Kim Jong Un marks Korean War anniversary with daughter

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un marked the 73rd anniversary of the Korean War armistice by visiting war memorials, accompanied by his daughter, Ju Ae, for the first time at such commemorations. State media reported Kim reiterated Pyongyang's claim of a "great victory" in the 1950-1953 conflict, which ended in an armistice.

Photographs and video released by North Korean state media showed Ju Ae walking beside her father at cemeteries and greeting elderly veterans, highlighting her increasingly visible public role. South Korea's Unification Ministry confirmed this was Ju Ae's first appearance at the armistice anniversary events and her initial visit to specific war cemeteries.

This development follows periodic appearances of Ju Ae with Kim in state media, including images of her driving a tank and firing a rifle. South Korea's National Intelligence Service has briefed lawmakers that they believe Ju Ae is being positioned as Kim's successor, based on credible intelligence.

During his visits, Kim also paid respects at the cemetery for Chinese volunteer soldiers, laying flowers at the grave of Mao Anying, son of Mao Zedong, signaling warming ties with Beijing.