The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea, reported on February 28 that Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, met with key leading officials and military commanders at the headquarters of the Party Central Committee on February 27 and presented them with specially prepared gifts / Rodong Sinmun
Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, presented new sniper rifles to key officials and military commanders to commemorate the 9th Workers’ Party Congress. This gesture of gifting firearms underscores the supreme leader’s authority, a practice Kim has employed before by presenting handguns to officials.
Kim’s daughter, Ju Ae, widely considered a potential successor, made waves by actively participating in live-fire exercises and appearing to oversee shooting practice, significantly bolstering her image as a future leader.
The Rodong Sinmun reported on January 28 that Kim had awarded the next-generation sniper rifles, newly developed by the National Defense Science Institute, as special gifts to key party leaders and military commanders at the Party Central Committee headquarters on February 27. Notably, Ju Ae featured in 19 of the 40 photos released by the state-run newspaper.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea, reported on February 28 that Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, met with key leading officials and military commanders at the headquarters of the Party Central Committee on February 27 and presented them with specially prepared gifts / Rodong Sinmun
The ceremony took place in a conference room adorned with a large red Workers’ Party flag and propaganda artwork. Kim personally presented the new sniper rifles and accompanying certificates to senior military officials. These certificates appear to authenticate the gifts as coming directly from the supreme leader.
Ju Ae stood prominently beside Kim during the award ceremony, assuming a role previously held by Kim Yo-jong, the party’s deputy director, or Hyun Song-wol, the party’s deputy minister. This positioning further reinforces her image as a potential successor.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea, reported on February 28 that Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, met with key leading officials and military commanders at the headquarters of the Party Central Committee on February 27 and presented them with specially prepared gifts / Rodong Sinmun
Of particular interest was the scene where recipients practiced with their gifted rifles. The Rodong Sinmun strategically published a photo showing Kim and Ju Ae leading the group, followed by older senior officials collectively holding rifles, clearly establishing a hierarchy.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea, reported on February 28 that Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, met with key leading officials and military commanders at the headquarters of the Party Central Committee on February 27 and presented them with specially prepared gifts / Rodong Sinmun
Ju Ae demonstrated her growing capabilities by assisting Kim during his shooting practice, adjusting targets and showcasing a level of competence beyond her years.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea, reported on February 28 that Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, met with key leading officials and military commanders at the headquarters of the Party Central Committee on February 27 and presented them with specially prepared gifts / Rodong SinmunThe Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea, reported on February 28 that Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, met with key leading officials and military commanders at the headquarters of the Party Central Committee on February 27 and presented them with specially prepared gifts / Rodong Sinmun
The highlight of the event was Ju Ae’s shooting scene. The Rodong Sinmun published a solo photo of Ju Ae, estimated to be 13 or 14 years old, firing live ammunition with a long sniper rifle – an image that seems incongruous with her age. The publication of Ju Ae’s solo photo in the state-run newspaper is highly unusual and suggests her elevated status following the 9th Party Congress.
The timing of this event, immediately following North Korea’s display of unity at the 9th Party Congress, is significant. Kim’s presentation of rifles to officials, described as a sign of absolute trust, indicates North Korea’s current need for strong cohesion.
Analysts predict that Ju Ae will likely take on more prominent public roles in the future, potentially performing significant duties even without an official title.
