Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un presided over a mass memorial meeting in Pyongyang on Tuesday to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of his grandfather and the nation's founder, Kim Il-Sung.
The meeting, broadcast live on North Korean state TV, began as Kim walked into a vast conference hall packed with thousands of party and military officials who rose to applaud the young leader.
The leadership podium was set against a backdrop of a red flag surrounding the giant portrait of a smiling Kim II-Sung.
The main eulogy was read by North Korea's nominal head of state, Kim Yong-Nam, who hailed the elder Kim as the "greatest leader in human history" and offered a long list of his accomplishments, punctuated by lengthy and regular applause.
"Thanks to the powerful army created by the great leader Kim Il-Sung, we have successfully overcome all challenges," he said.
Kim Il-Sung led North Korea from its establishment in 1948 until his death on July 8, 1994.
He was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong-Il, who also ruled until his death in December 2011 when power was transferred to his son and current leader Kim Jong-Un.
Kim Jong-Un bears a striking physical resemblance to his grandfather, which he has underlined with his style of dress and haircut.
Like Kim Il-Sung, he does not shy away from public speeches and is regularly seen hugging and posing for photos with soldiers.
Kim Jong-il was far more aloof, and only spoke once at a major public event during his 17 years in power.
The meeting, broadcast live on North Korean state TV, began as Kim walked into a vast conference hall packed with thousands of party and military officials who rose to applaud the young leader.
The leadership podium was set against a backdrop of a red flag surrounding the giant portrait of a smiling Kim II-Sung.
"Thanks to the powerful army created by the great leader Kim Il-Sung, we have successfully overcome all challenges," he said.
Advertisement
He was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong-Il, who also ruled until his death in December 2011 when power was transferred to his son and current leader Kim Jong-Un.
Advertisement
Like Kim Il-Sung, he does not shy away from public speeches and is regularly seen hugging and posing for photos with soldiers.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Raksha Bandhan 2024: From Snack Stealers To Cooking Together, Sibling Food Memories We Can't Forget North Korea To Open Borders For Foreign Tourists In December Is Drinking Black Coffee Daily Healthy? Life On Earth Originates From One Ancestor, Older Than Previously Believed Siddaramaiah's Swipe At Governor Amid Calls For Resignation: 10 Points Kolkata Rape-Murder: Fractures, 150 mg Semen, Other Claims Denied By Cops Watch: Russian Woman Travels In Mumbai Local Train, Chats With Passengers Germany To Cut Down Military Aid For Ukraine In 2025: Report Hundreds Evacuated Amid Raging Forest Fire In Turkey: Report Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.