PYONGYANG: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has missed his customary New Year's visit to the tombs of his grandfather and father for the second consecutive year. The absence marks a departure from a long-standing tradition observed since he assumed power in 2011.
According to Thai News Agency, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that senior government officials, members of the ruling Workers' Party, and top military officers visited the Geumsusan Sun Palace in Pyongyang on January 1. However, the report notably did not include Kim Jong Un's name among those who paid their respects at the mausoleum.
During the visit, attendees pledged to work towards the prosperity of North Korea under Kim Jong Un's leadership, as reported by KCNA. The Geumsusan Palace holds significant historical importance, housing the remains of Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea and Kim Jong Un's grandfather, as well as Kim Jong-il, his father. Traditionally, Kim Jong Un has visited the site annually on New Year's Day, except in 2018 and last year.
Observers have noted a reduction in the frequency of Kim's visits to the memorial in recent years. Instead, he has opted to honor the former leaders on notable anniversaries, such as their birthdays and death anniversaries, as well as the anniversary of the founding of the ruling party. The shift in tradition has raised questions about its implications for North Korea's political landscape.