SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a family mausoleum to commemorate the birthday of his late father and former leader Kim Jong-il, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Monday (Feb 17). Kim Jong-il's birthday, observed on Feb 16, is a significant holiday in North Korea, known as the Day of the Shining Star.

This visit marked the first time in four years that Kim Jong-un went to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang, where the embalmed bodies of his father and grandfather are kept, to pay tribute on the occasion. Accompanied by his sister Kim Yo-jong, a senior official in the ruling Workers' Party, and other aides, Kim paid homage "in the humblest reverence," according to KCNA.

"He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the sacred mission of ensuring the country's eternal prosperity, safeguarding the people's security, and enhancing their well-being," the report added. The Kim dynasty, which has ruled North Korea since its founding after World War II, has maintained power through strong personality cults. However, Kim Jong-un has increasingly sought to establish his own leadership style without heavily relying on his predecessors.

In a separate report, KCNA stated that Kim attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday for the final phase of his flagship project to construct 50,000 new homes in Pyongyang. Launched in 2021 as part of Kim's five-year economic plan, the project aims to provide at least 10,000 new apartments annually. However, analysts have raised doubts about its feasibility due to international sanctions and economic challenges.

During the ceremony, Kim praised construction workers and officials for achieving nearly 400 per cent progress last year compared to 2020 and unveiled plans for further urban expansion. The initiative, KCNA stated, will "usher in a new era of Pyongyang’s prosperity, where world-class streets showcasing the people's pride are built every year."

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.