Kim Jong-un's daughter steps out of North Korea for the first time. Why is she in Beijing?

This week, the world's attention has been focused on China. First, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, then the large military parade, the leaders who attended it, and the weapons on display became the center of discussion. Today, however, we will not talk about those, but about a girl who appeared in the midst of these festivities and became the talk of the town. This is Zhu E, a 13-year-old girl believed to be the "princess" of North Korea and the "future dictator of the country."

On September 2, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrived in Beijing on a green armored train and shook hands with Chinese officials. Many observers noticed the young girl walking behind him in black, with a rare smile and her hair tied in a ribbon. The story is about the leader's mysterious child — Kim Zhu E. Over the years, she has been seen at various public events, mainly military ceremonies. Now, she has made her international debut. Her appearance in Beijing has fueled speculation that her father is grooming a future successor.

The young woman's first international trip is significant — it took place during a display of Chinese President Xi Jinping's military might, where her father stood shoulder to shoulder with him and Russian President Vladimir Putin, symbolizing the kind of cooperation she may have to foster in the future.

But Zhu E was nowhere to be seen at the September 3 event. Her father walked the red carpet in Tiananmen Square for a military parade, but his daughter was not present.

The unknown girl

Beyond photos in North Korean state media, little is known about Zhu E. Her name was first revealed by former U.S. basketball star Dennis Rodman, who said he spoke with Kim's wife, Ri Sol-ju, and held a baby girl in his arms during a visit to Pyongyang in 2013.

However, some defectors, including Ri Il-gyu, a former diplomatic adviser to the North Korean embassy in Cuba, have suggested that her name may actually be Ju E.

The girl's year of birth is also disputed. In a classified report to parliament in 2017, South Korea's National Intelligence Service stated that Kim has three children: a son born in 2010, a daughter born in 2013, and another born in 2017. Pyongyang has never confirmed this information.

Many believe that Ju E is the eldest child in the family. For example, former South Korean President Moon Jae-in wrote in his memoirs that Kim told him during the April 2018 summit: "I also have a daughter, and I don't want her descendants to live in the shadow of nuclear weapons." Observers note that if Kim had had an eldest son, he would likely have referred to him instead.

Ri Sol-ju's disappearances from public events also point to the time of her daughter's birth. She was frequently seen with her husband in 2012 but disappeared for about 50 days after September of that year. In late October, she reappeared at a concert with a noticeably different face and belly. This suggests that Ju E was born around January 2013.

The evolution of propaganda language

In November 2022, Zhu E’s unexpected appearance on state media, holding her father’s hand during a test of the Hwasong-17 ballistic missile, caused a sensation around the world. At the time, she appeared as a little girl in a white jacket. Later, she was shown in state media in a more confident and authoritative manner, standing next to her father at a military parade on Kim Il Sung Square, and then sitting beside him at a concert attended by the Russian Minister of Culture.

Zhu E’s image in North Korean propaganda has gradually evolved.

• In November 2022, she was introduced as the “beloved girl.” A few days later, she was called the “esteemed girl.”
• In February 2023, she was referred to as the “respected girl” in a report on the military parade.
• In March 2024, she and her father were named “great guiding figures,” a term previously reserved for the leader.
• In May of this year, she was presented as “the most beloved daughter” at an event at the Russian embassy.

In addition, Pyongyang has issued stamps depicting Zhu E with her father or with soldiers.

From accessory to central character

Zhu E’s first appearance in 2022 was part of a propaganda scene honoring her father. But within a year, she began to emerge as a central character rather than a background figure.

In August 2023, she walked down the red carpet at the North Korean naval base with her father, followed by senior party and military leaders. The official copy of the speech was placed in front of Zhu E, not in front of the commanders.

In September 2023, she took one of the two main seats next to her father at a military parade. In December, her prominence grew further, as she was positioned ahead of her father in official photos released to mark Air Force Day.

In 2025, she stepped onto the diplomatic stage. On May 9, she was introduced as the “most beloved daughter” at an event at the Russian embassy. A month later, she sat beside her father at a concert attended by Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova.

Even family events were staged to highlight her status. For instance, at the opening of the Wonsan Calma resort complex in June 2025, Zhu E’s mother, Ri Sol-ju, made her first public appearance in 18 months. Yet, state media showed her several steps behind her daughter, further reinforcing Zhu E’s portrayal as the central figure.

Successor or cover?

Experts say Zhu E's first appearances sent a clear message: North Korea will not give up its nuclear program and weapons, and the Kim family will remain at the center of the country's military power.

Leif-Erik Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, commented after the 2023 parade:

"By publicly showing his wife and daughter, Kim wants to signal to domestic and foreign observers that the family dynasty and the North Korean military are inextricably linked."

North Korea has been ruled by a hereditary dictatorship since 1948: first by Kim Il-sung, then by his son Kim Jong-il, and since 2011 by Kim Jong-un. Therefore, the public appearances of Kim's daughter have sparked speculation that she may be groomed as an heir.

Some experts point to her being described as “beloved” and “respected” in state media as evidence of her special status. Her participation in military events from a young age may be aimed at preparing her to lead 1.3 million soldiers and to earn their trust and respect.

However, other analysts remain skeptical. They believe that Kim’s other two children may be considered as possible successors. Jenny Town, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center in the United States, described Zhu E’s appearances in 2024 as a “PR move.” She believes Kim is using her to portray himself as a family-oriented and loving father.

Town also noted that Kim’s other children are still unknown to the public. Therefore, it makes sense that Zhu E would be more visible, since her existence was already revealed through former American basketball player Dennis Rodman. For example, Kim Jong-un himself studied in Switzerland in the 1990s, but Town argues this is unlikely for Zhu E. Because she is now so well known, she will never have the opportunity to study abroad.