Kim Jong Un Hosts Lavish New Year Celebration in Pyongyang, Daughter Kim Ju Ae in Attendance

North Korea’s state-run media, KCNA, reported on Wednesday that a grand New Year’s celebration performance was held in Pyongyang. The leader, Kim Jong Un, attended the event.

According to the report, the event began at the May Day Stadium the previous night. Kim and senior Workers’ Party officials, including members of the Political Bureau, military commanders, and labor innovators, were in attendance. The agency also noted that overseas Koreans staying in Pyongyang were present.

Photos from the event show Kim seated between his daughter Ju Ae and Prime Minister Park Tae Sung. Other high-ranking officials present included Choe Ryong Hae, Jo Yong Won, Ri Byong Chol, Pak Jong Chon, No Kwang Chol, Kim Tok Hun, Ri Il Hwan, Jo Chun Ryong, Choe Son Hui, Kim Jong Gwan, Choi Dong Myeong, Ri Yong Gil, Kim Myong Sik, and Jong Kyong Thaek.

Last year’s report on the New Year’s celebration mentioned Kim being accompanied by “respected family members,” but this year’s report did not mention this.

The performance started with figure skaters and students performing on ice to “Dear Parent,” a song praising Kim. The rest of the event was divided into two parts: A countdown to mark the New Year, the lighting of celebratory torches, and a fireworks display.

Kim Il Sung Square hosted a separate New Year’s celebration at 11 PM the previous night. Pyongyang students participated in this event, which included a flag-raising ceremony and fireworks to welcome the New Year.