North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's teenage daughter was reportedly seen driving a tank during military exercises, according to footage released by state media. The girl, identified in international reports as Kim Ju-ae, appeared to be operating an olive-green tank with her head sticking out from the hatch while her father sat on top of the vehicle, smiling and surrounded by soldiers.
The military exercise, which took place on Thursday according to state media reports, involved tank units and infantry forces. Both Kim and his daughter wore the black leather jackets they are often seen wearing at public events. This latest appearance adds to growing speculation that the young woman is being groomed as a potential successor to her father.
she only drove straight at a low speed
Kim Ju-ae first appeared in public in November 2022 when she accompanied her father to a long-range missile test. Since then, she has been frequently seen at high-profile military events including weapons tests, military parades, and factory openings. Despite her increased visibility, North Korean state media has never officially published her name, referring to her only as Kim's "respected" or "most beloved" child.
South Korean defense expert Lee Illwoo commented on the tank-driving footage, noting that "she only drove straight at a low speed" and that modern tanks are relatively easy to operate on flat ground. The incident represents the latest in a series of public appearances that have intensified discussions about North Korea's future leadership.
modern tanks are relatively easy to operate on flat ground