Kim Jong-Un appearance with daughter fuels speculation on country's leadership

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un appeared on Tuesday at a military event alongside his daughter, prompting media to speculate that the young Kim maybe be in line to succeed her father.

Kim Jong Un disappeared from the media spotlight for much of early 2023 and media have long speculated as to his physical health. Kim Ju-Ae, 10 or 11, appeared alongside her father at an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the nation's military, according to Fox News.

CNN suggested the appearance was "the latest sign the girl is possibly being groomed as his eventual successor" while the Washington Post dubbed Ju-Ae the "heir apparent" of the peninsula's "hermit kingdom."

Ewha University Professor Leif-Eric Easley told CNN that Kim's appearance alongside his daughter was likely part of his political messaging to tie the Kim regime to the military.

"By ostentatiously including his wife and daughter, Kim wants observers at home and abroad to see his family dynasty and the North Korean military as irrevocably linked," he told the outlet.

Kim Jong Un has not announced any succession plans and will likely rule until his death in the fashion of his father and grandfather. Moreover, Kim Yo Jong, his sister, has also been a source of media speculation, given her public appearances alongside the North Korean leader.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.