Kim Jong Un showcases daughter at munitions factory, signaling potential succession
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae, inspected a factory producing light munitions, state media reported Thursday, in a move analysts say could be aimed at bolstering his image as a strong military leader and signaling his daughter as a potential successor.
Kim oversaw arms production at the factory a day earlier, reviewing a new pistol design that recently entered production, according to the Korean Central News Agency. Photos released by KCNA showed Kim and his daughter firing pistols alongside senior military officials. Kim described the weapon as “excellent.”
The visit to the factory follows a recent inspection where Kim and his daughter observed the launch of nuclear-capable cruise missiles from a naval destroyer, underscoring his commitment to modernizing the country’s military capabilities.
Kim Ju Ae, estimated to be around 13 years old, has become increasingly visible in state media since her first public appearance at a missile test in November 2022. She has since accompanied her father to military displays, factory openings, and even a trip to Beijing.
Experts suggest her growing presence in the public eye may indicate Kim Jong Un is grooming her to take over leadership, extending the family’s dynastic rule into a fourth generation. Lim Eul-chul, a North Korea expert at South Korea’s Kyungnam University, told AFP the pistol-shooting scene “clearly serves to signal that she is cultivating the attributes of a military leader.”
State media previously showed Kim’s daughter testing a sniper rifle, following a ruling party congress where Kim outlined his political and military goals for the next five years.
The latest images come after North Korean media shared candid photos of Kim spending time with family, including petting puppies and exploring a music shop, a departure from his usual portrayal as a stern commander.
The inspections of both the munitions factory and the missile launch site highlight North Korea’s continued focus on strengthening its military, despite economic challenges and international sanctions.
Reporting contributed by Jen Kwon and AFP.
