Kim Jong-un Brings Daughter Ju-ae to Kumsusan Palace for 2026 New Year Visit
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Kumsusan Palace with his daughter Ju-ae for the 2026 New Year, a first for the annual tradition, signaling succession plans.
A new face has appeared at North Korea's most sacred site. For the first time on New Year's Day, leader Kim Jong-un brought his daughter, Ju-ae, to the family mausoleum, signaling a potential shift in the regime's symbolic landscape.
Significance of Kim Jong-un and Daughter Ju-ae's New Year Visit 2026
According to KCNA and reports from Yonhap, Kim Jong-un visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on Thursday, January 1, 2026. While he frequently visits the site to honor his father and grandfather, this marks the first time his daughter Ju-ae has accompanied him for the annual New Year's Day tradition. His wife, Ri Sol-ju, and several top-ranking party officials were also present.
State media reported that the visitors made a "firm pledge" to uphold Kim Jong-un's leadership with single-minded loyalty. The palace houses the mummified remains of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Notably, Kim Jong-un had recently visited the mausoleum on December 17, 2025, to observe the 14th anniversary of his father's passing.
Context of Military and Diplomatic Tensions
The New Year's visit comes amidst heightened regional tension. Kim Jong-un has been busy inspecting multiple rocket launcher factories and hailing an "invincible alliance" with Russia. Introducing his daughter at such a high-stakes symbolic event suggests a calculated move to reinforce the legitimacy of the Paektu bloodline during a period of geopolitical uncertainty.
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