SEOUL, January 6 (AJP) - Frequent public appearances of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's daughter Ju-ae are believed to be intended to project a "prominent family" image rather than groom her as the next leader for a hereditary transfer of power, the Unification Ministry here speculated on Tuesday.
As many pundits closely watch Kim's activities for clues in the reclusive country, where even small details can matter, a ministry official said, "We cannot single out her succession plans, but Ju-ae often appears with her mother Ri Sol-ju, suggesting efforts to project a strong family image."
Earlier in the day, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim, accompanied by his wife and daughter, visited a construction site the previous day with senior party and military officials and encouraged soldiers and workers there.
In related photos released by KCNA, Kim is shown planting trees with Ju-ae, who holds a shovel alongside her father, in what appears to be a display of family unity.
The latest family outing came just several days after KCNA reported Kim's visit to the mausoleum where the embalmed bodies of his grandfather and regime founder Kim Il-sung, and his father Kim Jong-il lie in state to usher in the new year last week. His customary visit drew particular attention after photos released later showed Ju-ae in attendance along with her mother.
Some speculate that if North Korea intended to more clearly show Ju-ae as the successor, she would have been placed directly behind her father. Instead, the move appears aimed at strengthening internal unity ahead of the country's key party congress scheduled for early this year.
As many pundits closely watch Kim's activities for clues in the reclusive country, where even small details can matter, a ministry official said, "We cannot single out her succession plans, but Ju-ae often appears with her mother Ri Sol-ju, suggesting efforts to project a strong family image."
Earlier in the day, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim, accompanied by his wife and daughter, visited a construction site the previous day with senior party and military officials and encouraged soldiers and workers there.
In related photos released by KCNA, Kim is shown planting trees with Ju-ae, who holds a shovel alongside her father, in what appears to be a display of family unity.
The latest family outing came just several days after KCNA reported Kim's visit to the mausoleum where the embalmed bodies of his grandfather and regime founder Kim Il-sung, and his father Kim Jong-il lie in state to usher in the new year last week. His customary visit drew particular attention after photos released later showed Ju-ae in attendance along with her mother.
Some speculate that if North Korea intended to more clearly show Ju-ae as the successor, she would have been placed directly behind her father. Instead, the move appears aimed at strengthening internal unity ahead of the country's key party congress scheduled for early this year.
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