Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's wife, Ri Sol-ju, made her first public appearance in approximately 18 months, attending a completion ceremony for the Kalma beach resort alongside her husband and daughter, Ju-ae. This event marked a notable return to the public eye for Ri, who had not been seen in North Korean state media since January 1, 2024.
According to Yonhap News Agency, photos released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) depicted Ri Sol-ju dressed in a white shirt and baggy black slacks, complemented by a handbag that appeared to be a Gucci, valued at $2,850 according to its official website. Her public absence had been filled by her daughter, Ju-ae, who has been seen accompanying Kim Jong-un at key events.
Ri's reappearance contrasts with the traditional roles of previous North Korean leaders' spouses, who rarely appeared in public. Yang Moo-jin, the president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, suggested that Ri's limited public presence may be a strategic move to shift attention to Ju-ae, potentially positioning her as Kim Jong-un's successor.
In the released images, Ri is seen standing or seated just behind Kim and Ju-ae. Her casual attire differed from Ju-ae's more formal white dress. A South Korean unification ministry official commented that the North might be deliberately focusing attention on Ju-ae by reducing Ri's media visibility. However, no indications of any changes in Ri's personal status have been observed.
The handbag Ri carried has drawn attention due to its luxury brand status. The import of luxury goods into North Korea is banned under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718, which targets North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Nonetheless, it is reported that North Korea uses diplomatic pouches, which are exempt from customs inspections, to import luxury items for the Kim family.