When Kim Jong Un stepped off his armored train in Beijing this week, he was not alone. At his side was his young daughter, Kim Ju Ae, the child who, according to South Korea’s intelligence agency, is considered the North Korean leader’s “most likely” successor.
For a regime known for secrecy, her presence was striking. Cameras captured her holding close to her father as they arrived at Beijing Railway Station, marking one of her most public appearances yet. Since her debut in 2022, she has become a frequent figure by Kim’s side, often seen at military events, watching launches, or walking hand-in-hand with him. For many, her visibility feels like a signal: North Korea is already shaping the next generation of its dynasty.
Beijing’s Big Stage
Kim’s arrival comes on the eve of China’s largest-ever military parade, hosted by President Xi Jinping to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. The event will bring together an imposing lineup of world leaders: Russia’s Vladimir Putin, North Korea’s Kim, and heads of state from across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
The 70-minute parade will flood Tiananmen Square with tanks, aircraft, anti-drone systems, and tens of thousands of soldiers marching in perfect sync. For China, it is not just a commemoration, it is a performance of strength, designed to show the world that Beijing can stand toe-to-toe with Washington.
An Old Tradition
Kim’s choice of travel, too, carried symbolism. His heavily armored train, moving slowly under tight protection, is more than transport, it is a family tradition. His grandfather, Kim Il Sung, rode such trains to Vietnam and Eastern Europe. His father, Kim Jong Il, famously avoided planes and crossed China by rail.
Inside, the train is said to offer fine dining, with French wine, fresh lobster, and conference rooms that blend comfort with security. Reports suggest this latest journey involved nearly 90 carriages, rolling steel chambers built to keep their occupant safe.
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A Parade of Allies
Kim’s presence in Beijing marks the first time in decades that a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese military parade. The last was in 1959, when Kim Il Sung stood beside Chinese leaders during another era of shifting alliances.
This year, the optics are clear. Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un will stand shoulder to shoulder, projecting unity at a time when China has been accused of quietly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine and North Korea has reportedly supplied weapons to Moscow.
Also in attendance are leaders from Iran, Cuba, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Europe’s presence will be sparse, with only Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico attending alongside lower-level representatives from Hungary and Bulgaria.
Yet beyond the weaponry and geopolitical statements, it was the quiet image of Kim with his daughter that lingered. At an event designed to celebrate military might and global clout, the sight of a young girl, likely just around 10 years old, reminded observers that even in regimes built on secrecy and power, family, and the future, remain at the center.
