The North Korean leader and his daughter Kim Ju-ae – believed to be nine or ten years old – appeared in photos of a gala dinner for the North Korean military, writes the Associated Press.
This is the fourth time that Kim Jong-un has shown his daughter to the public, writes the news agency.
According to AP, the country – which claims to have tested a number of ballistic missiles over the past year – plans to hold a massive military parade in the capital Pyongyang to mark the celebration.
The military parade, which could take place on Wednesday, has not been confirmed by official sources in North Korea.
The North Korean news agency says the North Korean leader visited army officers and gave an encouraging speech. Among other things, Kim Jong-un reportedly hailed the army as “the strongest in the world.”
After the girl’s public appearances, speculation abounded about whether she would position herself as Jong-un’s successor.
It would be a break with tradition if the daughter succeeded the father in the patriarchal, male-dominated Kim family. Kim is the third generation of a family that has ruled North Korea for more than 70 years. His father Il-sung and grandfather Jong-il ruled the country before Jong-un inherited power, writes NTB.
“Hardcore coffee specialist. Unable to type with boxing gloves on. Devoted internetaholic.”
