During a North Korean parade, Kim Jong-un's daughter appeared prominently in place of weapons, as he warned of severe retaliation against military threats.
On the night of the 25th, following the conclusion of the 9th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, a parade was held that notably did not display any weapons or military equipment, focusing instead on troop presence. Kim Jong-un, the General Secretary of the Workers' Party, was joined by his daughter Ju-ae and wife Ri Sol-ju at the event, marking a significant moment in showcasing the young heir's potential future role while reinforcing the dynastic leadership theme within North Korea. Ju-ae, dressed in a jacket similar to her father’s, stood close to him and was seen applauding enthusiastically after his speech, which underlines an intention to position her as a successor to the leadership.
This parade was unique as it was the first time in a decade that no major weapons systems, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), were displayed. Instead, the emphasis appeared to be on internal unity and cohesion within the ruling party rather than flaunting military power externally. Approximately 15,000 troops participated, a number that reflects a shift towards showcasing human resources rather than hardware. Even units deployed in Russia were involved in the event, indicating deeper military ties or alliances.
In his address during the parade, Kim stressed the importance of safeguarding the nation's survival and developmental rights and issued a strong warning against any military hostilities directed towards North Korea. He stated that the military would respond immediately with brutal retaliatory attacks against any forces that infringe upon the nation’s sovereignty and security interests, further escalating the regime's rhetoric on national defense and asserting its readiness to confront perceived threats.
