Kim Jong Un Visits North Korean Weapons Factory and Tests Pistol on Site

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter tested new pistols during a visit to a light munitions factory, according to AP News on March 12.

North Korea’s state media released photos from the recent visit. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim inspected a factory producing pistols and other light arms a day earlier.

KCNA noted that Kim reviewed a new pistol that recently entered production and fired it at a shooting range. It quoted Kim as rating the weapon “excellent.” The agency also reported that he urged the factory to expand capacity and modernize its production lines.

The text report did not mention his daughter, but photographs showed her firing a pistol alongside senior military officials. AP identified her as Kim Ju Ae, who is believed to be about 13 years old.

Her public appearances have grown since November 2022, when she first appeared at a long-range missile test. AP reported that South Korean officials and analysts view her as a possible successor.

Kim Jong Un’s 13-year-old daughter was reportedly promoted to a leadership role akin to “director” within North Korea’s Missile Administration, fueling speculation she is being positioned for greater authority. 

A South Korean government official cited in the reporting said she is being briefed by senior generals and, in some cases, is already issuing directions that could supersede the current missile chief, Jang Chang Ha. 

Her rising visibility alongside Kim at weapons-related events has intensified succession speculation, though recent outside reporting still frames her role as emerging and not formally confirmed by North Korean state media. 

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