The conspicuous absence of Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju Ae, from the opening of North Korea's pivotal party congress this week has intensified speculation regarding the isolated nation's future leadership. The ninth congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, a major political gathering convened only once every five years, commenced in Pyongyang without the young figure who has increasingly been seen as a potential heir.
Heightened Expectations Dashed
Kim Ju Ae's non-appearance was particularly significant given recent intelligence briefings from South Korea. Earlier this month, Seoul's National Intelligence Service informed lawmakers that the teenager, believed to be about 13 years old, had entered what it described as a "successor-designate stage." This assessment had raised expectations that the congress might deliver the clearest signal yet regarding the regime's succession strategy.
Since her first public appearance in November 2022, Ju Ae has been a regular presence at her father's side during major military parades, weapons tests, party celebrations, and high-profile construction project inspections. Her profile was notably elevated following a high-profile trip to China in 2025, further cementing her status as the most likely successor in the eyes of many analysts.
Shifting Perceptions in Seoul
The South Korean intelligence agency initially expressed scepticism about the possibility of a female leader in North Korea, citing the country's deeply conservative culture and male-dominated leadership tradition dating back to its founding under Kim Il Sung. However, the sheer volume and prominence of Ju Ae's public engagements alongside her father have prompted a reassessment.
Seoul now interprets these appearances as part of a deliberate effort to construct a narrative that could pave the way for North Korea to accept its first female leader. Notably, North Korean state media has never published her name, referring to her only as Kim Jong Un's "respected" or "most beloved" child. The name Kim Ju Ae originates from an account by former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who recalled holding Kim Jong Un's baby daughter during a 2013 visit to Pyongyang.
Congress Proceedings and International Context
The party congress opened on Thursday with Kim Jong Un delivering a speech declaring the past five years a "proud period" for North Korea, claiming achievements "in all realms such as politics, the economy, national defence, culture, and diplomacy." He asserted that the country's international position had been "firmly consolidated," bringing about "a great change in the global political landscape."
These remarks appear to reference Pyongyang's strengthening alliances, particularly with China and Russia. Last year, Kim attended his first multilateral diplomatic talks alongside a military parade in Beijing. Furthermore, North Korea has become the first third-party ally to commit thousands of frontline troops to support Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
At least 5,000 party members are attending the gathering, which has received congratulatory messages from Russia, China, Vietnam, and Laos.
Domestic Challenges and Official Narrative
Despite these assertions of strength, Kim's regime presides over one of the world's most impoverished nations. A 2023 UN report indicated that more than 45 percent of the population suffers from undernourishment, with later data unavailable due to North Korea's extreme isolation.
In his address, Kim attributed the country's challenges to external factors, citing "hostile forces [that] grew more reckless in their schemes for harsh blockades and sanctions." He also pointed to natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic as having "severely hindered development" and "seriously threatened the security of our state and the safety of our people."
On Saturday, Kim presented a report to the congress on the party's work, which the central committee described as fulfilling "its important mission and role as the vanguard of the revolution." The report, according to state media, outlined longer-term objectives and methods for achieving them, though specific targets were not disclosed. The congress endorsed it as a "revolutionary guideline" that would lead to "more rapid development, faster change, and greater progress."
Unresolved Questions
While Kim Ju Ae was absent from the opening sessions, it remains possible she could appear during the latter stages of the conference. Her father has already delivered two major addresses without her presence. The duration of the event is uncertain, with the previous two party congresses lasting four and eight days respectively.
Her continued absence would prolong the ambiguity surrounding North Korea's succession plans, while any appearance would be scrutinised for signals about her political role. The congress, which sets policy direction for the economy, defence, and foreign relations through the end of the decade, thus remains a critical venue for observing the regime's internal dynamics and future trajectory.
