North Korea’s First Lady Reemerges at East Coast Resort Opening

North Korea's First Lady, Ri Sol Ju, made her first public appearance in 17 months alongside her husband, leader Kim Jong Un, and their daughter Kim Ju Ae at the opening of the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, a major new seaside resort on the country's east coast. Ri was notably carrying a Gucci handbag, a luxury item banned under UN sanctions but believed to enter the country via diplomatic channels, highlighting the regime's stark contrast between elite luxury and widespread poverty. The carefully staged family event was intended to project an image of stability and continuity for the Kim family regime, with Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong maintaining a background role. Analysts suggest Ri’s return complements her daughter Ju Ae’s rising public profile, as Ju Ae is increasingly visible and considered a potential successor. The resort opening serves both as a domestic morale booster and an international showcase despite North Korea's ongoing economic hardships and sanctions. Observers interpret the appearance as a choreographed effort to reinforce the ideal socialist family image embodied by the Kim dynasty.