North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the inauguration of multiple hotels in the country’s Samjiyon tourist zone alongside his daughter Kim Ju Ae, highlighting what state media described as the nation’s economic development and rising living standards ahead of a major party congress scheduled for early 2026.

Samjiyon Tourist Zone Hotel Openings

State media reported that five new hotels opened over the weekend in Samjiyon, a northeast region near the Chinese border. Photographs released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) showed Kim touring the upmarket facilities with his daughter, signaling both family involvement and the leadership’s emphasis on economic achievements.

Kim Jong Un praised the new hotels as “clear proof of the rising status of our people and the development potential of our country,” according to KCNA, framing the openings as part of North Korea’s broader modernization and infrastructure push.

Ju Ae’s Public Role and Future Leadership Speculation

Analysts note that Kim’s teenage daughter, Ju Ae, has been appearing increasingly in public events, fueling speculation that she may emerge as a future leader of North Korea. Her presence at high-profile ceremonies reinforces the narrative of continuity in the ruling family.

Economic Projects Ahead of the 2026 Party Congress

The hotel openings are part of a broader spate of state-backed projects, including three regional factory inaugurations last week, as North Korea gears up for its first party congress in five years. At the congress, authorities are expected to unveil a new five-year development plan, emphasizing infrastructure, tourism, and industrial growth.

State media outlets, including Rodong Sinmun, have called for mobilization of public efforts to complete key projects ahead of the congress, reflecting the leadership’s focus on demonstrating economic progress to both domestic and international audiences.

Strategic Importance of Tourism and Development

The Samjiyon zone is strategically located near the Chinese border, aimed at boosting tourism and signaling openness to controlled international engagement. Analysts suggest that showcasing luxury hotels serves as both a propaganda tool and a demonstration of North Korea’s capacity for development under current leadership.