North Korea Leader Visits Family Mausoleum

Accompanied by several top generals in his military, Kim Jong-un, North Korea’s leader, visited the mausoleum where his father’s and grandfather’s embalmed and mummified remains are enshrined. His visit was meant to mark the 20th anniversary of Kim Il-sung’s death, as reported by an English-language news report provided by the official Korean Central News Agency or KCNA. Kim Il-sung was the country’s first leader and became its first premier in 1950.

Arriving at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun precisely at midnight, Kim Jong-un paid respectful tribute to his father and grandfather. Before paying his respects, the North Korean leader toured his grandfather’s memorial halls. After he paid tribute to his late grandfather, Kim Jong-un toured his father’s memorial hall and paid tribute to him as well. Kim Jong-il died after developing a heart problem in 2011.
North Korea’s leader has visited the mausoleums for his father and grandfather for three years in a row, beginning when he assumed power after his father died.

Each military official who accompanied North Korea’s present leader also promised to follow him faithfully, according to the KCNA Korean-language news report. These officers included Army General Ri Yong-gil, political officer Hwang Pyong-so, and defense minister Hyon Yong-chol.

According to the KCNA report, Kim’s visit was intended to underscore North Korea’s long-standing military-first policy, which has long been upheld by Kim’s ancestors. The mausoleum visit may also have been intended to encourage military officials to promise their loyalty to the young, incumbent leader.

Source: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/yonhap-news-agency/140707/nk-leader-visits-family-mausoleum-marking-founders-death-ann