New Delhi: North Korea on Saturday revealed its ruler Kim Jong-un's little-known daughter in a rare appearance, she is the fourth-generation member of the dynastic family which has been ruling North Korea for more than seven decades.
The North’s state media reported that Kim observed the launch of its new type of intercontinental ballistic missile with his wife Ri Sol Ju, their “beloved daughter” and other officials the previous day, the Associated Press reported.
As per the report, the North Korean dictator said that the launch of the Hwasong-17 missile — the nation's longest-range, nuclear-capable missile — proved that he has a reliable weapon to contain U.S.-led military threats.
The Rodong Sinmun newspaper released photos of Kim watching a soaring missile from a distance with his daughter. The photos show her wearing a white coat and a pair of red shoes as she walked hand-in-hand with her father by a huge missile atop a launch truck.
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Several photos published by North Korea's state news agency KCNA, show the two holding hands while they speak with officials, inspect missiles and watch the launch from a viewing deck.
It’s the first time that North Korea’s state media has mentioned the daughter or released her photos. Details such as her name and age have not been revealed.
Kim’s private life continues to remain shrouded in mystery. So far, as per South Korean media, all that is known is that Kim Jong-un married Ri, a former singer, in 2009, and that the couple has three children born in 2010, 2013, and 2017.
As per the AP's report, retired NBA star Dennis Rodman in 2013 told the Guardian that he and Kim had a “relaxing time by the sea” during his trip to Pyongyang. He said he met the leader’s family and that he held Kim’s baby daughter, named Ju Ae.
The identities of Kim’s children continue to remain a focus as the 38-year-old autocratic ruler is yet to publicly anoint an heir apparent.
(With Agency Inputs)