North Korean state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on the 28th that leader Kim Jong Un has presented newly developed sniper rifles as ceremonial gifts to party, government, and military officials, referring to them as "excellent weapons" symbolizing his trust in these officials.
Photos released by KCNA show Kim Jong Un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, attending the gift presentation ceremony and aiming and firing at a shooting range.
According to Reuters, Kim Ju-ae, believed to be in her early teens, has recently appeared frequently in the media, accompanying her father on visits inspecting weapons development and other activities. Analysts speculate this suggests she is being groomed as North Korea’s fourth-generation leader.
According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un stated: "As previously announced, this new generation sniper rifle developed and produced by our National Defense Academy is truly an excellent weapon."
Reportedly, the recipients of the gifts included members of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, top commanders of the Korean People's Army major combined units and the Guard Command, Politburo Standing Committee members Jo Yong-won and Kim Jae-ryong, Secretary General of the Workers' Party Kim Yo-jong, among other key leaders.
Kim Jong Un presented them with weapons certificates and joined them at the shooting range for shooting activities.