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Feting the Legacy of North Korea's Founding Leader
On the 15th of April every year, the people of North Korea celebrate a significant national holiday known as the "Day of the Sun". This day marks the birthday of their founding leader, Kim Il Sung.
The Day of the Sun is one of the most important holidays in North Korea, characterized by grand public gatherings, parades, dances, and performances dedicated to honoring Kim Il Sung's enduring legacy. Citizens often visit statues, monuments, and mausoleums dedicated to him, laying flowers and wreaths as expressions of respect and loyalty.
The holiday is also marked by cultural shows, artistic performances, and exhibitions that aim to showcase North Korea's achievements and strengthen the prevailing regime. People commonly engage in gift-giving and decorating their homes and public spaces adorned with symbols synonymous with Kim Il Sung and the state.
The Day of the Sun serves to reinforce the nation's pride, unity, and the deeply rooted personality cult surrounding the founding leader. It's a state-sponsored event that fundamentally centers on displaying public loyalty and glorifying the regime through various celebrations.
Although the specifics might be more controlled and propagandistic, the Day of the Sun remains a celebration that elevates the state and its leadership, marking a significant patronage of Kim Il Sung's memory within the country. While there may be solstice-type or cultural traditions during this time, evidently, they have tight connections to the political leadership. [AFP/YONHAP]
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During a general-news interview, international political analysts discuss the significance of North Korea's Day of the Sun, a national holiday celebrating the legacy of founding leader Kim Il Sung. This day is marked by a variety of state-sponsored events showcasing North Korea's achievements and consolidating public loyalty to the regime. In contrast, recent developments such as the launch of missiles by North Korea and the differing approaches between current and past South Korean presidents in dealing with North Korea are also topics of international politics.
