Kim Ju-ae Appears in Public for the First Time in 52 Days... Pays Respects at War Martyrs’ Cemetery with Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol-ju

Appears in public for the first time in 52 days since attending the Kang Gun-ho navigation test
Makes 19 public appearances in the first half of the year alone

Kim Ju-ae, daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, appeared in public for the first time in 52 days, looking noticeably taller than her mother Ri Sol-ju.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, together with his wife Ri Sol-ju and daughter Kim Ju-ae, visited the Cemetery of the Martyrs Who Participated in the Fatherland Liberation War on the 26th to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement, celebrated as "Victory Day." Screenshot from Korean Central Television (KCTV)

On July 27, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim Jong Un visited the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery on Mount Taesong and the Cemetery of the Martyrs for the Fatherland Liberation War the previous day, ahead of the 73rd anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement (July 27).

His wife Ri Sol-ju and his daughter Ju-ae accompanied him at the event. This marked Ju-ae's first appearance at an official event since observing the 'Kang Gun-ho' navigation test on June 4, a span of 52 days. In the released photographs, Ju-ae stands in line saluting next to Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol-ju, visibly taller than her mother.

Kim Jong Un first visited the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery on Mount Taesong, where he laid flowers and observed a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs. He also placed flowers before the busts of first-generation partisans Kim Chaek, Kang Kon, and Choe Hyon. He stated, "The loyalty and fighting spirit of the first generation revolutionaries, who fought in the anti-Japanese struggle and the Korean War, were the fundamental foundation that made the next generation of war veterans into heroes," adding, "Their revolutionary spirit and traditions will continue into the future."

Kim Jong Un then moved on to the Cemetery of the Martyrs for the Fatherland Liberation War, describing North Korea's victory as not only a defense of the nation's dignity and sovereignty in a war against the imperialist U.S. and its followers, but also as a dedicated defense of world peace and security. He reiterated, "It was the most miraculous and resounding victory, an immortal heroic epic."

North Korea claims that it defeated the United States in the Korean War and commemorates the signing date of the Armistice Agreement as "Victory Day in the Fatherland Liberation War." Every year during this period, Kim Jong Un visits the Cemetery of the Martyrs for the Fatherland Liberation War.

This year marks the first time that Ju-ae has paid respects at both the Cemetery of the Martyrs for the Fatherland Liberation War and the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery. By bringing Ju-ae to these places during "Victory Day," while highlighting the achievements of Korean War veterans and former partisans, Kim Jong Un appears to be emphasizing to younger generations—who did not experience war—the absolute loyalty of the "first generation" revolutionaries to the leader, and to position Ju-ae as both a symbol of the future generation and a prominent "successor" of the Baekdu bloodline.

While paying respects at the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery, Ju-ae moved right beside Kim Jong Un, ahead of other senior party, military, and government officials, and stood at the very center during the national anthem. At the Cemetery of the Martyrs for the Fatherland Liberation War, she stood side-by-side with Kim Jong Un, with many moments designed to spotlight Ju-ae. When Kim Jong Un met with war veterans to encourage them, Ju-ae could be seen following just a step or two behind, hugging and greeting the veterans.

Dressed in a black suit, Ju-ae laid flowers at the Cemetery of the Martyrs for the Fatherland Liberation War, projecting a "serious, leader-like image." Whereas her former public image emphasized her as a "beloved, cherubic young daughter" who would kiss Kim Jong Un on the cheek at official events, she is now being highlighted more as a successor performing state protocol duties alongside senior party, government, and military officials.

Meanwhile, Ju-ae has made 19 public appearances in the first half of this year alone, averaging about three appearances per month. Her number of public activities has increased from 10 in 2023, to 12 in 2024, and 15 last year. This year, her appearances in the first half have already surpassed those tallies, marking a notable increase in her activity.

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