Kim Jong Un watches cruise missile tests with daughter amid US–South Korea drills

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the launch of strategic cruise missiles from a naval warship alongside his teenage daughter, state media reported on Wednesday, as tensions rise over ongoing US–South Korea military exercises .

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) , the missile tests were carried out on Tuesday from the Choe Hyon , a year-old naval destroyer. Images released by the agency showed Kim and his daughter watching the launches through a video feed in a conference room , as missiles were fired toward targets.

KCNA said the missiles successfully struck target islands off North Korea’s west coast . The report described the launches as part of efforts to demonstrate the navy’s strategic offensive posture and to familiarise troops with operational weapons use.

During the observation, Kim emphasised the need to maintain “a powerful and reliable nuclear war deterrent,” underscoring Pyongyang’s continued focus on strengthening its strategic capabilities.

While the state media dispatch did not explicitly mention Kim’s daughter, photographs released by KCNA showed her accompanying the leader. The teenager, believed to be Kim Ju Ae , has appeared with her father at several major public events including military parades and weapons tests since late 2022. Last month, South Korea’s intelligence agency assessed that Kim may be preparing to position her as a potential successor , though North Korea has not confirmed any succession plans.

The latest missile tests came shortly after the start of the Freedom Shield joint military exercise between the United States and South Korea , which began on Monday.

North Korea has long criticised such drills as rehearsals for an invasion and frequently responds with weapons tests during or around the exercises.

On Tuesday, Kim Yo Jong , the North Korean leader’s sister and a senior official, condemned the drills, accusing Washington and Seoul of demonstrating “inveterate repugnancy” toward North Korea. She warned that Pyongyang would “convince the enemies of our war deterrence.”

The 11-day Freedom Shield exercise primarily involves a computer-simulated command-post operation and is accompanied by field training activities. North Korea has often reacted to similar joint drills with missile launches and other military demonstrations.