North Koreans are marking the seventh anniversary of the death of leader Kim Jong-il with visits to statues and vows of loyalty to his son and successor, Kim Jong-un.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As snow fell on Sunday, tens of thousands of people offered flowers and paid respects to the late leader 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 Monday across the country.
The death of Kim Jong-il on December 17, 2011, thrust his son into power when he was still in his late 20s and a virtual unknown figure outside of the North.
Virtually all homes and public offices in North Korea feature portraits of the elder Kims, who are also memorialised in countless statues, mosaics and cenotaphs around the country.
North Korean adults wear badges over their hearts bearing the likenesses of Kim Il-sung of Kim Jong-il, or both.
Kim is generally afforded the same reverential treatment by the state media, and for maintaining a respectful step behind his predecessors, he is credited with showing humility and confidence.
Australian Associated Press
