North Korea’s supreme leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Ju Ae joined New Year’s celebrations, including fireworks and an ice dancing performance, state media KCNA reported on Wednesday.
Accompanied by his daughter, Kim participated in North Korea’s national festivities that were highlighted by elaborate cultural performances, showcasing the regime’s strength and unity.
Kim Jong Un’s Leadership
KCNA reported on the event, underscoring the significance of these celebrations as a demonstration of the country’s self-reliance and the leadership of Kim Jong Un.
Senior North Korean officials joined them in watching the events, state media photos showed.
However, there was no mention of any speech by Kim.
KCNA said on the previous day that Kim had pledged to solidify the country’s comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a letter to President Vladimir Putin.
The New Year’s event included a vibrant fireworks display that illuminated the Pyongyang skyline, signalling the regime’s ongoing emphasis on showcasing its power and achievements.
A notable feature of the celebrations was the ice dancing performance, which blended traditional Korean culture with modern artistic elements, symbolizing the nation’s cultural pride.
North Korea’s Achievements
Kim Jong Un’s presence at the celebrations, along with his daughter, who has appeared more frequently in public alongside her father in recent years, further solidified his family’s hold on power.
The North Korean leader has been grooming Ju Ae as a potential successor, though her role in the public eye has been kept relatively low-profile until recent occasions.
The celebrations also served as an opportunity to reflect on North Korea’s accomplishments over the past year, particularly in military advancements and the continued development of the country’s nuclear capabilities.
Despite ongoing sanctions and international isolation, the regime’s ability to organise such grandiose celebrations reflects its resilience and determination to project an image of stability and prosperity, even as it faces challenges both domestically and internationally.
(With inputs from Reuters)
