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.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has gifted top government and military officials new sniper rifles following a weeklong ruling party congress celebrating his leadership.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's daughter Ju Ae allegedly designated as potential successor while serving as missile general director, intelligence sources report.

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.

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

Kim Jong Un threatens to "completely destroy" South Korea, calling it the "most hostile enemy" while expanding North Korea's nuclear arsenal and military capabilities.

The United States and North Korea could "get along", Kim added, but only if the US accepts that North Korea's nuclear weapons are here to stay. His comments, which were made at a five-yearly party congress held in the capital Pyongyang, are seen as leaving a door open to talks with US President Donald Trump ahead of Trump's visit to China in April.

SEOUL, Feb 17 (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un marked the completion of 10,000 new houses built in Pyongyang, state media KCNA said on Tuesday, as the country is about to hold a key party congress.

North Korea's KCNA revealed striking images of Kim Ju Ae firing a sniper rifle. As Kim Yo Jong takes a new party role, experts say the 'Paektu bloodline' succession is now official.