Pyongyang, June 27 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un briefly stepped away from missile launches and military affairs this week for a rare public outing with his wife and daughter at a newly built beach resort-part of Pyongyang's effort to boost tourism and project a softer image, The Guardian reported.

Donning a dark suit and tie instead of his usual Mao-style outfit, Kim visited the Wonsan Kalma coastal resort alongside his wife Ri Sol-ju and daughter Kim Ju-ae, who is widely viewed as his potential successor.

The family was also seen walking the 4km stretch of white-sand beach, flanked by aides and newly constructed hotel buildings in the background.

The visit, which took place on Tuesday, comes as North Korea faces heightened inter...