Cheong Seong-chang, director of the Center for Korean Peninsula Strategy at the Sejong Institute, is a longtime observer of North Korea and has closely followed the reclusive regime's two previous successions: before and after Kim Il-sung's sudden death in 1994 and Kim Jong-il's sudden death in 2011.

Kim Jong Il’s birthday, on February 16, is extensively honoured as a significant festival in North Korea, known as the Day of the Shining Star

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un marked the birthday of his late father, Kim Jong Il, by visiting the Kumsusan Palace of Sun for the first time in four years. Accompanied by his sister, Kim Yo Jong, he paid respects and pledged to work for the country's prosperity.

Observers note a potential shift in Kim's approach - reviving the personality cult of his ancestors to strengthen his own authority North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made a rare visit to his ancestors' mausoleum on Sunday,

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, paid tribute to his father for the first time in four years. Kim Jong Il, who is revered in North Korea, was born on 16th February, so his son visited the mausoleum of his predecessors—father and grandfather—to commemorate this anniversary.

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, paid tribute to his father for the first time in four years. Kim Jong Il, who is revered in North Korea, was born on February 16, so his son visited the mausoleum of his predecessors—father and grandfather—to commemorate this anniversary.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Kumsusan Palace of Sun in Pyongyang for the first time in four years to commemorate the birthday of his late father, Kim Jong Il, known as the Day of the Shining

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, paid tribute to his father for the first time in four years. Kim Jong Il, who is revered in North Korea, was born on February 16, so his son visited the mausoleum of his predecessors—his father and grandfather—to commemorate this anniversary.