North Korea threatens nuclear retaliation as Kim Jong Un reveals daughter at missile launch

Pyongyang, North Korea - North Korea's state media have revealed photos of the daughter of ruler Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju, along with their young daughter, for or the first time.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter seen walking hand-in-hand next to a ballistic missile.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter seen walking hand-in-hand next to a ballistic missile.  © via REUTERS

Kim was present with his "beloved daughter and wife" at the site of Friday's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, during which Kim said that Pyongyang will respond to threats by the US and other "hostile forces" with nuclear weapons.

It's unclear what the young woman's name is and how old she is.

One photo showed her and her father hand in hand in front of the vehicle from which the missile, described by South Korean media as a "monster missile," was to be launched.

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According to observers, the photos were intended to demonstrate Kim's self-confidence as well as his family ties. Nothing is known about internal discussions in the isolated country about a possible successor to Kim.

Friday's test involved a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), prompting US condemnation and a joint air exercise with Seoul.

North Korea's state news agency KCNA said that Kim "solemnly declared that if the enemies continue to pose threats" to the country, "our Party and government will resolutely react to nukes with nuclear weapons and to total confrontation with all-out confrontation."

Observers fear that Pyongyang's first nuclear test in years is imminent.

Cover photo: via REUTERS

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