- By Chetna Shree
- Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:57 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday visited a major munitions factory, where he inspected weapons production and test-fired newly produced handguns alongside his teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae. The images, released on Thursday, show Kim Ju Ae handling a pistol, fueling renewed speculation that she is being prepared as a potential future leader.
Kim Jong Un's Daughter Visits Munitions Factory, Fires Pistol
The photos show North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un touring a munitions factory alongside his teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae and military officials, with both dressed in black leather jackets, a garment often seen in the country as a symbol of authority. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), both participated in a shooting drill at the factory’s firing range.
Kim Ju Ae can be seen firing a pistol with one eye closed and flames bursting from the muzzle, fueling speculation that she is being prepared as a future leader.
Kim Jong Un Reviews Pistol Production At Munitions Factory
During a visit to the munitions factory, Kim Jong Un reviewed the production of a new-type pistol that recently entered manufacturing. The weapon's design had been examined and approved by the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea on February 19, 2025.
Kim highlighted that the factory plays a 'very important role in increasing the combat efficiency of the army, public security forces and militia forces,' as it produces pistols and other portable light weapons.
He stressed the need to expand production capacity and accelerate the modernisation of the factory's manufacturing lines.
Kim Ju Ae's Appearance Fuels Succession Speculation
The presence of Ju Ae during the factory visit drew renewed attention. State photographs released last month showed her at the closing stages of a major congress of the Workers' Party of Korea. She has also appeared alongside her father at several high-profile events. According to political analysts, Ju Ae may be groomed as a potential successor within the ruling family.
According to experts, images of Ju Ae participating in weapons drills appear to cultivate the image of a strong future leader with military credentials. The Kim Family has ruled North Korea for decades, with leadership closely tied to the influential 'Paektu Bloodline,' a concept heavily promoted in the state ideology.