"Has North Korea Imported Mounjaro?" Kim Ju Ae Shows Strikingly Sharper Jawline and Slimmer Waist

Slimmer Face and Noticeable Height Gain

Military Appearances and Sophisticated Attire

Kim Ju Ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has recently drawn attention for appearing in public with a noticeably slimmer face and more slender physique. Compared to her appearance when she was first introduced in 2022, when she had a chubby childlike image, her physical transformation is considered quite striking.

Korean Central News Agency reported on the 17th that the "81st Anniversary of the Liberation of the Fatherland National Circus Troupe Comprehensive Performance" took place the previous day at the Pyongyang Circus Theater, attended by Chairman Kim Jong Un. Chairman Kim also took commemorative photos with members of the National Circus Troupe. On the same day, he attended a sports and cultural event where he watched swimming and diving competitions. Chairman Kim was accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae and wife Ri Sol-ju during the circus performance and swimming events. Yonhap News Agency

On August 17, Korean Central TV reported that Chairman Kim attended a swimming and diving competition marking the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the country, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol-ju and his daughter Kim Ju Ae. In footage captured during the event, Kim Ju Ae’s jawline looked sharper and her facial features appeared more defined than in the past. Kim Ju Ae was first introduced to the public in November 2022, at the test launch site of the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). At that time, she presented the image of a young child in a white padded jacket, holding Chairman Kim’s hand. Since then, however, she has steadily grown her presence by repeatedly appearing at major military, political, and public events.

Recently, she has also appeared taller, with a slimmer face. Some online observers have speculated, based on photos of her standing next to her father, that Kim Ju Ae's height may be somewhere in the mid-160 cm range, but North Korean authorities have not officially confirmed her exact height or age. Some online communities have even suggested the possibility of obesity treatments, citing her sudden physical transformation, with comments such as “Maybe she received a Mounjaro injection” or “It looks like she’s been exercising a lot,” but there is no verified evidence to support these claims. It is also entirely possible that her changing physique is a natural result of puberty.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un paid respects at the Liberation Tower on the 81st anniversary of the country's liberation on the 14th, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol-ju and daughter Ju Ae, according to Korean Central TV on the 15th. Yonhap News Agency

What is even more noteworthy is that North Korea is actively highlighting Kim Ju Ae’s changed appearance in conjunction with an image of her as a “mature leader.” North Korean media have recently been repeatedly publishing images of Kim Ju Ae standing right next to Chairman Kim or at the center of events. In March, state media even released footage of her driving a new tank at a military training base and aiming a sniper rifle. Her attire has also become more mature, featuring leather jackets, suits, and sunglasses more frequently than in the past.

This approach is somewhat different from the typical heir image projected by other members of the Kim family in the past. Early in his rule, Chairman Kim actively utilized an image reminiscent of his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, through his physical build and hairstyle. By contrast, analysts note that the attempt with Kim Ju Ae is to present her less as a “robust Paektu bloodline successor” and more as a young, strong, and modern leader. However, it remains uncertain whether Kim Ju Ae has actually been designated as the heir apparent. Nevertheless, given North Korea’s continued practice of accompanying Kim Ju Ae to military, public welfare, and national commemorative events, and exposing her in compositions nearly equal to Chairman Kim, there are observations that this is part of a long-term strategy to build an image with succession in mind.

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