North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae appeared again in public, wearing leather jackets while riding a tank to oversee military exercises. Kim Jong Un ordered the military to prepare for the highest level of war readiness amid growing attention on Kim Ju-ae as a potential successor.
The North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released recent photos showing Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae seated on a tank during an inspection of tank and infantry unit exercises last Thursday (19 Mar). This event occurred just days after they jointly attended rocket launches and pistol shooting drills.
In the photographs, Kim and his daughter wore black leather jackets, sitting atop a green tank surrounded by soldiers. At one point, Kim Ju-ae appeared with her head emerging from the tank turret hatch while Kim Jong Un smiled from above, illustrating a close father-daughter relationship and their unified stance with the military.
It is believed that Kim Ju-ae, approximately 13 years old, has frequently appeared alongside her father at important military and national events since late 2022. North Korean state media refer to her as the "beloved daughter" or "respected one." South Korean intelligence agencies assess that Kim Jong Un may soon officially designate her as his successor.
However, some experts remain cautious, noting that Kim Ju-ae's young age and North Korea's traditionally male-dominated power structure may pose challenges to her ascension to power.
This military drill response occurs concurrently with the United States and South Korea completing their annual joint exercises, which North Korea typically views as preparations for invasion. During the drills, Kim Jong Un emphasized that the military must be fully prepared for war to handle any possible future developments.
. SourceAssociated Press