Public appearances by Kim Ju Ae, the presumed daughter of Kim Jong Un, at the Kumsusan Palace mausoleum in Pyongyang have intensified speculation that she is being groomed as her father’s successor.

The congress is viewed as a crucial event to recalibrate state priorities and leadership, though an exact date has not been announced.

KCNA reported Kim was accompanied by senior party and government officials and military commanders during the mausoleum visit.

Analyst Cheong Seong-chang of the Sejong Institute calls the Ju Ae appearance at the mausoleum a calculated move given its timing and setting.

The mausoleum visit comes amid heightened tensions with the United States and South Korea, with Kim underscoring missile and artillery production as a deterrent.

The New Year’s Day visit was documented by state media and featured attendees pledging loyalty to the leadership and the DPRK’s goals.

State media has increasingly highlighted Ju Ae over the past three years, fueling discussions about leadership succession among analysts and Seoul-wse intelligence.

KCNA remains the primary source for coverage of these public appearances and related details.

Observers point to North Korea’s tightly managed succession strategy, which blends media imagery with symbolic state gestures to project continuity.

North Korean propaganda continues to emphasize the era of the ‘eternal leaders’ and the dynastic nature of the regime.

North Korea’s Workers’ Party congress, anticipated to set new priorities and reshuffle officials, is expected in January or February per South Korea’s intelligence, and would be the party’s first in five years.

Analysts remain divided on the succession dynamics, with state media portrayals and official gestures toward dynastic leadership fueling ongoing debate.