N. Korea marks seventh anniversary of Jong-il’s death
PYONGYANG: North Koreans are marking the anniversary of the death of leader Kim Jong-il seven years ago with visits to statues and vows of loyalty to his son, Kim Jong-un.
As snow fell yesterday, a steady flow of North Koreans offering flowers and paying respects to the late leader could be seen at Mansu Hill in central Pyongyang, the location of huge bronze statues of the “Dear Leader” and national founder Kim Il-sung.
The anniversary observations were expected to continue through today across the country.
Though focused on remembrances of his father, the anniversary also marks Jong-un’s own rise to power.
The death of Jong-il on Dec 17, 2011, thrust Jong-un into power when he was still in his late 20s and a virtual unknown figure outside of the North.
But, despite many predictions from outside experts that he wouldn’t be up to the task, Jong-un has managed to consolidate power, bolster the country’s economy in the face of intense international sanctions and attain a goal his father and grandfather could only dream of – he is the first North Korean leader to possess an arsenal of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles capable of reaching the United States.
Even so, the anniversary was being watched closely for any signs of change or hints of what the country’s leadership may be planning in the months ahead.
With Kim’s power base seemingly more solid than ever, and his recent effort to establish himself on the world stage through summits with President Donald Trump and others, North Korea watchers have been on the lookout for signs that his own personality cult is being bolstered.