Kim Jong-un’s daughter Ju-ae drives tank in joint battle brills
Ipinakita ng North Korean media si Ju-ae, anak ni Kim Jong-un, na nagmamaneho ng bagong battle tank sa military drills, na nagpapahiwatig ng kanyang lumalaking papel at posibleng pagiging kahalili sa pamumuno.
On March 20, 2026, North Korean state media released footage showing Kim Jong-un's teenage daughter, reportedly named Kim Ju-ae (around 13 years old), driving a newly developed main battle tank during joint infantry-tank combined arms tactical exercises at the 60th Training Base in Pyongyang. The event featured Kim Jong-un supervising the military drill while riding as a passenger on the tank operated by his daughter. Both wore black leather jackets during the demonstration, which involved tank units and infantry coordinating combat tactics.
The newly developed tank demonstrated advanced capabilities during the exercise, including active protection systems that successfully intercepted anti-tank missiles and drones from multiple angles. Kim Jong-un praised the vehicle as "very superior" and claimed it was unmatched globally in offensive capabilities and mobility, indicating it would be deployed extensively throughout North Korea's ground forces. The exercise aimed to acclimate troops to coordinated combat tactics and enhance their defensive capabilities against anti-armor threats.
This marked Ju-ae's first time operating an armored vehicle, following her frequent appearances at high-profile military events since November 2022, including missile tests and military parades. Notably, North Korean state media (KCNA) did not explicitly name her in official reports, only referring to her as Kim's "beloved daughter" in accompanying photographs—a pattern that has continued throughout her public engagements. The timing coincided with the conclusion of South Korea and the United States' 11-day Freedom Shield drills, which North Korea regularly criticizes as war preparations.
Ju-ae's participation in such a significant military event has fueled analyst speculation about her potential role as a successor to her father, despite North Korea's traditionally male-dominated leadership traditions and her youth. South Korean military expert Lee Il-woo noted that modern tanks are relatively easy to drive under the conditions shown in the footage. The event represents another step in her gradual emergence as a public figure within North Korea's political and military hierarchy.
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