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North Korea Shifts Focus to Kim Jong-un in Commemorating Kim Il-sung’s Birth Anniversary

The 113th anniversary of Kim Il-sung’s birth sees reduced emphasis on traditional titles as state media highlights Kim Jong-un’s leadership and ideological evolution.

This image published by the Korean Central News Agency shows a speech competition held in Pyongyang on April 11, 2025, in celebration of state founder Kim Il-sung's April 15 birth anniversary. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
This image published by the Korean Central News Agency shows a spring art festival held in Pyongyang on April 10, 2025, in celebration of state founder Kim Il-sung's April 15 birth anniversary. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • North Korea marked the 113th birth anniversary of founder Kim Il-sung with cultural events and media tributes across the nation.
  • State media emphasized Kim Jong-un’s role in advancing and enriching Juche ideology, portraying him as the central force in the nation’s ideological and political progress.
  • The Rodong Sinmun editorial called for unwavering public loyalty to Kim Jong-un to ensure the fulfillment of Kim Il-sung’s ideological legacy.
  • The term 'Day of the Sun,' traditionally used for Kim Il-sung’s birthday, is being phased out in favor of neutral references like 'April 15,' signaling a shift toward emphasizing Kim Jong-un’s leadership.
  • South Korean officials noted a deliberate effort by the North to gradually dilute the legacy of Kim Il-sung’s ancestors while intensifying the idolization of Kim Jong-un.