Residents of North Korea are being forced by the authorities to change their identities if they share the same name as Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju-ae, Fox News reported. The orders are part of the regime’s effort to build mystique around Kim Ju-ae, who is believed to be between 9 and 10 years old.
Fox News based its report on a Radio Free Asia report that cited two sources - one living in North Pyongyang and the other living in South Pyongyang.
The source living in the northern province of the country said, "A security official summoned women registered with the resident registration division under the name 'Ju-ae' to the Ministry of Safety to change their names," the source told Radio Free Asia, according to Fox News report.
"The Ministry of Safety’s resident registration department called the girl’s parents to the Ministry of Safety and forced her to change her name and change her birth certificate," the source added.
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The second source said "the Pyongsong City Security Department issued an internal order from the central government to change the name of women who use the name ‘Ju-ae’ within a week,"
North Korea historically has banned people from using the same names as its leaders, according to the South China Morning Post
Kim Ju-ae had made a public appearance along with her father Kim Jong Un during an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the country's military last week. This was Ju-ae's fourth appearance which led to speculations that she might be groomed to succeed the North Korean leader, reported Fox News.
Kim Ju-ae was first introduced to the world in November last year. The pictures in the media showed Ju-ae in a white puffer jacket holding hands with father Kim Jong Un and walking in front of a giant missile.