North Korea Unveils Rare Solo Photo of Ju Ae Aiming Rifle
Experts: "Maximizing Her Presence, Visually Signaling Succession Line"
On February 28, it was confirmed that Kim Yo-jong, the younger sister of Chairman Kim Jong Un, who was promoted to director at the 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, has taken on the role of chief secretary of the party. The position of director is equivalent to a ministerial post in the South Korean government.
North Korea announced a communique regarding the 1st Plenary Meeting of the 9th Central Committee of the Workers' Party, reported by the Korean Central News Agency on the 24th. Kim Yo-jong was promoted to candidate member of the Political Bureau and director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party. 2026.2.24 Yonhap News Agency
On this day, the Korean Central News Agency reported that Chairman Kim had presented newly developed sniper rifles, produced by the Academy of National Defense Science, as gifts to key party leaders and military commanders at the Central Committee headquarters the previous day. The media referred to Kim Yo-jong, who received the gift, as the "chief secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party." This marks the first time Kim Yo-jong's new position, following her promotion to director, has been publicly revealed.
The chief secretary of the Workers' Party is a key position responsible for the "internal management" of the party, a role that has been essential since the era of Kim Jong Il. The chief secretary oversees the management of party funds, document handling, and the entire scope of internal administration. In addition to serving as a "secretariat" assisting Kim Jong Un, this position holds real authority over funds and resources, and is understood to handle all practical management of party documents. As the central channel for conveying Kim Jong Un's messages, Kim Yo-jong's grip on and authority within the party appear to have strengthened further. Lim Eul-chul, a professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University, analyzed, "Kim Yo-jong's appointment as chief secretary signifies that her official standing in the power hierarchy and her actual control are approaching the summit," adding, "Placing Kim Jong Un's closest blood relative at the operational apex of the party is a long-term strategic move, positioning her as a 'manager' of the succession process."
On the 27th, Chairman Kim Jong Un presented sniper rifles to key officials and fired sniper weapons at a shooting range. In an unusual move, Kim's daughter Ju Ae was shown aiming a sniper rifle. This was reported by the Korean Central News Agency on the 28th. February 28, 2026 Yonhap News Agency
Meanwhile, North Korean media released photos showing Chairman Kim personally presenting weapon certificates to officials and participating in shooting practice at a firing range. Notably, his daughter Ju Ae accompanied him at the event, drawing attention. The media also released a rare solo photo of Ju Ae, dressed in a leather coat, aiming a rifle. It is considered unusual for North Korea to report a solo image of Ju Ae without Chairman Kim or other figures present. On February 25, Ju Ae was also seen at a nighttime military parade, donning a matching leather coat with Chairman Kim, ascending the central steps, and demonstrating her status as a "successor."
Professor Lim noted, "In North Korea, a leader's authority derives from 'military power,'" and analyzed, "By publicly displaying Ju Ae's strong demeanor in handling weapons despite her young age, the regime aims to impress both domestic and international audiences with her military qualities as a future leader." He further explained, "Releasing images of Kim Ju Ae firing a weapon at the presentation ceremony for the 'new generation sniper rifle' underscores a symbolic link between North Korea's future military capabilities and Kim Ju Ae's own future." He added, "The solo photo visually conveys that Kim Ju Ae is positioned as the sole successor to Kim Jong Un."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
