Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, paid a visit to war memorials in Pyongyang to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the Korean War armistice. State media, KCNA, reported on this event, highlighting the presence of his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who joined the commemorations for the first time.

Throughout the visit, Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju, engaged with veterans and paid his respects by laying flowers at the graves of first-generation guerrilla fighters. He reinforced Pyongyang’s narrative of the Korean War, fought from 1950 to 1953, as a ‘great victory’. The war concluded with an armistice, not a peace treaty, making this commemoration particularly significant.

Footage from state media showed Ju Ae walking beside her father, often centered in ceremonial formations, warmly greeting elderly veterans. This prominent presence aims to elevate her public profile.

The South Korean Unification Ministry confirmed that this was Ju Ae’s inaugural appearance at the armistice anniversary and her first visit to the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery and Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery. According to briefings received by lawmakers this year, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) believes Ju Ae might be Kim’s chosen successor, based on reliable intelligence.

Her growing visibility in state media has been noted, with images earlier this year showing her engaged in military activities, such as driving a new tank and participating in shooting exercises.

In addition to these events, Kim Jong Un also paid his respects at the Chinese volunteer soldiers’ cemetery, honoring Mao Anying, the son of Mao Zedong. This act signifies strengthening relationships between North Korea and Beijing.