"Holding Hands and Even Kissing"... Japanese Media Criticizes Kim Jong Un and Kim Ju Ae: "Not an Ordinary Father-Daughter Relationship"
- Input
- 2026-01-07 05:40:00
- Updated
- 2026-01-07 05:40:00
[Financial News] Japanese media have analyzed that it is difficult to view the scene of Kim Jong Un giving his daughter Kim Ju Ae a kiss on the cheek at a public event as a typical father-daughter relationship.
On the 6th, Daily NK, a Japanese media outlet specializing in North Korea, introduced footage of the 'New Year Celebration Event' aired on KCTV, noting that "Kim Jong Un and Kim Ju Ae displayed what could be considered excessive physical affection throughout the performance."
The event was attended by Chairman Kim, his wife Ri Sol-ju, and their daughter Kim Ju Ae. Kim Jong Un and Kim Ju Ae wore matching leather coats, and at the head table, Kim Ju Ae was seated in the center with her parents on either side.
After the New Year countdown ended at midnight, Kim Ju Ae stood up, placed her hand on Kim Jong Un's face, and kissed him on the cheek.
During the performance, Kim Ju Ae was also seen holding Kim Jong Un's hand or whispering to him several times.
The outlet reported, "The two consistently displayed what could be considered excessive physical affection, and these scenes were broadcast multiple times on KCTV." It added, "In particular, the scene where Kim Ju Ae kissed Kim Jong Un on the cheek felt strange and unsettling."
The report continued, "It is estimated that Kim Ju Ae is around 13 or 14 years old and appears almost adult in appearance. Such behavior occurred in front of the entire nation, and even the officials nearby seemed to avert their gaze or look embarrassed, as captured on camera."
The media also noted, "This is not the first time Kim Jong Un and Kim Ju Ae have behaved this way in public." It added, "At a hotel opening ceremony last month, the two were seen in close proximity, almost like a couple, and even within North Korea, reactions such as 'unsettling' and 'beyond a normal father-daughter relationship' have been reported."
moon@fnnews.com Moon Young-jin Reporter