Seoul, 13 March 2026 – Kim Jong-un and his teenage daughter Kim Ju-ae were photographed testing pistols at a shooting range during an inspection of a light munitions factory, according to reports from North Korean state media.
The visit focused on a facility producing pistols and other small arms for the country’s military and security forces. During the inspection, Kim reportedly reviewed a newly developed pistol that has recently entered production and tested the weapon at the range, describing it as “excellent.”
Push to Modernise Conventional Forces
North Korea’s state media said the factory plays an important role in supplying light weapons to the armed forces, and Kim called for expanded production capacity and more advanced manufacturing lines to strengthen the country’s conventional military capabilities.
The inspection reflects Pyongyang’s efforts to modernise its conventional arsenal alongside its ongoing development of nuclear and missile programmes.
Daughter’s Growing Public Profile
Although the official report did not mention her presence in the text, images released by state media showed Kim’s daughter participating in the shooting activity and accompanying senior military officials during the visit.
Kim Ju-ae first appeared publicly in November 2022 during a long-range missile test and has since attended numerous high-profile events with her father, including weapons demonstrations and factory inspections.
Her increasingly frequent appearances have led analysts and South Korean intelligence officials to speculate that she may be groomed as a potential successor, continuing the Kim family’s dynastic rule into a fourth generation.
Continued Military Demonstrations
The factory visit followed another recent military event where Kim and his daughter observed the launch of nuclear-capable cruise missiles from a naval destroyer. The North Korean leader has repeatedly called for accelerating the nuclear armament of the country’s navy and strengthening overall defence capabilities.
The series of appearances underscores how North Korea continues to showcase military developments while elevating the public profile of Kim’s daughter in state propaganda.
