Did Kim Jong-un Honor His Grandfather on the 31st Anniversary of Kim Il-sung's Death?
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Synopsis
On July 8, Kim Jong-un commemorated his grandfather, Kim Il-sung, at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, marking 31 years since his passing. This visit underscores Kim's effort to establish his authority while reflecting on North Korea's ceremonial traditions. Explore how this event shapes the current political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Kim Jong-un visited the mausoleum of Kim Il-sung on the anniversary of his death.
- The event was marked with subdued commemorations.
- Kim's leadership is increasingly independent of his predecessors.
- Only select party officials accompanied him during the visit.
- North Korea typically holds large celebrations for significant anniversaries.
Seoul, July 8 (NationPress) On Tuesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un paid a visit to the mausoleum of the late state founder Kim Il-sung to commemorate the 31st anniversary of his passing, according to reports from state media. The visit took place at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun at midnight, accompanied by important party officials, as noted by Yonhap, citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Kim Il-sung, the grandfather of Kim Jong-un, passed away from heart failure on July 8, 1994, at the age of 82.
As reported by the KCNA, "He made a deep bow of best wishes for immortality to the great leaders," referring to both Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, his late father.
This year, North Korea is anticipated to observe the anniversary in a relatively subdued manner, as the nation typically celebrates each fifth and tenth significant anniversary with grand festivities.
The visit coincides with Kim Jong-un's efforts to assert his position as an independent leader, diminishing his dependency on his predecessors for legitimacy.
A representative from South Korea's Unification Ministry noted that party secretary Ri Hi-yong might not be part of the praesidium of the party politburo, contradicting earlier assessments regarding a potential promotion to that position from his current role as a politburo member, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The praesidium represents the highest authority within North Korea's ruling Workers' Party of Korea.
The KCNA mentioned that only Pak Thae-song, Choe Ryong-hae, and Jo Yong-won were recognized as praesidium members who accompanied Kim during this mausoleum visit.
At the beginning of his rule, Kim Jong-un's hairstyle and fashion mirrored that of Kim Il-sung, with analysts suggesting that this was a strategy to foster public loyalty and consolidate his power.
North Korea typically conducts large commemorative ceremonies every fifth or tenth anniversary of major national events. Notably, large-scale tributes were held for the 20th and 25th death anniversaries of the late founder in 2014 and 2019, respectively.
Point of View
I observe that Kim Jong-un's actions during this anniversary reflect a deliberate strategy to fortify his leadership identity. By emphasizing a connection to his grandfather while simultaneously asserting independence, he navigates the complex landscape of North Korean politics. We must remain vigilant in understanding how these internal dynamics impact broader regional stability.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of Kim Jong-un's visit to the mausoleum?
Kim Jong-un's visit marks the 31st anniversary of his grandfather Kim Il-sung's death, highlighting the ongoing reverence for the country's founder while also asserting Kim's leadership.
How does North Korea typically commemorate anniversaries?
North Korea traditionally holds large-scale celebrations every five or ten years for significant anniversaries, often involving elaborate ceremonies.
What does this visit indicate about Kim Jong-un's leadership?
The visit suggests Kim Jong-un is trying to consolidate his power and establish himself as a distinct leader while still honoring his family's legacy.
Who accompanied Kim during his visit?
Only a few members of the praesidium, including Pak Thae-song, Choe Ryong-hae, and Jo Yong-won, were reported to accompany Kim during this visit.
What was the cause of Kim Il-sung's death?
Kim Il-sung passed away due to heart failure on July 8, 1994, at the age of 82.
