The rapid growth of Kim Jong-un's daughter Ju-ae and its impact on North Korean society
The unexpected growth of Ju-ae (estimated at 13 years old), the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, is causing unforeseen ripples within North Korean society.
As images of Ju-ae growing to a similar height as her father have been released, interest in "height-enhancing medicine" among North Koreans has skyrocketed.
According to a report by Fuji News Network (FNN) on the 24th, Ju-ae was seen attending the completion ceremony of the Wonsan-Galma tourist area in Gangwon Province on the 24th of last month, standing next to Kim Jong-un in a white two-piece outfit and high-heeled sandals. At this event, Ju-ae reportedly appeared to be of similar height or slightly taller than her father.
FNN analyzed that considering Kim Jong-un's estimated height of around 170 cm, Ju-ae appears to be over 165 cm tall. Taking into account that she was about the same height as Kim's shoulder when she first appeared in North Korean media in November 2022, it suggests that she has grown nearly 20 cm in two and a half years.
Such height is considerably above the average height in North Korea, where the average height for 11-year-olds is about 142 cm, and the average height for adult women is only 154 cm.
FNN assessed that "Ju-ae's height is not just a sign of growth but represents a 'special existence' different from ordinary citizens, symbolizing privilege and prestige."
Witnessing Ju-ae's rapid growth, North Koreans have shown increased interest in child growth, particularly the South Korean nutritional supplement "Tentent," which has secretly gained popularity.
A source from North Pyongan Province told Radio Free Asia (RFA), "Recently, more residents are seeking out the South Korean 'Tentent,' which is known to contribute to children's height and has strong effects." The supplement contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, and E, and is known to strengthen immunity and help adults recover from physical fatigue.
Currently, the price of "Tentent" in North Korea is four times that in South Korea. A product that can be purchased in South Korea for 25,000 KRW (for 120 pills) is traded in North Korea for around 500 yuan (about 100,000 KRW). Nevertheless, it is reported that demand is so high among economically better-off residents and officials that some are unable to find it.
The interest in height in North Korea is notably high because "height is equated with class." In North Korea, those shorter than 150 cm are restricted from military service and are assigned to lower-tier labor in farms or construction sites.
A source from North Pyongan Province explained to RFA, "Most children who graduate from prestigious middle schools and reach the age of 17 to enlist in the military still do not exceed 150 cm in height, making them perceived as social outcasts everywhere." They added, "Even if they are assigned to construction brigades or farms due to their short stature, those who are shorter naturally become reserved in a communal environment."
This perception drives North Korean residents to strive to buy height-enhancing medicine, even if it means they can't provide adequate meals for their children.
Ju-ae's growth is also inducing feelings of relative deprivation among North Koreans. In a situation where 45.5% of North Koreans are malnourished and the stunting rate for children under five is ten times higher than that of South Korea, Ju-ae's growth stands in stark contrast.
One source stated, "Three years ago when the daughter of the General Secretary first appeared on TV, she was clearly just a child. However, she has recently grown to almost the same height as her father, raising questions about what she's been eating during this time." They pointed out, "While most residents are struggling with food shortages and appear thin, the Supreme Leader and his daughter seem to be plump, which has led to unfavorable public sentiment."
FNN emphasized that "to cultivate an atmosphere for Ju-ae’s designation as the successor, improving the nutritional status of North Korea’s next generation and addressing the gap in physical abilities are ongoing tasks."
Image source: Kim Jong-un of North Korea and his daughter Kim Ju-ae / News1, Hanmi Pharmaceutical's 'Tentent' / Hanmi Pharmaceutical official website, illustrative photos for the understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank
