Kim Jong-un’s daughter, believed to be 13, visits state mausoleum, a sign she could be next North Korean ruler

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un's daughter, Ju Ae, made her first public visit to the Kumsusan mausoleum with her parents to pay respects to former leaders.

Photos of the event were published by North Korea state news agency KCNA on Jan. 2, 2026.

Likely 13 years old

Ju Ae, who is believed to 13 years old, is likely being prepared as Kim's successor.

North Korea has never confirmed her age.

But her public appearance came ahead of an event, the upcoming ruling party congress, that could see her succession formalised.

The teenage girl was seen with Kim and his wife, Ri Sol-ju, as well as senior officials.

The family were at the main hall of the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on Jan. 1.

The North Korean leader visits Kumsusan to honour his grandfather, state founder Kim Il-sung, and his father, Kim Jong-il, on key dates and anniversaries.

What public appearances mean

Analysts said the family is being presented in public as a "stable family".

Ju Ae has been making increasingly prominent appearances in state media over the past three years.

It has fuelled speculation that she may be the country's fourth-generation leader, even though she is still considered very young.

Hong Min, an expert on North Korea at the state-run Korea Institute for National Unification, said: “It’s practically impossible to publicly designate Kim Ju-ae, who is believed to have just turned 13, as the successor when she’s not even old enough to join the [Workers’] party.”

In September 2025, she made her first public overseas outing when she travelled to Beijing with her father.

All photos via KCNA