North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shares a public display of affection with his daughter Kim Ju-ae. This can be seen on New Year’ eve when his daughter, Kim Ju-ae kissed his cheek on camera during celebration. Reportedly she is 12 or 13 years old. Her kiss to her father on the cheek in front of cameras, a gesture that quickly went viral.
While some viewers found the moment sweet, many online commentators questioned the appropriateness of the display, calling it “unusual” and even “strange” for a father-daughter relationship.
Who is Kim Ju-ae?
Kim Ju-ae was born around 2012–2013. She is the daughter of North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un and his wife, Ri Sol-ju. She is widely regarded as the most likely successor to continue the Kim dynasty as her frequent appearance alongside her father at major state events spark speculations. While her exact age is not officially confirmed, South Korea’s intelligence agency (NIS) estimates that she is around 12 or 13 years old. Kim Ju-ae reportedly does not attend formal school and is homeschooled in Pyongyang. She is known to be an avid horse rider and also enjoys skiing and swimming. Her public debut came in November 2022 when she accompanied her father to the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), marking her first major appearance on the state stage.
Her appearance during the New Year celebrations marked another rare glimpse of the leader’s family life, showing a softer, more personal side of Kim Jong-un that contrasts with his usual stern political image.
The Viral New Year Footage
The footage aired on Korean Central Television during Pyongyang’s New Year celebration. Kim Ju-ae was seated between her father, Kim Jong-un, and mother, Ri Sol-ju. During the broadcast, she held her father’s hand and whispered to him. But as the countdown ended and midnight arrived, she stood up, gently cupped Kim Jong-un’s face, and kissed his cheek. Kim Jong-un appeared to enjoy the gesture, smiling warmly at his daughter.
What are the Bizarre Theories By Media
Several theories have emerged to explain the visible closeness between Kim Jong-un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae at public events:
Kim Ju-ae’s frequent appearances with her father suggest she may be groomed as the next leader. Analysts note that she is shown in public far more than any of her siblings, hinting at her potential role in the future of the Kim dynasty.
Public displays of affection, like holding hands or cheek kisses, may be intended to humanize the Kim family. Such moments help present them as a loving family, countering the typical harsh dictator image portrayed internationally.
As well as some News outlets tracking North Korea, including Daily NK Japan, described that the interaction as unusual and sparked online discussions questioning if the body language was appropriate for a father-daughter relationship.
Social media users debated whether the moment was a simple family gesture or crossed cultural boundaries.
Despite the controversy, the video continues to gain attention globally, highlighting how personal family moments in high-profile political families can quickly become public talking points.
