![North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, center, and his daughter Ju-ae, to his left, attend a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Air Force of the Korean People's Army at the Kalma Airport of the 59th Kil Yong Jo Hero Regiment of the 2nd Air Division on Nov. 28. [YONHAP]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1201-KimJuae-1.jpg)
Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, appeared in public for the first time in three months during a major military event, drawing fresh attention to her expanding visibility.
Her appearance follows her September trip to China alongside Kim Jong-un, and analysts say recent photos suggest her standing within North Korea’s internal hierarchy may be strengthening.
Kim Jong-un and Kim Ju-ae attend air force anniversary
On November 30, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim Jong-un attended an event marking the 80th anniversary of the North Korean air force held at Kalma Airport on November 28.
During the ceremony, he said new “strategic military assets” and “significant new missions” would be assigned to the air force. He added that expectations for the branch’s role in nuclear deterrence were growing.
Although he did not specify the assets, photos released by state media showed a missile resembling the German long-range air-to-surface Taurus mounted on aircraft such as the MiG-29, prompting outside attention.
![On November 28 at Kalma Airfield, Kim Ju-ae, wearing sunglasses, watches the air show beside her father, Kim Jong-un, with a neutral expression. [Rodong Shinmun]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1201-Juae-3.jpg)
Kim Ju-ae’s clothing and placement draw interest
Kim Ju-ae appeared at the event in a black leather long coat similar to her father’s. She accompanied Kim Jong-un throughout the schedule. Estimated to be around 12 or 13 years old, she appeared to have grown noticeably, standing nearly at her father’s height in released images.
In addition, photos showed Kim Ju-ae wearing sunglasses and observing the air show with a neutral expression, in contrast to Kim Jong-un, who was smiling widely. She was also seated in front of him in certain images, making her appear more prominent.
Although Kim Ju-ae holds no official government title, she has gained significant public visibility since first appearing in state media in November 2022 during a photo session in front of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Early images typically showed her smiling or standing behind Kim Jong-un. However, since last year, she has increasingly appeared in front of him in photo compositions, often with a composed or expressionless face.
Her growing prominence continues to draw attention from outside observers. Yet intelligence assessments by South Korean intelligence agency suggest mixed internal reactions.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) said in a recent briefing to the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee that while Kim Ju-ae expanded her public activities earlier this year and strengthened her profile as a potential successor, her appearances decreased after the September China trip.
According to the NIS, she appears to have remained out of public view for about 60 days, which officials believe reflects an effort to prevent succession discussions from overshadowing the authority of Kim Jong-un.
BY MOOYOUNG LEE [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]
