Kim Jong-un traveled to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun mausoleum to pay respects to Kim Il Sung on the 32nd anniversary of his death, while also commemorating Kim Jong Il. This year’s ceremony is expected to be modest.
On 8 July 2026 GMT+7, Yonhap News Agency reported that Kim Jong-un, North Korea's supreme leader, visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang at midnight on Wednesday to honor Kim Il Sung, the country's founder, on the 32nd anniversary of his death.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that Kim Jong-un, accompanied by senior officials, paid respects to the preserved bodies of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, former supreme leaders of North Korea, housed within the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun.
KCNA reported that Kim Jong-un bowed respectfully and prayed for the two leaders to "be immortal."
Kim Il Sung died of heart failure on 8 July 1994 at age 82, while Kim Jong Il passed away from a heart attack on 17 December 2011 at age 69.
Reports indicated that this year’s commemoration would be simpler than usual, as North Korea typically holds grand ceremonies only on milestone anniversaries such as 5 or 10 years, which this year does not mark.
Kim Jong-un’s appearance comes amid his ongoing efforts over recent years to establish his own image and legitimacy in governing the country, reducing references to the political legacy of his father and grandfather compared to his early years in power.