North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare visit to his father’s tomb, honoring the late Kim Jong Il on his birthday and reaffirming his commitment to the regime’s ideological legacy.
At a Glance
- Kim Jong Un visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun for the first time in four years to mark his father’s birthday
- He was accompanied by his sister Kim Yo Jong and other aides
- Kim pledged to continue the “sacred struggle” for North Korea’s prosperity and security
- The visit coincides with a groundbreaking ceremony for a major housing project in Pyongyang
- The housing project aims to build 50,000 new homes as part of a five-year economic plan
A Rare Visit to Honor Kim Jong Il
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare appearance at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to commemorate his late father Kim Jong Il’s birthday, known as the Day of the Shining Star – and we have the photos.
The visit marked the first time in four years that Kim has participated in the anniversary, highlighting the importance of the event in North Korea’s political calendar. It’s almost as though he’s been hiding.
Take a look:
Accompanied by his sister Kim Yo Jong and other high-ranking officials, Kim’s presence at the mausoleum reflects the regime’s continued emphasis on familial leadership and the cult of personality surrounding the Kim dynasty. The visit serves as a powerful symbol of ideological continuity and the perpetuation of Kim Jong Il’s vision for North Korea.
During the visit, Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his dedication to his father’s legacy and the future of North Korea. According to state media, the leader made a solemn pledge to continue the work of his predecessors.
“He expressed his solemn will to devote himself to the sacred struggle for the eternal prosperity of the country, the security of the people and the promotion of their well-being,” KCNA reported.
Ambitious Housing Project Unveiled
Kim Jong Un also attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a major housing project in Pyongyang on the same day as his visit to the mausoleum. The project aims to construct 50,000 new homes in the capital city, forming a key part of North Korea’s five-year economic plan.
KCNA quoted the dictator as promising to “usher in a new era of prosperity of Pyongyang in which the ideal streets of the people to be proud of in the world are built every year.”
The housing initiative, which sets a target of distributing at least 10,000 new apartments annually, is presented as a concrete step towards improving the lives of North Korean citizens. However, experts question the feasibility of such an ambitious project given the country’s economic constraints and the impact of international sanctions.
