North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was seen smiling as his adolescent daughter, Kim Ju Ae, drove him on a tank during a military drill. The young girl, believed to be around 13 years old, has been increasingly appearing with her father at official events, hinting at her potential role as his successor.

The father-daughter duo, clad in matching leather outfits, oversaw a display of military power in North Korea, showcasing a new advanced tank model designed with enhanced offensive and defensive capabilities against drones and anti-tank systems. They also observed rocket launches and drone operations as part of military demonstrations in Pyongyang, emphasizing the country’s military modernization efforts.

The presence of Kim Jong-un’s daughter at such high-profile events underscores her growing importance within North Korea’s regime. Referred to as the dictator’s “respected” child by state media, Kim Ju Ae is being groomed for a significant role, a status reserved for esteemed figures in the country.

Kim Ju Ae’s existence became public knowledge after former NBA player Dennis Rodman disclosed that Kim Jong-un had multiple children during a visit to Pyongyang in 2013. The young girl made her first public appearance in November 2022 and has since been featured on postage stamps and attending official banquets in North Korea. She recently accompanied her father on a visit to China for a military parade and was even photographed firing pistols alongside him at a shooting range.