Kim Jong Un’s daughter appears in public for second time – raising speculation of a successor in the making | World News

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made his second public appearance with his daughter as the two posed for photos with soldiers, scientists and others involved in this month’s Hwasong-17 rocket launch. .

State media KCNA reported that Mr Kim and his daughter found the crowd “filled with boundless passion and happiness” as they expressed “the highest glory and ardent reverence for him”. “.

Mr. Kim is quoted as saying: “It is a truth taught by history that only when we become the strongest – not the weak – in the present world, where strength in battle determines victory, will we can protect the present and the future of the country and the people”.

He also said that scientists and technicians should “fight for life and death… and thus expand and strengthen the country’s nuclear war deterrent at an extremely rapid pace”.

KCNA said the workers were “determined” to carry out the task, “burning with a single mind to repay the favor and trust he gave him at any cost”.

The photos are undated but were released by the North Korean government late Saturday.

Independent journalists were not allowed access to the event, which KCNA described as a “photo session”.

The Hwasong-17 is North Korea’s most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile and it was tested earlier this month, with some experts suggesting it is capable of hitting anywhere on the continental United States.

Kim has boasted that the ICBM is the “most reliable and capable” weapon to deter US military threats.

His daughter watched the test with him – her first appearance in public.

Her second appearance has sparked speculation that she could be his successor in the making, but analysts say it will be an uphill struggle unprecedented in the reign due to male dominance in Korea.

KCNA has not yet identified the girl, calling her “dear daughter”, but experts believe that she is Ju Ae, estimated to be between 12 and 13 years old, although some have suggested that she maybe only 9 years old.

Mr. Kim is said to have three children – two girls and a boy – but when he showed the world Ju Ae twice in just a few days, he hinted that she could be his successor or train. a leadership position.