What in the World Why is everyone talking about Kim Jong Un’s daughter?
Sep 10, 2025
In this discussion, BBC reporter Rachel Lee, who covers Seoul, delves into the intriguing life of Kim Jong Un's daughter, Kim Ju Ae. At around 13, she is speculated to be groomed for leadership, raising questions about her upbringing and potential as the next ruler of North Korea. Rachel explains the complex process of succession in the regime, where loyalty and public perception play crucial roles. The conversation takes a humorous turn with a guest appearance from Hannah’s dad, reflecting on the lighter side of leadership succession.
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Playful Father-Daughter Framing
- Hannah jokingly asks her dad if he'd trust her to inherit a dictatorship, creating a relatable framing device about succession.
- The playful father-daughter exchange sets up the episode's exploration of how leaders pick heirs in closed regimes.
Kim Family As Sacred Dynasty
- Rachel Lee explains the Kim family is treated like a sacred dynasty and presented as a chosen bloodline since 1948.
- This dynastic portrayal underpins the regime's legitimacy more than normal political institutions.
Mystery Around Kim Ju-ae
- Kim Ju-ae is heavily sheltered: her age, schooling, and even exact name spelling remain unclear in state media.
- Her rare public appearances suggest carefully managed visibility for propaganda and succession signalling.