Seoul, Jan 8 (NationPress) A North Korean party magazine underscored the critical nature of appointing a successor for the nation's leader in a March publication from last year. This release came just before Kim Jong-un's daughter, Ju-ae, made her return to public events after a brief absence.

As rumors swirl around the possibility of Ju-ae being prepared as Kim's successor, this publication is particularly noteworthy as it might indicate preparations for the third hereditary transition of power within the ruling family.

The magazine, titled “Geunroja,” which translates to 'workers' in Korean, addressed the “successor designation issue,” emphasizing the need for a successor to inherit the political leadership role and establish their authority, according to a document acquired by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.

This magazine, which serves as an essential tool for ideological indoctrination and policy advocacy among party officials, identified the discussion of successor designation as pivotal for managing the leadership transition, although it did not specifically refer to Ju-ae.

It highlighted the necessity of appointing a successor in alignment with public respect and trust, the collective will of the party, and the establishment of the designee's leadership while the current state head is still alive.

Additionally, it pointed out the need to cultivate loyalty towards the successor among party members and workers, while also addressing potential dissent against the successor's unified leadership. This was in reference to the transition of power from the late Kim Jong-il to his son, Kim Jong-un.

Kim Jong-il had made considerable efforts early in his tenure to prepare Kim Jong-un for eventual leadership, and the magazine called for cooperation from party members regarding succession matters.

This March publication was released just a month prior to Ju-ae being seen in North Korean media attending an official inspection with her father at a construction site in Pyongyang, marking her re-entry into the public sphere after about three months.

On New Year's Day, Ju-ae visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the family mausoleum, to pay respects to her late ancestors alongside her father for the first time. Her appearance at the mausoleum has reignited speculation about her potential role as the heir to Kim.

North Korea has not yet made an official announcement regarding Kim's successor, referring to Ju-ae merely as Kim's cherished daughter whenever she is mentioned in state media.