After North Korea party congress, Kim gifts rifles to officials, daughter

"Kim presented the rifles to senior party and military officials on Friday, calling them a sign of his absolute trust and gratitude for their commitment over the past five years since the last Workers' Party of Korea congress in 2021, according to North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on Saturday."

"Since first appearing in public at a long-range missile test in November 2022, the girl believed to be named Kim Ju Ae and about 13 years old has accompanied her father to a growing number of events, including military demonstrations, factory openings and a trip to Beijing in September."

"Her new title signals a broader role overseeing the party's internal operations and administrative affairs. State media photos showed Kim Yo Jong and other top officials aiming the rifles handed out by Kim Jong Un at a shooting range."

Kim Jong Un presented new sniper rifles to top government and military officials following a weeklong Workers' Party of Korea congress. State media highlighted his teenage daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae and approximately 13 years old, handling a weapon at a shooting range while wearing a brown leather coat similar to her father's. Since her first public appearance at a long-range missile test in November 2022, she has accompanied Kim Jong Un to numerous events including military demonstrations, factory openings, and a trip to Beijing. Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, received a promotion to general affairs director of the party's central committee, signaling expanded oversight of internal party operations. These developments suggest potential succession planning within North Korea's leadership structure.

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