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.

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

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

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.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said there was "no reason" Pyongyang could not improve relations with the United States if Washington abandons what he called its hostile policy, state media reported Thursday.

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.

Freedom Shield is one of two “command post” exercises that the allies conduct each year; the other is Ulchi Freedom Shield, held in August. The drills are largely computer-simulated and designed to test the allies’ joint operational capabilities while incorporating evolving war scenarios and security challenges.

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches a military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this ...

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,