On Tuesday, North Korea maintained a calm celebratory atmosphere to mark Kim Il Sung’s 113th birthday. While honoring his achievements, North Korea emphasized loyalty to his successor, Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published an editorial on its front page titled “The Revolutionary Achievement Guided by the Juche Ideology the Great Leader Kim Il Sung Founded is Invincible.” The editorial praised his greatest accomplishment: establishing a scientific and revolutionary guiding ideology, creating an enduring value for the people’s independent and socialist mission.
The newspaper further stated that the people and soldiers of the North Korean People’s Army are firmly committed to inheriting and completing their great leader’s revolutionary thoughts and achievements. It highlighted Kim Jong Un’s notable achievements, including the new era’s five construction plans, the second defense industry revolution ideology, the three revolutionary movements for strengthening the revolution, the comprehensive development of socialism, the rural Juche ideology enhancement, and new local development policies.
The editorial urged, “We must thoroughly establish the unique leadership system of the General Secretary and foster a strong atmosphere to advance the revolution and construction solely according to the General Secretary’s ideological will.”
In celebration of Kim Il Sung’s 113th birthday, a nationwide Korean Children’s Union conference was held at Chang-dŏk School the previous day. A presentation meeting by youth students also took place at the Youth Alliance Hall.
Furthermore, celebrations involving women’s union leaders and members and a comprehensive performance by the Pyongyang Youth Palace’s art group were held at the Women’s Hall and the outdoor theater in Pyongyang Chongnyon Park, respectively. The 9th April Spring People’s Art Festival has been ongoing since April 10.
The newspaper reported that banners celebrating April 15 were displayed throughout Pyongyang.
North Korea appears to reinforce internal unity through various events commemorating Kim Il Sung’s birthday. This year marks the final year of the five-year economic and defense development plan, creating an atmosphere that encourages domestic achievements.
There has been no news regarding Kim Jong Un’s public activities. He is expected to attend the completion ceremony for 10,000 residential units in the Hwasong area of Pyongyang, which will likely take place around the “Day of the Sun,” Kim Il Sung’s birthday.