Succession Confirmed? Kim Ju Ae Makes Historic First Visit to Kumsusan Palace in 2026

Is the fourth generation of the Kim dynasty officially ready? Kim Ju Ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, made her first public visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on January 1, 2026. State media images released by the KCNA show the young Kim standing prominently between her parents, paying respects to her grandfather Kim Jong Il and great-grandfather Kim Il Sung.

The Strategic Weight of Kim Ju Ae Kumsusan Palace Visit

Analysts suggest that this visit is more than just a family outing; it's a calculated move to solidify the "Paektu bloodline" narrative. Since her first appearance in 2022, Ju Ae has transitioned from a "beloved child" to a central figure in state propaganda. Following her first overseas trip to Beijing in September 2025, this mausoleum visit—the most sacred site in the North—signals her elevated status within the regime's hierarchy.

From 'Beloved Child' to 'Great Person of Guidance'

The use of the term "hyangdo" (Great Person of Guidance) in state media is particularly telling. It's a title historically reserved for designated successors. While Ju Ae's public profile grows, Kim Jong Un continues to sharpen the country's military edge. On the same day, he pledged to ramp up the production of missiles and artillery shells, citing a "war deterrent" against U.S. and South Korean military readiness.