But it has launched a debate about the young Kim Ju Ae's viability as the next leader for the country of 25 million - a dictatorship which has only ever been ruled by a member of the Kim family.

After a ruling party congress, Kim Jong Un presented the rifles to senior party and military officials, as well as his daughter, who is seen as an increasingly likely successor.

Kim Jong Un says North Korea can completely destroy South Korea if it feels threatened, and he refuses to engage with Seoul.

It was Kim Ju Ae's first time joining her father at the Workers' Party of Korea' military parade.

SEOUL, Feb 28 (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim ⁠Jong ⁠Un has presented new sniper ⁠rifles as ceremonial gifts to party and military officials, ​calling them a "wonderful weapon" and a sign of his trust, state media KCNA news ‌agency said on Saturday.

Kim attended a ceremony Wednesday to mark the presenting of "600 mm-caliber" multiple rocket launchers to the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party.

By Joyce Lee and Jack Kim SEOUL, Feb 26 (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he would focus on expanding his country's nuclear arsenal and that prospects for improving relations with the U.

The U.S. and South Korean militaries said on Wednesday they will conduct their annual springtime exercises next month to bolster their countries’ combined defense capabilities against a backdrop of a deepening diplomatic freeze with nuclear-armed North Korea.

The teenage daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Ju-ae, drew renewed attention as she took center stage with her father at this week's military parade that wrapped up the North's key party congress,