SEOUL, July 07 (AJP) - North Korea is ramping up memorial activities ahead of the 31st anniversary of founding leader Kim Il-sung's death on July 8, with state media reinforcing his legacy and ideological vision.
In a two-page article titled "Only for the people, relying on the people," published by the ruling Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun on Monday, Kim was hailed as a "peerless great man" whose life was guided by the principle of Iminwi Cheon, or "the people are heaven."
"The long years of revolutionary leadership by our leader were marked by not a single deviation in line or a single practical error," the paper claimed. It attributed North Korea's continued path of success to Kim's lifelong devotion to serving the people and leading based on their strength.
The article emphasized Kim’s oft-repeated maxim, calling it his lifelong creed: "From the day I embarked on the road of revolution until today, I have always regarded the people as the sky and served them accordingly. I have carried out the revolution by relying on the people's strength."
Current leader Kim Jong-un was also praised in the article as the rightful heir of this legacy, continuing what the paper described as the "sacred journey of service for the people" and realizing the dreams of his predecessors.
"The people's dignity and glory will shine endlessly, and all their dreams and ideals will unfold into a brilliant reality under the wise leadership of our respected General Secretary," the article stated.
North Korea has long used major anniversaries to reinforce the ruling family's personality cult and the legitimacy of its hereditary power structure. By linking Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un as an unbroken chain of perfect leadership, the regime seeks to justify its three-generation dynastic rule.
In the lead-up to the anniversary, various memorial events have taken place. On Saturday, a student and youth virtue recital was held at the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace in Pyongyang, according to Rodong Sinmun.
The same day, members of foreign organizations and the Kim Il-sung–Kim Jong-il Foundation board sent floral tributes to the bronze statues of the two former leaders at Mansu Hill.
Earlier events included a women’s gathering on July 4 at the Women's Hall, where members of the Korean Democratic Women's Union praised Kim Il-sung's leadership during the Korean War. On July 3, a workers' virtue recital session was held at the Central Workers’ Hall, featuring a recitation of the narrative poem "Our Eternal Leader, Comrade Kim Il-sung."
Such ceremonies have become an annual tradition, designed to promote collective mourning and reinforce loyalty to the state. This year, no large-scale commemorations are expected, as it is not a major milestone year. North Korea typically reserves more elaborate events for anniversaries ending in five or zero.
Last year, marking the 30th anniversary, Kim Jong-un visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to pay tribute to both his grandfather and father, Kim Jong-il. Similar visits took place in 2014 and 2019. He is not expected to make a public appearance this year unless the regime chooses otherwise.
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