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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and daughter Kim Ju-ae, seen here in a photo released by state media, visited the barracks of KPA officers on Feb. 7 in commemoration of the founding of the armed forces, according to a report by KCTV on Feb. 8. (KCTV/Yonhap)

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the lodgings of the commanding officers of the Korean People’s Army and attended a commemorative banquet on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the armed forces, state-run newspaper the Rodong Sinmun reported on Wednesday.

Kim attended the banquet in the company of his wife Ri Sol-ju and his daughter Kim Ju-ae. The Rodong Sinmun used the expression “respected daughter” to refer to Kim Ju-ae, who is Kim Jong-un and Ri’s second child.

In terms of titles, that is a step up from “beloved daughter” and “most beloved” child, the terms previously used to describe the girl.

The state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper reported on Feb. 8 that Kim Jong-un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae took part in a commemorative banquet for the 75th founding anniversary of the KPA. (KCNA/Yonhap)

In its report Tuesday, the Rodong Sinmun wrote that Kim had “paid a congratulatory visit to the lodging quarters of generals of the Korean People’s Army on February 7 on the occasion of the 75th birthday of the KPA.”

“Commanding officers of the Ministry of National Defence and military and political commanding officers of the KPA large combined units and combined units greeted with the warmest reverence the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un [. . .] when he arrived at the lodging quarters together with his respected daughter,” the article said.

In a speech delivered for a celebratory banquet, Kim called on the Korean People’s Army to “brave trials as always, holding higher the slogans ‘Let the People’s Army take charge of both national defence and socialist construction!’ and ‘When the Party is determined, we can do anything!’”

He was also quoted by the newspaper as saying that North Korea had “finally cultivated a great and absolute strength, overcoming indescribable pains and sufferings.”

The “great and absolute strength” was interpreted as a reference to nuclear armament.

The state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper reported on Feb. 8 that Kim Jong-un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae took part in a commemorative banquet for the 75th founding anniversary of the KPA. (KCNA/Yonhap)

By Lee Je-hun, senior staff writer

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