An undated photo released by the official North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 05 January 2024 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Ju Ae inspecting a missile launcher production facility in an undisclosed location in North Korea. According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un calls for expanded production of 'various TELs (transporter erector launcher) for tactical and strategic weapon' for the country to be 'firmly prepared for a military showdown with the enemy'. EPA-EFE/KCNA Kim's birthday is believed to be Jan. 8, though his secretive regime has never confirmed the date. The U.S. government lists Kim's birth year as 1984, making him 40 years old this year.
The birth dates of Kim's father and grandfather, who preceded him as rulers, are national holidays in the authoritarian state.
Kim Jong Un's presumed birth date, meanwhile, has always passed quietly without mention in media or on the country's calendars.
The closest North Korea has come to confirming the date came in January 2020 after authorities acknowledged Kim had received birthday greetings from then-U.S. President Donald Trump, though they did not mention the exact date.
This year, state news agency KCNA on Monday showed Kim visiting a chicken farm with his daughter and senior officials.
South Korea's intelligence agency said this month it believes the daughter, known as Ju-ae, may be a likely successor.
Kim's government is heavily sanctioned over the country's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, as well as human rights abuses.
(Reporting by Josh Smith, Editing by William Maclean)
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