Non the palace in the capital Pyongyang, the team of stylists approved by Kim Jong-un is already at work. The task is to radically transform the 13-year-old’s look Ju-ae, favorite daughter of the North Korean dictator and, according to international intelligence services, his designated heir. An operation that soon achieved the desired success: in a few months the girl managed to adopt the image and maturity of a future leader of the country.
North Korea prepares for Kim Ju-ae’s regime
She is not Kim Jong-un’s firstborn, but will be the very young Ju-ae to inherit the position one day. She is the one already accompanying the parent at every official occasion, be it a military parade in the capital, a trip abroad, a visit to armed forces bases or even a feared launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles. He’s been doing it since he was just nine years old! But in recent weeks, the teenager is also showing other signs related to a real groomingan operation of restyling who had also had to face her father before her.
Kim Jong-un’s heir adopts her mother and aunt’s look
The change of look – rather distinct, mature and certainly formal – is evident on every occasion. If until a few months ago, the girl limited herself to appearing in public with a simple ponytail, now she doesand her hairstyles appear more elaborate, just like those of their mother, Ri Sol-Ju. And if before she regularly dressed with a pair of trousers and a casual top, now her clothing takes on rigid lines, elegant and refined tones like those of aunt Kim Yo-jong, still today right-hand man of the North Korean dictator.
Kim Ju-ae prepares to lead the North Korea
Dark leather suits, often coordinated with the father’s favorite look, severe furs, strong make-up. Everything seems to point to an attempt – probably by the North Korean government’s Propaganda Department, e.g with Kim Jong-un’s approval – to hide the girl’s true age as much as possible, already giving her an air that inspires fear and respect.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un with daughter Ju-ae, December 2025 (Getty Images)
The daughter forced to replicate her father’s image
The important thing is to reflect as much as possible the image of the current leader, the most feared in the world. A strategy, that of image replication, which Kim Jong-un himself had followed to the letter as a boy before coming to power. He had had to enthusiastically adapt to the style of his grandfather Kim Il-sung, head of North Korea for almost half a century. AND now it’s Ju-ae’s turnwho accompanies his father to military bases – both in trench coats – showing perfect coordination to the outside world.
Ju-ae consolidates its legitimacy
Although she is still a minor and therefore lacks the necessary experience, Ju-ae must immediately secure the same level of respect that her father enjoys. And he is doing it by also adopting looks and gestures. In the eyes of Koreans, in fact, it must appear as a sort of reincarnation of the parent, an unattainable divinity that places itself well above normal citizens. And in doing so, Ju-ae is already trendsetting.
North Korea’s new influencer will also be its supreme leader
High quality leathers and fabrics, including Western cuts. Few can afford them at home: North Koreans, as we know, have very limited access to products from the outside world. Nonetheless, Ju-ae’s wardrobe is full of them. And thanks to this, the girl has become a style icon. Wealthier North Koreans of the same age want to imitate her; The luxury clothes and cosmetics she uses sell like hotcakes. His sunglasses are among the most sought after accessories. And her formal hairstyle has become a trend among hair stylist local. Ju-ae is already greatly admired by her people. At just 13 years old, the leader of North Korea’s future is ready.