North Korea releases image of leader’s daughter firing pistolNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s daughter Kim Ju Ae test-fires a new pistol at a shooting gallery at a munitions factory in an undisclosed location on March 11, 2026. (Photo: KCNA via AFP)SEOUL - North Korea released an image on Thursday of leader Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter firing a pistol, weeks after photos showed her shooting a rifle — once again stoking speculation she is being groomed as heir. Pyongyang’s state media released an image of Ju Ae firing what looked like a pistol with one eye closed, flames shooting from the muzzle of the gun. State media images showed the duo, donning matching leather jackets — often seen as a symbol of power in North Korea — being briefed by officials as they inspected the facility. The Kim family has ruled North Korea with an iron grip for decades, and a cult of personality surrounding their “Paektu bloodline” dominates daily life in the isolated country.

Source: Bangkok Post March 12, 2026 06:56 UTC