North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supervised an artillery firing contest on the birth anniversary of state founder Kim Il-sung. This event, known as the Day of the Sun, is a significant national holiday in North Korea. The contest involved artillery subunits showcasing their marksmanship and war readiness.
It was reported that the Capital City Defence Corps’ artillery subunit secured the top position in the contest. Kim Jong-un expressed satisfaction with the event, emphasizing its importance in enhancing artillery training enthusiasm and combat capabilities. He stressed the crucial role of artillery forces in determining victory in operations and battles.
Kim urged the Korean People’s Army to focus on enhancing artillery combat readiness and implementing modernization plans. His inspection of the firing contest on this national holiday is seen as a display of military strength and a means to strengthen internal unity. Notably, Kim did not visit the family mausoleum on the founder’s birthday for the fourth consecutive year.
Premier Pak Thae-song and other officials visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to pay respects to Kim Il-sung. However, Kim Jong-un was reported to have sent a flower basket instead of visiting the mausoleum. This move is interpreted as a strategic shift in loyalty towards Kim Jong-un himself.
