Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, alongside his daughter, participated in a shooting practice using a newly developed rifle, as reported by North Korea's state news agency, KCNA. The Supreme Leader gifted these sniper rifles to Workers' Party officials and military commanders, highlighting them as "excellent weapons" and symbols of his trust.

According to Thai News Agency, Kim Jong Un convened with top figures and high-ranking military commanders at the ruling Workers' Party of Korea's headquarters. During this meeting, he presented each of them with a new rifle, developed by the Defense Science Institute. The ceremony, held to commemorate the 9th National Congress of the Workers' Party, saw Kim lauding the weapons for their effectiveness and impressive design.

The recipients of the rifles included members of the party's Central Military Commission, high-ranking commanders of the Korean People's Army, and the Guard. Notably, Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un's sister, was identified for the first time by KCNA as the Director of the General Affairs Department of the party's Central Committee.

Photographs released by state media showcased Kim Joo-ae, Kim's teenage daughter, engaging in the gift-giving ceremony and participating in shooting practice at a range. Her increasing presence in state media, often accompanying her father on various missions and inspections, has led analysts to speculate about her potential grooming as the country's future leader.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service suggests that Kim Joo-ae's frequent public appearances indicate her involvement in policy discussions, positioning her as a de facto leader, second only to her father. Additionally, the Korean Central News Agency shared images of Kim Yo Jong with a rifle, alongside Hyon Song Wol, a close aide to Kim Jong Un and his wife.