So far this year, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has brought his daughter Kim Ju Ae not only to military events but also to inspections of the economy and public livelihood, renewing speculation that Ju Ae may be the designated heir. Ju Ae’s increasing presence has also sparked quiet speculation about the succession issue among the North Korean public.
“There have been rumors in Sinuiju lately that the daughter who has been accompanying the marshal [Kim Jong Un] will inherit his position,” a source in North Pyongan Province told Daily NK on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons.
According to the source, rumors of uncertain origin are currently circulating in the public about the next transfer of power in the Kim dynasty. One possible reason for such rumors is Ju Ae’s repeated presence at Kim’s on-the-spot inspections this year, following repeated appearances last year.
But the rumors have been disheartening to some North Koreans, who wonder if the Kim dynasty will continue into a fourth generation and how much longer they will have to live as “slaves,” the source said.
The source shared one person’s reaction to the rumors: “Everyone thought that the emergence of a young leader would bring prosperity to our lives, but the exact opposite has happened. We’re hardly allowed to visit our parents, siblings, and relatives, and it’s getting harder and harder to put food on the table. It’s horrible to think that this kind of life will continue in the future.”
Another person expressed dissatisfaction with the North Korean regime, saying: “The people here have been slaves to the government and are still slaves to the government. We don’t want to live as slaves anymore. We want to be able to go where we want, when we want, and be paid a fair wage for the work we do, like people in other countries.”
However, the source said that other people were not inclined to take the rumors seriously. Some pointed out that it is impossible to know what the future holds, while others noted that letting a woman rule the country would end the patrilineal line, which is unthinkable in North Korea. Some suggested that the son who will take over Kim’s leadership could be out somewhere right now being educated.
In North Korea, it is very dangerous to comment on the Supreme Leader or his family, or to express opinions about the regime, as such comments are considered serious political issues. As a result, North Koreans only talk about such things in secret with people they know and trust, the source explained.
“In the past, people would only have these kinds of conversations with their family members, but now they’re doing it with people who share their opinions. I think this shows the strength of people’s desire for change.”
Translated by David Black. Edited by Robert Lauler.
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