Mr_Rajkamal Kim Jong Un Inspects Weapons Factory With Daughter, Tests New Pistol
March 12, 2026: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter were seen firing pistols during an inspection of a light munitions factory, according to photos released by North Korea’s state media on Thursday.
The visit comes as Pyongyang continues efforts to modernize its conventional military forces after years of focusing primarily on nuclear weapons development.
Inspection of Light Weapons Factory
North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim Jong Un visited a factory producing pistols and other light arms a day earlier.
During the visit, Kim reviewed a newly developed pistol that has recently entered mass production. After testing the weapon at a shooting range, the North Korean leader reportedly described the firearm as “excellent.”
While the official report did not mention Kim’s daughter in the text, state media photos clearly showed her firing a pistol alongside senior military officials.
Push for Expanded Weapons Production
According to KCNA, Kim emphasized that the factory plays a crucial role in supplying pistols and light weapons to North Korea’s military and security forces.
He urged officials to increase the factory’s production capacity and introduce more modern manufacturing lines to strengthen the country’s conventional military capabilities.
Kim’s Daughter Increasingly in Public Spotlight
Kim’s daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae and estimated to be around 13 years old, has been appearing frequently alongside her father in public events.
Her first public appearance was during a long-range missile test in November 2022. Since then, she has joined Kim Jong Un at several major events including:
- Military weapons displays
- Factory inspections
- Political ceremonies
- A diplomatic visit to Beijing
During the Beijing visit, Kim Jong Un held his first summit in six years with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Possible Future Leader?
South Korean intelligence officials and international analysts believe Kim’s daughter’s growing public role could signal that she is being groomed as a potential future leader.
If that happens, it would extend the Kim family’s rule into a fourth generation dynasty in North Korea.
Recent Missile and Weapons Tests
Last month, state media also showed Kim’s daughter testing a sniper rifle during a weapons demonstration following a ruling party congress where Kim outlined North Korea’s political and military goals for the next five years.
The pistol factory visit came shortly after another inspection in which Kim and his daughter watched the launch of nuclear-capable cruise missiles from a naval destroyer.
During that event, Kim called for accelerating the nuclear armament of North Korea’s navy.
Analysts say the repeated appearances of Kim’s daughter at military events highlight Pyongyang’s efforts to showcase both its military strength and the continuity of the ruling Kim dynasty.
