Kim skips Kumsusan visit on fathers birthday

Published: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 3:45 am

Kim Jong Un Skips Father's Birthday Memorial, Focuses on Housing Project

Pyongyang, North Korea – Kim Jong Un did not attend a memorial ceremony commemorating his late father, Kim Jong Il's birthday, at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. Instead, state media reported that Kim presided over a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of 10,000 new apartments in the Hwasong district housing project.

Senior party and government officials paid tribute at the mausoleum on the anniversary, known as the "Day of the Shining Star." Kim sent a flower basket but was not present. Premier Pak Thae Song, Supreme People's Assembly Standing Committee Chairman Choe Ryong Hae, and Party Secretary Cho Yong Won were among those in attendance.

At the housing event, Kim met with new residents and praised construction workers. He emphasized the importance of continued capital construction, describing the Hwasong development as a model district and a "transformative achievement." He also indicated that broader goals would be presented at the upcoming party congress.

Kim's absence from the mausoleum on his father's birthday is a departure from past practices. Previously, he typically visited the site multiple times a year. Analysts suggest this shift reflects Kim's efforts to assert his independent authority after more than a decade in power. The decision to prioritize the housing ceremony may also signal an emphasis on showcasing domestic achievements as the party congress approaches.

Observers have also noted a recent distancing from policies associated with previous leaders, including rhetoric on ethnic nationalism and reunification. Inter-Korean relations are now described as those between "two hostile states."

BNN's Perspective:

While Kim's absence from the memorial may raise eyebrows, the focus on domestic projects like the housing development suggests a pragmatic approach. Prioritizing internal stability and economic progress, even if it means shifting away from traditional displays of reverence, could be seen as a strategic move to consolidate power and address the needs of the population. However, the shift in rhetoric regarding inter-Korean relations is concerning and warrants continued monitoring.

Keywords: Kim Jong Un, North Korea, Kim Jong Il, Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, housing project, Pyongyang, Day of the Shining Star, party congress, inter-Korean relations, domestic achievements

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