What’s Up with North Korea? Kim Jong Un Scraps Day of the Sun Celebration

North Korea reduces references to “Day of the Sun”
Kim Il Sung’s birthday, the biggest holiday
Kim Jong Un attempts to elevate his status

Every year around April 15th, North Korea holds grand celebrations to commemorate Kim Il Sung’s birthday, known as the Day of the Sun. These celebrations contribute to the legitimization of the Baekdu bloodline.

However, this significant day was not mentioned in North Korea this year. There are even rumors that the holiday’s name has changed. What could be Kim Jong Un’s motive behind this?

According to North Korean expert institutions like the South Korean Ministry of Unification, the Day of the Sun has been used less frequently in North Korean state media this year.

The term was last mentioned in a Rodong Sinmun article on February 17th, and it was not used at all leading up to the day before the Day of the Sun.

While the day is still referred to as the Day of the Sun, the term was not used in the Rodong Sinmun editorial on the day of the holiday.

Instead, the media used terms like April Spring Festival and 4.15.

In response, the South Korean Ministry of Unification suggested that “considering the deliberate circumstances around Kim Il Sung’s birthday, it seems the name has temporarily been changed to 4.15.”

Some analysts suggest that Kim Jong Un has begun to reduce the level of idolization of his predecessors.

This is seen as an attempt to avoid mentioning his ancestors and elevate his authority.

Indeed, the Rodong Sinmun praised Chairman Kim, stating, “The revolutionary ideology of our beloved Kim Jong Un comrade is a complete inheritance and further development of the revolutionary ideologies of our great leaders (Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il).”

He also ordered the removal of the Monument to the Three Charters for National Reunification, established by Kim Jong Il last year.

Even the customary homage on the Day of the Sun was omitted.

It is reported that Kim Jong Un did not visit the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where Kim Il Sung’s body lies, on the Day of the Sun this year, like last year.

Instead, he watched a soccer match with his daughter Kim Ju Ae and Cabinet and Ministry of Defense officials last year.

Only North Korean Workers’ Party executives paid their respects at Mansu Hill in Pyongyang, where the statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il stand.

This was not even mentioned in the Rodong Sinmun.

However, the South Korean Ministry of Unification cautioned, “As North Korea has only refrained from using the term Day of the Sun for two months, we need to observe until after Kim Jong Il’s birthday next year to determine their exact intention.”

Meanwhile, the Day of the Sun is considered a significant holiday in North Korea, more so than other holidays.

It is known as the day when precious meat dishes are provided to the Korean People’s Army and royal gifts are distributed to the people.

During Kim Il Sung’s lifetime, various food items were generously provided, but after Kim Jong Il took power, it is said that alcohol and rice cakes were provided.

Various cultural festivals, such as the Kim Il Sung Flower Fest, Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon, National Industrial Art Exhibition, National Martial Arts Championship, fireworks displays, and banquets, are held around the Day of the Sun.

Kim Jong Il’s birthday on February 16th, known as the Day of the Shining Star, is also one of North Korea’s most important holidays, along with the Day of the Sun.