North Korea portrays dictator Kim Jong Un as a hero, but also as a puppy-loving family man.

Seoul – As the US deals with Iran over time a deadly and rapidly spreading warunusually candid images emerged of another of America’s arch-enemies seemingly preoccupied with domestic affairs. North Korea has given us a rare glimpse of dictator Kim Jong Un as a family man and pet lover.

North Korean media released images on Thursday of Kim inspecting the Choe Hyon naval destroyer and its weapons systems, saying he aims to build “the most powerful navy” in the country’s history.

It could be an attempt to project power after US strikes that killed Iran’s long-time supreme leader and, before that, former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was kidnapped in the capital of the country.

But separately, the video appeared – with little favor from the Pyongyang government – showing Kim spending a seemingly relaxed afternoon with his daughter Ju Ae, sister Yo Jung, and wife Ri Sul Ju, enjoying the company of some puppies.

Ju Ae is often described by North Korean media as her “beloved child,” and South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has assessed that he was probably chosen to succeed his fathercontinuing the ruling lineage of the Kim family.

South Korean analysts believe that the video, shared on February 17 by an Instagram account identified as a North Korean “government official”, featuring images of a young woman in military uniform, was likely first circulated internally, rather than widely circulated through international channels closely monitored by foreign media.

A batch of photos shared by North Korean state media also show that the video was shot at a pet store inside the new building during the Kims’ visit on Feb. 17 or so. It also includes photos of Kim and her daughter looking at what appears to be a musical instrument store on site.

In video and photos, Kim and his daughter, 13, are seen in matching black coats visiting new facilities in Pyongyang described by state media as part of a “fourth-stage construction project” to provide social services and sports to residents.

Ju Ae appears to admire several dogs, including the traditional Korean Pungsan. At one point her mother, Ri Sol Ju, is seen gently scolding her for some transgression as Kim looks on with a big smile. Her sister Kim Yo Jong can be seen nearby, also smiling as the minute goes by.

In several scenes, Kim engages in playing with dogs. Rather than the military commander who usually shows off missile tests or military parades, and insults the US, he appears relaxed, attentive and openly showing love to his daughter.

Keen observers noted a small but potentially symbolic detail in the video: Kim is seen passing by a Shiba Inu, a Japanese breed, without interest, before lying on top of a Shih Tzu, a breed native to the Chinese imperial palaces – possibly alluding to diplomatic relations between the three countries.