Kim Jong Un Gifts New Sniper Rifles to Officials After Party Congress; Daughter's Appearance Fuels Succession Speculation

Kathmandu. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gifted new sniper rifles to top government and military officials following the week-long congress of the ruling Workers' Party. Photos released by state media prominently featured his teenage daughter, reigniting speculation regarding succession.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim presented the rifles to senior party and military officials on Friday, expressing 'full confidence' and gratitude for their commitment over the five years since the previous congress in 2021. Photos were made public showing Kim Yo Jong and other high-ranking officials testing the rifles at a shooting range event.

The report confirmed that Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, currently serves as the director of the General Affairs Department of the Party's Central Committee. She has played the role of a spokesperson in recent years, maintaining a hardline stance against Washington and Seoul. Her new role signals an expansion of her influence in the party's internal administration and operations.

Kim's daughter is also seen holding a rifle in the photos. Kim Ju Ae, who first appeared publicly during an intercontinental ballistic missile test in November 2022, has since been seen accompanying her father at various military demonstrations, industrial events, and diplomatic meetings. South Korean officials have been closely monitoring preparations to potentially name her as successor, as she is currently believed to be around 13 years old.

The Party Congress, held every five years since 2016, concluded in Pyongyang on Wednesday. During the meeting, Kim reiterated his emphasis on accelerating North Korea's nuclear weapons program. He also indicated that the door for talks with the United States remains open while maintaining a tough policy toward South Korea, though he repeated the demand that nuclear disarmament not be a precondition.

South Korea's intelligence agency speculated earlier this month about the possibility of formally presenting Kim Ju Ae as a successor. However, she was not seen attending the formal sessions of the congress. It was indicated that an immediate announcement was unlikely, as party rules require a minimum age of 18 for formal positions.

The state media report following the congress mentioned that a 'solid foundation for ensuring the glorious succession and development of our party' has been laid. Analysts have interpreted this as an indirect message regarding future succession.