North Korean leader visits father's mausoleum

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (center) bows at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang on Dec. 17, 2025, in this photo released by the state-run [North] Korean Central Television.

SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited his father's mausoleum in Pyongyang on Wednesday, state media reported.

According to the state-run [North] Korean Central Television, Kim paid his respects around midnight on the 14th anniversary of his father's death at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where his grandfather and regime founder Kim Il-sung and father Kim Jong-il's embalmed bodies lie in state.

Accompanied by senior officials and key military brass, Kim junior bowed before their statues as an "expression of noble respects to the great leaders," KCNA said.

"All the visitors made a firm pledge to remain true, with their whole heart and loyalty, to the ideology and leadership of [Kim Jong-un] who is glorifying the patriotic exploits of [his father] by opening up a new glorious history of comprehensive national rejuvenation," it added.

Kim has visited the mausoleum every year, except in 2022.