Kim Jong Un displayed live rocket launches to his teenage daughter while South Korea conducted military exercises that North Korea perceives as a rehearsal for invasion. Kim Ju Ae, approximately 13 years old, accompanied her father to observe a drill involving 12 ultra-precision rocket launchers on North Korea’s east coast. South Korea reported detecting around 10 ballistic missiles launched from the Pyongyang region towards the eastern sea.

The young girl, believed to be Kim’s potential successor, walked near large olive-green launch trucks and witnessed the weapons being fired. Kim Ju Ae has been present at various significant events, including missile tests and military parades, fueling speculation that she is being groomed as Kim’s heir apparent.

Earlier this year, Kim Ju Ae garnered attention when she attended a military parade in North Korea’s capital and was also present during her father’s speech where he asserted the country’s capability to “completely destroy” its southern neighbor. Observers have pointed out the similarities in attire between the teenager and her father, indicating a possible future leadership role for her within North Korea’s political circle.

Kim Jong Un, as cited by the official Korean Central News Agency, stated that the recent drill would unsettle enemies within the 260-mile range, giving them a clear understanding of the destructive power of tactical nuclear weapons. He specifically mentioned South Korea and U.S. troops stationed in the region. Experts have highlighted that North Korea’s large rocket launchers blur the line between artillery systems and ballistic missiles due to their ability to self-propel and be guided during deployment.

North Korea has asserted that some of these systems are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The U.S.-South Korean Freedom Shield training, a computer-simulated command post exercise, is scheduled to continue through March 19. North Korea typically responds to such exercises with its weapon trials and strong rhetoric.