North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been pictured riding a tank alongside his teenage daughter during a military training exercise, in a high-profile appearance that is likely to fuel ongoing speculation about succession in the country. Images released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Friday showed Kim and his daughter, widely reported to be Kim Ju Ae, taking part in drills involving tank units and infantry forces. Get today's headlines by email According to KCNA, the exercise took place on Thursday and included live-fire drills as well as manoeuvres designed to test combat readiness. Kim was said to have emphasised the need to complete preparations for war. Military display and leadership messagingPhotographs from the event showed both father and daughter dressed in dark clothing, riding together in an olive-green tank alongside soldiers. In some images, the girl is seen emerging from the tank hatch, while Kim appears seated on top, smiling during the exercise. The appearance follows a series of recent public outings in which the pair have attended military-related events together, including weapons tests and factory visits. Growing public role for Kim’s daughterKim Ju Ae, believed to be around 13 years old, has increasingly appeared at official engagements since late 2022. North Korean state media has referred to her using terms such as the leader’s “most beloved” or “respected” child, and has highlighted their close relationship. In recent weeks, she has been seen accompanying her father to a munitions factory, where both reportedly fired pistols, and observing the launch of multiple rocket systems. She has also appeared at major national celebrations and accompanied Kim on an overseas visit to Beijing last year. Her frequent presence at such events has led to speculation among analysts that she may be being positioned as a potential successor. Debate over successionSouth Korea’s intelligence agency recently assessed that Kim may be moving towards formally designating his daughter as heir. However, some experts remain cautious about that conclusion, pointing to Kim’s relatively young age and the traditionally male-dominated structure of North Korea’s leadership. The question of succession remains closely watched, given the country’s opaque political system and the hereditary nature of its leadership. Regional tensions continueThe latest military drills come amid ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea often conducts exercises and weapons tests in response to joint military activities by the United States and **South Korea, which it views as rehearsals for invasion. This week, US and South Korean forces concluded an 11-day command post exercise, though field training operations are continuing. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 March 2026
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