North Korea has constructed around 50,000 residential units over the past five years, marking victories in its nuclear policy initiatives. During these projects, Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, has drawn notice for her direct interactions and close physical contact with residents during on-site visits.
Latest Pyongyang Housing Milestone
Kim Ju Ae recently inspected a newly completed apartment complex in Pyongyang, featuring four buildings with 10,000 households. This development fulfills the 10,000-house target set at the eighth Party Congress in early 2021.
Construction efforts spanned multiple locations, including the Songsin-Songhwa district in 2022 and the Shangban River housing complexes (buildings 1 through 3) in 2023, 2024, and early 2025 in Jinan. Officials describe the total as exceeding 60,000 units, surpassing initial projections.
Kim Ju Ae’s Remarks on Progress
During the visit, Kim Ju Ae highlighted the achievements, stating, “For the first time in five years, spanning nine periods, the nationwide construction drive has generated greater momentum than planned. This reflects a shift in residents’ awareness through education.”
She added, “Challenges like those in the eighth period, influenced by pandemic and economic factors, will not recur. The ninth congress will showcase even more substantial achievements and transformations.”
Kim Ju Ae also expressed satisfaction, noting, “Inspecting the timely completion of housing, economic, and cultural infrastructure firsthand provides a true sense of the new era.”
Unusual Public Engagement
The event featured Kim Ju Ae embracing children and warmly greeting residents, an unusually direct display of affection. Public responses echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the rarity of such personal outreach from leadership.
As the ninth Party Congress approaches, these interactions signal efforts to project an approachable image to the public. Analysts note this aligns with broader strategies amid speculation about power transitions.
Insiders report the moves extend beyond Kim Ju Ae, with similar gestures from Ri Sol Ju, Kim Jong Un’s wife, suggesting strengthened internal positioning. Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, observed, “Her resemblance to her father creatively conveys a message that succession dynamics are already intensifying.”
