North Korea is holding various commemorative events in a subdued atmosphere on the eve of the Day of the Sun, the birthday of former President Kim Il Sung. While no public events featuring the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Kim Jong Un, have been announced, the focus is expected to be on internal unity and addressing domestic issues rather than sending messages to the international community.
On Monday, the Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that an exhibition titled “Our Capital Pyongyang Transformed in the Great Era of Kim Jong Un” opened at the Okryu Exhibition Hall to celebrate the “Spring of April.”
The exhibition showcased over 380 photographs highlighting newly constructed areas since Kim Jong Un’s rise to power, including Ryomyong Street, the Central Cadres Training School of WPK, Unha Scientists Street, Songhwa Street, Jonwi Street, Munsu Water Park, and Rungna People’s Pleasure Ground.
In his opening speech, Ju Chang Il, director of the Party’s Propaganda and Agitation Department, emphasized that Pyongyang’s transformation is not merely the result of a decade’s progress. Instead, it reflects the unwavering patriotic determination to make the capital the world’s most beautiful and great city, driven by Kim Jong Un’s exceptional vision and tireless efforts.
State media outlets are creating special segments to celebrate Kim Il Sung’s birthday, fostering a festive atmosphere. The Voice of Korea highlighted Kim Il Sung’s achievements in a segment titled “Immortal Achievements Shine for Eternity,” categorizing them as the secrets of great victory, a lifelong commitment to the people, and the liberator of the homeland.
Since taking power, Kim Jong Un has visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the bodies of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are preserved, almost every year on the Day of the Sun. However, Kim Jong Un discontinued this practice in 2023.
Last year, Kim Jong Un attended the completion ceremony for 10,000 residential units in the Hwasong District on April 16, coinciding with the Day of the Sun. In 2023, he oversaw the first test launch of the Hwasong-18 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) on April 13. He participated in the completion ceremony for another 10,000 residential units in the Hwasong District and a sports event for Cabinet and the Ministry of National Defense employees on April 16.
In recent years, during the Day of the Sun celebrations, North Korea has shifted its focus from past leaders to the current supreme leader. This year, as North Korea pursues a cautious diplomatic approach following U.S. president Donald Trump’s second term and emphasizes internal achievements in the final year of its five-year economic and defense development plan, this trend is expected to continue.
On April 3, Kim Jong Un visited the construction site of 10,000 residential units in the third phase of the Hwasong District project, which is nearing completion. This suggests he will likely participate in significant events such as this year’s inauguration ceremony for large-scale housing projects.