• Kim Jong Un presented new sniper rifles to party and military officials during the party congress.
• Speculation about his daughter Ju Ae's grooming as a successor intensified after her public appearances.
• Kim Yo Jong has been appointed head of the party's general affairs department.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has presented new sniper rifles as ceremonial gifts to senior party and military officials, calling them a sign of his "absolute trust" following a significant week-long congress. State media highlighted the presentation occurred at the Workers' Party of Korea headquarters, where Kim emphasized the rifles are symbols of gratitude for the officials' commitment over the past five years, according to Reuters.

Additionally, images were released portraying Kim's teenage daughter, Ju Ae, firing a rifle at an outdoor shooting range, which has intensified speculation regarding her being groomed as a future leader. Analysts suggest her increasing visibility at high-profile events indicates that she is receiving training as a potential successor, as reported by both Channel News Asia and India Times.

The recent meeting also marked Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong's, promotion to head the party's general affairs department—a position analysts relate to that of a party secretary-general. Her new role is seen as emphasizing her influence and involvement in North Korea's governance, according to Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

These developments come amid North Korea's commitment to enhancing its military capabilities, as Kim reiterated plans to accelerate the nation's nuclear arsenal during the congress. He stated that his country would not engage in discussions with South Korea unless they cease their "hostile" policies, reinforcing a hardline stance against external pressures, according to Reuters and India Times.