North Korea on Saturday released a photo showing leader Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter and presumed heir, Ju Ae, firing a rifle at a shooting range—fueling ongoing speculation that she is being prepared to succeed him.
The country’s state media outlet, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), published an image of Ju Ae aiming through a rifle scope at an outdoor range, her finger on the trigger as smoke rose from the barrel. She appeared to be wearing a leather jacket, an outfit frequently donned by both father and daughter at major political events, often seen as a symbol of authority and legitimacy.
In a separate report, KCNA said Kim Jong Un presented newly developed sniper rifles to senior party and military officials, calling the gesture an expression of “appreciation and absolute trust.” The report did not reference Ju Ae in connection with the presentation.
According to the agency, Kim later accompanied the officials to a shooting range, where he tested the rifle himself and posed for a group photograph.
State media also announced that Kim’s influential sister, Kim Yo Jong, will lead the general affairs department of the Workers' Party of Korea—a position analysts compare to that of a party secretary-general.
Ju Ae has increasingly been viewed as the likely successor in the tightly controlled, nuclear-armed state. The teenager has appeared at several high-profile events in recent months, including a major military parade this week marking the conclusion of a key party congress.
Earlier this month, intelligence officials in South Korea said there are indications Pyongyang has begun formally positioning her as heir apparent.
The Kim dynasty has governed the country for decades, maintaining a powerful personality cult centered on its so-called “Paektu bloodline.” Kim Jong Un assumed leadership in December 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il.
(With AFP inputs)
