After North Korea party congress, Kim gifts rifles to officials, daughter | Kim Jong Un News
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Showcases New Firearms Amid Speculation on Future Leadership
Published on February 28, 2026
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has presented new sniper rifles to senior government and military officials following a weeklong congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea, which commended his leadership. State media reported on Saturday that Kim’s teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, was seen at a shooting range taking aim, further fueling speculation that she is being groomed as a future leader.
During a ceremony on Friday, Kim expressed his “absolute trust” in the officials and thanked them for their dedication over the past five years since the last party congress in 2021. North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency detailed Kim’s comments and the symbolic significance of the weapons distribution.
The report confirmed a promotion for Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, who has been a prominent spokesperson for Kim, known for her strong rhetoric towards the United States and South Korea. She now holds the position of general affairs director of the party’s central committee, indicating an expanded role in overseeing the party’s internal operations.
Photos released by state media depicted Kim Yo Jong and other high-ranking officials aiming the rifles at a shooting range, with Kim Ju Ae also shown handling a firearm while dressed in a brown leather coat reminiscent of her father’s attire. The young Kim has increasingly appeared in public since her debut at a long-range missile test in November 2022, attending various events such as military demonstrations and a recent trip to Beijing for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The congress concluded with a military parade in Pyongyang, marking North Korea’s most significant political event held every five years since 2016. During the seven-day event, Kim reiterated his commitment to enhancing North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, which already poses a threat to the U.S. and its allies in Asia. He maintained a hardline stance toward South Korea, explicitly dismissing dialogue and claiming his military could “completely destroy” the neighboring country.
Earlier this week, Kim emphasized that future negotiations with the U.S. hinge on Washington abandoning its “hostile” policies. He stated that mutual respect could lead to improved relations, should the U.S. withdraw its demands for North Korea’s denuclearization.
As the week of meetings wrapped up, the tone of the discussions remained firm, with Kim reaffirming Pyongyang’s position on the importance of not conceding to external pressures for disarmament.
