North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presented new sniper rifles to high-ranking party and military officials following a week-long Workers' Party Congress in Pyongyang, while images of his daughter holding a gun at a shooting range drew attention amid succession speculation.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim handed the rifles to top leaders on Friday, calling them a symbol of “absolute trust” and recognition for their commitment over the five years since the previous congress in 2021.
Photos released by state media show Kim Ju Ae, believed to be around 13 years old, wearing a brown leather coat similar to her father's, holding a rifle at the range with smoke rising from the barrel. She first appeared publicly in November 2022 during a long-range missile test and has since accompanied her father to numerous military events, factories, and even a visit to Beijing in September.
KCNA also confirmed that Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un's younger sister, holds the position of director in charge of general affairs at the Party Central Committee following her promotion at the congress. The new title indicates an expanded role in internal party operations and administration.
The Workers' Party Congress, North Korea's most significant political event held every five years, concluded Wednesday after seven days of meetings. There, Kim reaffirmed plans to accelerate the development of the nuclear arsenal and maintain a tough stance toward South Korea, while leaving the door open for dialogue with the U.S. if Washington changes its conditions regarding denuclearization.
South Korean officials and experts closely monitored the congress for signs that Kim is preparing to hand over power to the fourth generation of the family. Seoul's intelligence agency earlier this month assessed that Kim is moving closer to designating his daughter as his successor, though no official announcement has been made and party rules require members to be at least 18 years old.
In its report evaluating the congress, North Korean state media emphasized that the meetings “laid a solid foundation for the glorious succession and development of the party,” a phrase many experts view as an indirect signal of Pyongyang's long-term leadership plans.
