Kim Jong-un’s daughter appears at North Korean parade amid succession rumours

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Kim Ju-ae sat in the middle alongside her mum Ri Sol-ju and Kim Jong-un (Image: KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image)
Kim Ju-ae sat in the middle alongside her mum Ri Sol-ju and Kim Jong-un (Image: KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image)

Kim Jong-un's daughter has appeared in public for the North Korean military parade prompting speculation she could be set to succeed him.

Kim Ju-ae, who is thought to be around 9 and 11, made her fourth public appearance in three months after she was spotted with her parents at the 75th anniversary of the Korean People’s Army.

She was sat alongside the North Korean leader and his wife, Ri Sol-ju as they celebrated the anniversary.

The Korean Central News Agency said: “Commanding officers . . . greeted with the warmest reverence the respected Comrade Kim Jong-un whom they wanted to see even in their dreams when he arrived at the lodging quarters together with his respected daughter.

Kim Jong-un’s daughter appears at North Korean parade amid succession rumours eiqrtidixinvShe made her fourth public appearance in three months (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image)

“They were greatly excited to get convinced of the eternal security and future of the country as they are led by the ever-victorious iron-willed brilliant commander who is ushering in a new era.”

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There were sounds of music and aircraft flying in Pyongyang just after midnight as the North Korean leader held a military parade, according to the news website NK New.

Kim, alongside his daughter, told officers: “I am haunted by the unforgettable names and images of the service personnel of the preceding generations who devoted themselves to defending the vigorous advance of the ever-victorious Korean revolution and boosting the invincibility and mightiness of our state.”

Kim Jong-un’s daughter appears at North Korean parade amid succession rumoursKim Jong-un spoke at the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image)

The daughter was first seen in public last November, which has led to growing speculation she is the "future" of the country, with commentators believing she is set to succeed her dad.

This would set a new precedent in North Korea as Kim and his dad, Kim Jong-il, were both adults before they were publicly known as successors.

Kim, 39 and Ri, 33, reportedly have three children including an older son and two daughters with Ju-ae being the second or third child.

In North Korea, it was highly unusual for a female to lead or appear in public with their partners but since Kim replaced his father 11 years ago this has started to change.

Ri is regularly seen with her husband and one of his most senior aides is 35-year-old Kim Yo-jong, who is his sister.

His foreign minister is Choe Son-hui, 58, a career diplomat and interpreter, is also regularly seen with the dictator.

Liam Buckler

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