North Korean authorities have called on the public and the Workers' Party to increase their loyalty to Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on the occasion of the 114th anniversary of Kim Il Sung, the country's founder, emphasizing the continuation of the 'people-centered' approach.
On 15 April 2026, the Rodong Sinmun newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea reported that this year marks the 114th birthday of Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of Kim Jong Un, stressing that the founding policy of 'The people are the sky' continues under the leadership of the current leader.
The article stated that the people-centered ideology remains the party's and state's 'permanent political philosophy,' calling for steadfast loyalty to the ideology and leadership of Kim Jong Un, who inherits the sacred history of previous leaders. Meanwhile, official media also urged citizens to collectively strive toward the party's ultimate goal of fully improving the quality of life and well-being of the people.
Kim Il Sung's birthday, once called the 'Day of the Sun,' is a major national holiday in North Korea. Although use of this term has decreased in recent years, this shift is seen as an effort to redirect loyalty toward the current leader.
Meanwhile, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that various social organizations, such as the Korean Socialist Women's Union and the Agricultural Workers' Union, held commemorative events and declared loyalty to Kim Jong Un. Additionally, youth and students are scheduled to hold an outdoor rally at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on the evening of the same day to celebrate this significant occasion.
. Source: Yonhap