On New Year’s Day, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and high-ranking officials paid their respects at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the embalmed bodies of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are preserved.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Friday that Kim visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on January 1, 2026. For the first time, a photograph showed Kim standing alongside his daughter Ju Ae and his wife, Ri Sol-ju.
The newspaper stated that Kim paid tribute to the statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and offered New Year’s greetings.
The visit also included leaders from the party and government, as well as officials from the Central Committee, the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly, the Cabinet, and military commanders from the Ministry of National Defense.
This marks Ju Ae’s first visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, despite her appearances in North Korean media since 2022.
Previously, Kim commemorated the 14th anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s death at the Kumsusan Palace last month. However, he did not attend the New Year’s Day tribute at the palace last year.
On the same day, Kim met with students who were to perform in a Lunar New Year celebration, offering words of encouragement.
The newspaper described the scene, saying that the atmosphere was charged with the students’ overwhelming joy and excitement as they found themselves in the presence of their fatherly leader, whom they had longed to embrace even in their dreams on this happiest of New Year’s Days.
During the meeting, Kim praised the young pioneers who had brought honor to their country with gold medals and set examples in their studies and organizational activities. He encouraged them to dream of a prosperous North Korea and to acquire knowledge that would help build their nation.
Kim emphasized that the spirited and vibrant appearance of the new generation, who love their socialist homeland above all, embodies the dynamic strength and indomitable spirit of Korea. He expressed his hope that the performers would freely express their grand aspirations, determination to carry on their legacy, emerging ideals, and soaring passions. He then took a commemorative photo with them.
He also met with key members of the Korean Students and Children’s Art Troupe from Japan, urging them to nurture the new generation of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) as capable successors to the patriotic cause.
Kim’s meeting with the students on New Year’s Day appears to underscore the regime’s emphasis on the ‘future generation’ and its importance to the country’s future.