What is known about the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un [VIDEO]

What attracted the most attention at the recent military parade North Korea These were not nuclear missiles, soldiers or generals with medals, but a 10-year-old girl.

A girl appeared next to Kim Jong-un, who probably ju ethe second daughter of the North Korean leader.

Here is what is known about her.

Who’s that girl?

For many years the state media North Korea Kim’s children were never mentioned, although a South Korean spy agency said he and his wife have three children, aged 13, 10 and 6.

The only tentative confirmation of her existence came from former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who claimed to have dated Kim’s infant daughter named ju e during a visit to North Korea in 2013.

But three months ago, when launching its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile to date, Kim Chen In appeared with his “beloved” daughter in tow.

Although North Korea has never officially released her name, the Seoul news agency and analysts believe she is Joo Ae, Kim’s second daughter.

Is this about Kim’s heiress?

It’s what it seems, experts say. State media describe her as a “beloved” and “respected” daughter Kim Chen Inand he appeared, walking hand in hand with his father, with his mother behind.

According to Cheong Sung-chang, a researcher at the Sejong Institute in South Korea, this indicates that North Korea began to build a “cult of personality” around Yu.

“This means that he has been designated as the de facto successor, although he does not yet have official successor status,” he said.

In state media images, Joo Ae appears in the center, next to his father and surrounded by the country’s top leadership.

Will North Korea accept a female leader?

So far, North Korea has had a glass ceiling, says Bronwen Dalton, director of management at the University of Technology Sydney Business School.

But everything changes and North Korea tries to “preserve its legitimacy by creating a new version of femininity” reflecting the social changes in the country over the past decades.

The current leadership of North Korea, although predominantly male, has several high-ranking women, such as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Choi Song Huiand younger sister Kim, Kim Yo-jongregime representative.

Will he ever be in command?

Not necessarily, experts say.

“Perhaps more than in any other country, dependence on family relationships and proximity to power is dangerous,” Dalton said, pointing to cases where relatives were forced to leave the country or killed.

“Women are not immune from this,” the expert added.

According to Ahn Chang Il, a defector-turned-researcher who heads the World Institute of North Korean Studies, a female leader in North Korea is “impossible” yet.

“No one would support the idea that Kim Chen In disappeared and Joo Ae had to change him,” he said. AFP, but its gradual introduction to the masses over the next few years, along with “ideological education” should help. (AFP)