North Korea Focuses on Family Image Amid Leadership Speculation

North Korea's recent emphasis on showcasing the family of its leader, Kim Jong-un, particularly his daughter Kim Ju-ae, appears to be more about fostering a sense of 'socialist family' unity rather than signaling a succession plan. According to South Korean officials, this strategic display is designed to strengthen internal cohesion and project stability. The high-profile appearances of Kim Ju-ae and her mother, Ri Sol-ju, at significant events such as the New Year's visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun and the groundbreaking ceremony for a museum honoring North Korean soldiers who fought in Russia, highlight this approach.