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North Korean leader’s daughter appears in military drill photos

Photo: KCNA via REUTERS, photo editor: Serikzhan Kovlanbayev

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter was shown driving a military tank during a public inspection, according to Reuters.

The girl, thought to be about 13 years old and often called Kim Ju Ae, was photographed looking out of the tank’s driver’s hatch.

She has appeared with her father more often in recent months, leading some observers to speculate that she may be getting prepared for a future leadership role. North Korean authorities have not officially confirmed her name or age.

Earlier in March, she took part in military activities, such as aiming a rifle at a firing range and, on another occasion, handling a handgun.

In recent years, Kim has focused on strengthening North Korea’s military. This includes modernizing conventional weapons, such as tactical missiles, and continuing to develop strategic weapons like long-range ballistic missiles and nuclear arms.

Earlier this year, Kim Jong Un stated that the U.S. and North Korea could “get along” if Washington were to recognize Pyongyang’s status as a nuclear power.