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SEOUL (Reuters) – On Monday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un commemorated the birthday of his late father, Kim Jong Il, by visiting the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the mausoleum where his father and grandfather are interred, as reported by state media KCNA. This occasion marks the Day of the Shining Star, a significant national holiday, celebrated annually on February 16.
This visit, occurring for the first time in four years, underscores the importance of the Kim family legacy in North Korea. Accompanied by his sister, Kim Yo Jong, and other high-ranking officials, Kim Jong Un paid his respects with “the humblest reverence,” according to KCNA.
During the ceremony, he reportedly expressed a commitment to the ongoing “sacred struggle for the eternal prosperity of the country, the security of the people, and the promotion of their well-being.” This statement reinforces the longstanding narrative that the Kim family is devoted to their country’s progress, while also highlighting Kim Jong Un’s aim to carve out his own identity as a leader, separate from his predecessors.
The Kim dynasty has ruled North Korea since the end of World War II, establishing a deep-rooted cult of personality that facilitates their grip on power. However, recent actions by Kim Jong Un suggest a shift toward more independent governance, as he seeks to assert his authority and direction for the future of the nation.
In addition to commemorating his father’s legacy, Kim Jong Un also attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the final stage of a major housing initiative in Pyongyang, which aims to construct 50,000 new homes. Launched in 2021 as part of a broader five-year economic development plan, the project is designed to deliver at least 10,000 apartments annually. Nonetheless, experts have raised concerns regarding its viability in the face of ongoing international sanctions and domestic economic challenges.
At the ceremony, Kim praised construction workers and officials for their significant progress, noting an impressive almost 400% increase in completion rates compared to 2020. He promised to continue expanding the urban landscape of Pyongyang, a move he characterized as paving the way for “a new era of prosperity” in which exceptional streets would be developed annually for residents to take pride in.
The ambitious housing project, alongside the commemorative observances, signals Kim Jong Un’s dual focus on honoring his father’s legacy while promoting development initiatives amidst challenging economic conditions.
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