On Thursday, South Korea’s Ministry of Unification noted that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s absence from the New Year’s visit to the Kumsusan Palace for the second consecutive year is not particularly noteworthy. They pointed out that Kim skipped the visit last year and that his sole participation in New Year’s events this year was attending the celebratory performance.
During a briefing at the Government Complex in Seoul, a Ministry official explained, “Kim typically visits Kumsusan on New Year’s, with about five official visits annually on the birthdays and death anniversaries of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. However, since 2022, a pattern has emerged in which he may or may not attend, depending on circumstances.”
Regarding Kim’s two-year absence from the Kumsusan visits, the official commented, “In the early years of his rule, he inevitably relied heavily on his predecessors’ legacy. Now, after a decade in power, we’re observing efforts to establish his independent status, evident not only in the Kumsusan visits but across various aspects.”
Last year, Kim attended a New Year celebration performance with his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and daughter, Ju Ae. This year, however, only his daughter was present. The official remarked that Kim supposedly emphasizes his image as a caring father.
On the same day, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that members of the Workers’ Party Politburo, party and government officials, and military leaders had visited the Kumsusan Palace the previous day. That morning, North Korea had not reported on Kim’s visit. KCNA stated, “All participants pledged their unwavering commitment to uphold the revolutionary ideals and leadership of our respected Kim Jong Un and boldly drive our powerful nation’s prosperous era.”
Since taking power in 2012, Kim has visited the Kumsusan Palace every New Year’s Day, except in 2018 and the last two years. Additionally, from 2022 onward, he has not attended the palace on the Day of the Shining Star.
Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, was observed holding hands with other children at the event. A Ministry official noted, “Given the family-oriented nature of the previous day’s event, we find this unusual,” but added, “We don’t have any information to confirm the reasons behind this.”
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