Kim Jong-un’s daughter – often seen as the frontrunner to become North Korea’s next leader – has made her international debut.

The dictator and his daughter Kim Ju-ae arrived in China’s capital of Beijing last night for the military parade in Tienanmen Square today.

Her presence is a big deal – considering that until three years ago,she had not been publicly introduced.

But the North Korean leader may be looking to present the teenager to his allies as his successor for when he eventually decides to step down.

After the special train carrying ​Kim’s entourage pulled into Beijing Railway Station,​ Ju-ae stood close to him as he was greeted by Chinese officials​,according to photos released by North Korean state media.

It is the first known international appearance by the girl,who has attended multiple weapons tests in North Korea alongside her father.

In fact,Ju-ae was first introduced into the world when she accompanied him to the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

But it was the former American NBA star Dennis Rodman who first slipped up about her existence after travelling to the recluse nation.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter arrive at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre in Pyongyang,North Korea,June 29,2025 (Picture: AP)

According to Rodman,during his 2013 visit to Pyongyang, Kim introduced him to his wife Ri Sol Ju and a baby girl,saying ‘that’s my daughter.’

State media have never identified her by name,but South Korean intelligence says she is Ju-ae,the daughter of Kim and his wife,who they believe married in 2009.

In recent years,North Korean state media have referred to her as the ‘the beloved child,’ or ‘the esteemed child’.

Also in state media,North Korean adults have been shown bowing deeply before her.

Kim Jong-un walking (top),and being greeted next to his daughter Kim Ju-ae by the director of the general office of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Cai Qi (bottom left) (Picture: Reuters)

At recent public appearances,she has often walked ahead of both her aunt – powerful regime spokeswoman Kim Yo Jong – and mother,linking arms with her father,whispering to him,and holding hands.

South Korean analysts have said that Kim appears to be grooming her as an heir.

But others disagree,citing his relative young age – just 41 – and the extremely male-dominated nature of North Korea’s power hierarchy.

Since its foundation in 1948,the country has been successively ruled by male members of the Kim family: Kim’s father Kim Jong Il and his grandfather and state founder Kim Il Sung.