From Matching Jackets to Military Drills: Kim and daughter’s tank moment goes viral

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a striking public appearance alongside his teenage daughter during recent military drills, drawing both geopolitical attention and a wave of light-hearted reactions online.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim supervised large-scale military exercises involving tank units and infantry troops on Thursday, emphasising the need to accelerate war preparedness . Photographs released by state media showed Kim and his daughter, widely believed to be Kim Ju Ae , riding atop an olive-green tank during the training session.

Dressed in matching black leather jackets, the father-daughter duo appeared relaxed, with Kim smiling as his daughter peered out from the tank’s hatch. The images quickly circulated globally, prompting a mix of analysis and humour. Social media users, in particular, joked about Kim’s increasingly visible “girl dad” persona , noting how the leader has now taken his daughter from factory visits and missile tests to a tank ride.

Kim Ju Ae, estimated to be around 13 years old, has accompanied her father to several high-profile events since late 2022, including weapons tests and official ceremonies . North Korean state media has described her as his “most beloved” child , reinforcing speculation that she may be positioned as a potential successor .

The latest appearance follows a series of joint outings, including visits to a munitions factory where they were seen firing pistols and observing rocket launch tests . She has also featured in diplomatic and ceremonial settings, including a trip to Beijing and New Year celebrations.

While South Korea’s intelligence agency recently suggested Kim may be preparing to designate her as his heir, some experts remain sceptical, citing his relatively young age and North Korea’s male-dominated power structure .

The military drills took place against the backdrop of ongoing joint exercises between the United States and South Korea , which Pyongyang routinely condemns as rehearsals for invasion .