Kim Jong Un’s daughter Kim Ju Ae is continuously seen in public events. Be it missile testing or military parade, she is seen with her father. Now South Korea’s intelligence agency has indicated that he is being groomed as a successor. But the question is whether this is just a story of succession. Or is there some other reason behind this. In North Korea, every picture is a message. Every platform has a meaning.
What line to the army?
In North Korea, real power does not lie only with the family. Senior leaders of the army and party are also strong. If a 13 year old girl is being made to sit on big platforms then it is a direct message. Whoever is thinking about power, understand this. The next name is decided. This step is less for the outside world and more for the inside. There may also be an attempt to stop the power struggle before it starts.
What signs on health?
Kim Jong Un is not very old yet. But there is less trust in a dictatorial system. History shows that many leaders fell ill or disappeared suddenly. In such a situation, deciding on a successor early can also be a safety net. If anything happens, power should remain in the family. This fear is also a part of politics. The question is whether Kim is aware of any danger.
Is the fourth generation confirmed?
The Kim family has been in power for three generations. Now there is talk of the fourth generation. This is not just politics, it is the continuity of a dynasty. The visit to Kumsusan Palace is also being viewed from the same perspective. The preserved bodies of former leaders are kept there. The daughter’s presence at that place is symbolic. It gives the message that the line of history is moving forward.
Will the army agree?
North Korea is a male-dominated country. Only men hold senior positions in the army. If a girl is made the leader of the future, will everyone accept it comfortably? There will be no open opposition right now. But no one knows what is going on inside. Silence is also a sign in the game of power. This is the real risk.
What announcement in the conference?
A big conference of the Workers’ Party is coming. If Kim Joo Ae appears on the stage there, the signal will be more clear. Appearance in front of thousands of delegates would be tantamount to formal acceptance. This announcement may not be in words, but will be made in pictures. In North Korea, pictures are policy.
What warning to the world?
The world will consider this as an inheritance. But the real story is about control. Kim Jong Un probably wants to show that the system is strong. The grip of the family will not loosen. Both the army and the party will have to stay in line. If this is a strategy then it is very well thought out. In the coming days, pictures will tell whether it is just the presence of the daughter or the seal of power.
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