North Korean state media released heartwarming images of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae visiting the Hwaseong residential project and welfare stores in Pyongyang. They were seen feeding a kitten and holding a puppy for the media, while Kim ordered an accelerated expansion of pet care product manufacturing to meet growing pet ownership trends in the capital.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju-ae, inspected the Hwaseong residential area. This area, formerly agricultural land, has been transformed into a new 40,000-unit housing district under Kim's directive since 2022 to improve citizens' living standards amid Western sanctions.
A key highlight of this visit was touring a new pet store. Kim noted that the number of households keeping pets in both the capital and provinces has risen sharply. He ordered the establishment of a specialized store selling pets, accessories, pet food, and veterinary medicines.
State media images showed Kim Ju-ae happily petting a cat while Kim Jong Un smiled behind her. Another photo showed him gently holding a white puppy, surrounded by officials. Kim also instructed measures to increase production capacity for pet-related products to meet future demand.
Beyond the pet store, the pair visited a musical instrument shop focusing on guitars and saxophones, as well as a hair salon. Kim emphasized that these welfare facilities are "absolutely necessary" for creating a hygienic and civilized urban environment.
Kim said, "We must continuously improve service quality, adhering to principles that cater to the people's aesthetic tastes and establish a new Korean-style service culture."
Kim Ju-ae's appearance alongside her father during this civilian inspection follows her recent presence at nuclear missile tests and field military exercises. South Korean intelligence assesses this as a clear sign she is being positioned as the next successor.
Kim Jong Un has ordered all stores and facilities to officially open in celebration of "Day of the Sun," the birthday of his grandfather and country founder Kim Il Sung, on 15 April.
. SourceAFP