North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Un distributed advanced sniper rifles to top party and military leadership during a Friday ceremony at Workers’ Party headquarters, according to state-run media reports released Saturday.
The North Korean leader described the newly manufactured weapons as exceptional, telling recipients the firearms represent his confidence in them. The rifles were developed by the nation’s Academy of Defence Science and distributed to commemorate the party’s Ninth Congress.
“As was already made public, this new-generation sniper’s rifle our Academy of Defence Science developed and produced is really a wonderful weapon,” Kim stated during the presentation.
Among those receiving the ceremonial weapons were Central Military Commission members, high-ranking Korean People’s Army officers, and security unit commanders. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, also received a rifle and was officially identified for the first time as head of the General Affairs Department within the party’s Central Committee.
State media photographs captured Kim’s teenage daughter, known as Ju Ae, participating in the ceremony and handling a rifle at a shooting facility. The young girl, estimated to be in her early teenage years, has appeared more frequently in official media alongside her father during various inspections, including weapons facility visits.
Intelligence analysts suggest these public appearances indicate Ju Ae may be receiving preparation for eventual leadership of the isolated nation. South Korea’s National Intelligence Agency believes her visible role suggests she now contributes to policy discussions and holds significant influence as the regime’s second-most powerful figure.
Additional photographs showed Kim Yo Jong posing with a rifle next to Hyon Song Wol, a close adviser to Kim Jong Un who maintains ties to the leader’s spouse.
The weapon distribution ceremony concluded North Korea’s week-long Ninth Congress, which ended with a military parade display.
