Samtaesong Symbolizes Kim Family:
Expanding Influence of Kim Ju-ae and Ri Sol-ju with a Medal

Recent indications suggest that North Korea is preparing for a fourth-generation succession involving Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae. This has given rise to the concept of the 'Three Huge Stars,' symbolizing the 'Kim Jong-un family.' Kim Ju-ae's influence is on the rise, and Kim Jong-un's wife, Ri Sol-ju, has been seen wearing a medal. As Kim had his 40th birthday this year, it is believed that he is working to establish a new family lineage centered around his daughter and wife. This is in response to the complexities surrounding his ancestral lineage, particularly due to his Korean-Japanese mother, Ko Yong-hui.

 

The recently unveiled 'Samtaesong 9' smartphone in North Korea. / Photo by Korean Central Television

North Korea has recently launched a new addition to the Samtaesong series of smartphones. The latest model, 'Samtaesong 9', was introduced by Korean Central Television on the 9th during a segment titled 'Things to Know About Using Cell Phones 3'. The Samtaesong 9 is offered in three colors: gold, white, and black, and boasts three rear cameras, featuring a "64M pixel triple camera" inscription. This represents an advancement from the previous 'Samtaesong 8' model, which was revealed last year and had two cameras.

Samtaesong, which consists of three prominent stars among the seven in the 'Big Dipper' constellation, is traditionally associated with a ladle-shaped pattern, with these three stars forming the 'handle.' In Western astronomy, it corresponds to the area near the foot of Ursa Major. In North Korea, the term Samtaesong was historically used during the anti-Japanese armed struggle period to signify 'three bright stars.' It symbolically represented Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong Suk. North Korea often referred to them as the 'Three Generals of Mt. Baekdu' or Samtaesong.'

Since Kim Jong-un's rise, Samtaesong symbolizes Kim Jong-un, his daughter Kim Ju-ae, and his wife Ri Sol-ju. Kim Jong-un emphasizes the 'Paektu bloodline,' using Mt. Baekdu as a symbol of lineage and strength. Recent North Korean songs describe Kim Jong-un's late-night work as 'a time when even the three stars are asleep.'

 

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae are seen applauding together at the 2024 New Year celebration performance in Pyongyang. / Photo by Korean Central Television

Meanwhile, Kim Ju-ae is increasingly visible in various events this year. She has taken part in three public occasions, including the New Year celebration on the 1st, a missile launch vehicle factory inspection on the 5th, and a visit to a modernized chicken factory on the 8th, underscoring her involvement in state events, military-industrial activities, and public welfare initiatives.

Particularly noteworthy is Kim Jong-un's visit to a civilian economic site on his 40th birthday on the 8th. North Korean media prominently featured photos of Kim Jong-un with Kim Ju-ae, referring to her as "the respected offspring" and mentioning her before the premier Kim Tok-hun, suggesting an elevation of her status above that of the premier.

The Rodong Sinmun used honorifics to describe Kim Jong-un and Kim Ju-ae's joint attendance, while employing more casual language for other high-ranking officials, including premier Kim Tok-hun.

 

On Kim Jong-un's 40th birthday, January 8th, the Rodong Sinmun featured a headline photo of Kim and his daughter Kim Ju-ae inspecting a chicken factory. / Photo by Rodong Sinmun

Until recently, news reports only briefly mentioned Kim Ju-ae accompanying Kim Jong-un. However, from the 5th, she has been featured in separate paragraphs, signaling a shift in her visibility and role.

The frequency of her public appearances is on the rise. Since her initial appearance at the test launch site of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) 'Hwasong-17' in November 2022, she has been seen in public on 24 occasions in a little over a year.

Kim Ju-ae is diversifying her activities. While 19 of her 24 appearances last year were military-related, this year she's broadened her involvement to include celebratory events and economic sites.

The order in which individuals are mentioned in North Korean media typically indicates their hierarchy of power, hinting at Kim Ju-ae's elevated status. As speculations about her being a leading candidate for succession grow, it appears she has begun formal training for such a role.

 

Ri Sol-ju, Kim Jong-un's wife, featured in the 2022 painting 'Kindergarten Teacher' by North Korean Merited Artist Jeon Geum-cheol, from the Baekho Creative Company. / Photo provided by Professor Kang Dong-wan

 

A recent documentary film released by North Korea captures Ri Sol-ju, the wife of Kim Jong-un, wearing a brooch resembling a medal. / Photo by Korean Central Television

With Kim Ju-ae's increasing public presence, there's a noteworthy development. Ri Sol-ju was seen wearing a medal-like brooch in a documentary aired on Korean Central Television on the 10th. The brooch resembled a golden pentagonal star, reminiscent of North Korea's 'Hero title'.

Since beginning her public activities in July 2012, Ri has distinguished herself by not wearing the required badges depicting Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. For instance, during the April 27, 2018 Inter-Korean Summit, she opted for an elaborate brooch and similarly, during a visit to China in March of that year, she wore brooches featuring butterflies and flowers.

In 2022, which marked the 10th anniversary of Kim Jong-un's rule, Ri Sol-ju was prominently featured as the central figure in the painting 'Kindergarten Teacher' by Jeon Geum-cheol. This portrayal, casting her as a kindergarten teacher, appears to be an effort to present her as a relatable maternal figure and educator, further reinforcing the reverence for the Kim Jong-un family lineage.

Ri Sol-ju wearing a medal-like brooch, suggestive of a 'Hero title,' signifies recognition for her support of Kim Jong-un and her role in nurturing Kim Ju-ae, the future bearer of the 'Paektu bloodline.ma'

Choi Kyong-hui, president of SAND, believes that as Kim Jong-un turns 40 this year, he is planning to reorganize the family tree around his daughter and wife. She also suggests that the growing prominence of his wife, Ri Sol-ju, along with his sister Kim Yo-jong, close associate Hyon Song-wol, and Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, may be part of a strategy to position women prominently in the regime, potentially as a step towards preparing Kim Ju-ae for succession.