By: The Trek News Desk
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently supervised strategic cruise missile tests conducted from a naval warship, with his teenage daughter appearing alongside him during the observation. Her presence has once again fuelled speculation that she could eventually succeed him in the country’s leadership.
Photographs released on Wednesday by the state-run media showed Kim and his daughter inside a conference room watching footage of missile launches on a large screen. The missiles were fired from the North Korean naval destroyer Choe Hyon, which entered service about a year ago.
According to the report, Kim Jong Un monitored the missile launches via video on Tuesday and stressed the importance of maintaining a “strong and dependable nuclear deterrent.” While the official statement detailed the test, it did not specifically mention his daughter by name.
However, analysts believe the girl is Kim Ju Ae, who is estimated to be around 13 years old. Since late 2022, she has appeared with her father at several high-profile state events, including military parades and weapons demonstrations. South Korea’s intelligence agency recently suggested that Kim Jong Un may be preparing to designate her as his successor.
State media reported that the cruise missiles successfully struck the designated target islands located off North Korea’s western coastline. Kim said the drills were intended to demonstrate the Navy’s strategic offensive capability and help military personnel become more familiar with operating advanced weapons systems.
Last week, Kim personally observed similar cruise missile launches from the same warship. However, his daughter was not seen attending that earlier inspection.
The latest missile tests come at a time when the United States and South Korea are conducting their annual joint military exercises, which North Korea has long criticised as rehearsals for a potential invasion.
Meanwhile, Kim’s sister and senior government official, Kim Yo Jong, strongly condemned the drills on Tuesday. She said the exercises demonstrate what she described as the United States and South Korea’s “deep-rooted hostility” toward North Korea. She warned that the country would reinforce its war deterrence capabilities in response.
The joint military exercise Freedom Shield began on Monday and is scheduled to run for 11 days. The program primarily involves computer-simulated command-post training, along with additional field exercises. In the past, North Korea has frequently responded to such drills by carrying out its own weapons tests.
Source: News Agencies
