North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (right) visits a pet shop in the fourth-stage district of the Hwasong area — a new housing development in Pyongyang — ahead of its opening, accompanied by his daughter, Ju-ae, according to the Korean Central News Agency on Friday. (KCNA-Yonhap)
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a newly built pet shop in Pyongyang alongside his wife and daughter, the North’s state media reported Friday, highlighting what it called efforts to improve living standards and promote a “socialist civilization.”
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim inspected service facilities nearing completion in the fourth-stage district of the Hwasong area, a large-scale housing development project in the capital.
KCNA did not identify the daughter by name, consistent with its usual practice, but released photos showing the girl — widely believed to be Kim Ju-ae — accompanying the leader and his wife, Ri Sol-ju. The text did not mention Ju-ae or Ri.
(KCNA-Yonhap)
During the visit to the Hwasong Pet Shop, Kim observed various animals displayed across multiple floors and pointed to a growing trend of pet ownership in Pyongyang and other regions.
“As a growing number of households in the capital city and other areas have pets these days, I saw to it that a new shop was built to sell pets and various accessories and offer specialized services,” Kim was quoted as saying.
He also called for expanding the production of pet-related goods, including pet food, grooming tools and veterinary medicines, signaling a push to diversify consumer-oriented industries.
In one image released by state media, Kim was seen showing his daughter a puppy — a rare glimpse into his personal life amid continued speculation about his daughter’s elevated public role.
(KCNA-Yonhap)
The inspection comes as North Korea showcases lifestyle-focused amenities in tandem with large housing projects, an effort observers say is aimed at reinforcing the regime’s narrative of improving people’s material and cultural welfare despite ongoing economic constraints.
Kim also toured other facilities, including an automobile service center, a musical instrument shop and a hair salon, praising their “modern equipment” and service systems tailored to consumer needs.
The Hwasong district, where some 40,000 housing units have been built in phases between 2022 and 2025, has been a centerpiece of Kim’s urban development drive. A fifth-stage construction project is already underway.
KCNA said the facilities are set to open around April 15, the birthday of state founder Kim Il-sung, known as the “Day of the Sun.”
mkjung@heraldcorp.com