shopping Mall'

Father and Daughter Highlight Family Affection
Showcasing Expansion of Cultural and Leisure Consumption

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is inspecting the service facilities (commercial facilities) in the Phase 4 area of Hwaseong District, the "New City of Pyongyang," which is about to open, together with his daughter Juae. Photo by Yonhap News Agency and Korean Central News Agency

Images have been released of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspecting commercial facilities in Phase 4 of the Hwaseong District, a "new town in Pyongyang," accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae and his wife Ri Sol Ju. The visit highlighted the leader and his daughter holding pets, emphasizing a family-oriented image and seemingly aiming to showcase the country's level of cultural and leisure consumption.

On April 3, the Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim had "inspected various service facilities in Phase 4 of the Hwaseong District, which are about to open, and assessed how preparations for operation are progressing."

The locations visited by Kim and his family included the "Masan Automobile Technical Service Center," which provides car parts sales and repair services; the "Hwaseong Pet Shop," where pet adoption and care products are available; the "Hwaseong Musical Instrument Shop;" and hair and beauty salons, among others.

Father and Daughter with Pets... Ju Ae's Presence in the Spotlight

In the released photos, the affectionate interaction between Kim and Ju Ae was particularly underscored. At the pet shop, Ju Ae is seen holding a cat, while Kim Jong Un is lifting a puppy, creating a warm family scene.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is inspecting the service facilities (commercial facilities) in the 4th phase area of the Hwaseong District, the "New City of Pyongyang," which is about to open, together with his daughter Juae. Photo by Yonhap News Agency, Korean Central News Agency

In contrast, Ri Sol Ju appeared only briefly in the background, standing with officials, which has led to observations that this release further highlights Ju Ae's presence.

Large-Scale Commercial Facilities Unveiled... Emphasizing 'Economic Growth'

The unveiled facilities boasted considerable size and a lavish exterior. The pet shop features facilities for bathing and grooming pets, as well as a playroom. The musical instrument shop is lined with a variety of instruments, including string instruments such as guitars, violins, and cellos; brass instruments like trumpets; and pianos. The beauty salon, judging by the photos, is equipped with nearly 20 seats.

There is an assessment that North Korea is seeking to demonstrate, both domestically and internationally, that its economy has grown to the point where it can support "cultural and leisure consumption" beyond simply supplying daily necessities.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is inspecting the service facilities (commercial facilities) in the Phase 4 area of Hwaseong District, the "new town of Pyongyang," which is about to open, together with his daughter Ju Ae. Photo by Yonhap News Agency and Korean Central News Agency

While inspecting these facilities, Kim stated, "It is necessary not only to introduce a variety of service businesses that can meet the people's rising material and cultural demands, but also to focus on enhancing professionalism."

The news agency reported that Kim Jong Un instructed that the facilities should begin operations in time for the Day of the Sun, the birthday of Kim Il Sung, on April 15.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.