In a historic shift, North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un is likely to name his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS). This move, being termed “Beti Badhao,” could mark a turning point in one of the world’s most rigidly patriarchal societies.
Kim Ju Ae, estimated to be just 12 or 13, has been increasingly visible since her public debut at a ballistic missile launch in 2022. She has since accompanied her father to military parades, diplomatic events, and most recently to China, where Kim met with President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin. State media has elevated her stature by referring to her as the “respected daughter” and even featuring her on postage stamps.
The NIS observed that Ju Ae has secured a sufficient “revolutionary narrative” to strengthen her position as heir, noting that her presence at the China trip was part of this succession strategy.
In societies where male leadership has been the norm, Kim’s decision could challenge deep-seated gender hierarchies. Comparisons are already being drawn with India’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, which aimed to improve the status of girls. While Ju Ae’s lack of political experience and youth have raised questions, her elevation could symbolically empower women in a country where traditional Confucian values still dominate.
If confirmed, Kim’s “Beti Badhao” may not just ensure dynastic continuity but could also reshape gender norms in the Korean Peninsula.