North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on Sunday to mark his father’s birthday, Kim Jong Il, known as the “Day of the Shining Star.” The visit was reported by the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party.
Several high-ranking officials accompanied Kim, including Party Secretary Pak Jong Chon, Ri Hi Yong, Defense Minister No Kwang Chol, Party Department Head Kim Jae Ryong, and Deputy Department Head Kim Yo Jong. The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is the mausoleum for both Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
During the visit, Kim Jong Un and his entourage paid their respects to the statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. They then proceeded to the Eternal Life Hall, where a lifelike statue of Kim Jong Il was displayed, to pay further tribute. Kim also presented a floral tribute in his name.
According to the Rodong Sinmun, Kim expressed his unwavering commitment to the revolutionary ideals and achievements of the “Great Leader” and the “Great General.” He pledged to dedicate himself to the ongoing struggle for North Korea’s prosperity and its people’s well-being.
This was Kim’s first appearance at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on the Day of the Shining Star since 2021. Although he had made annual visits since assuming power, he notably abstained from 2022 through 2024.
Other high-ranking officials, including Premier Pak Thae Song, Party Secretary Jo Yong Won, and Choe Ryung Hae, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly, visited the palace separately.
To commemorate Kim Jong Il’s 83rd birthday, the Rodong Sinmun published a special expanded edition. The celebrations also included a youth and student event at Kim Il Sung Square and a Sunday evening commemorative performance at the Mansudae Art Theatre.