North Korea’s Kim Jong-un could chart own ideological path in ‘calculated move’ away from idolising forebears

Events used to lionise Kim’s grandfather and father have been reduced, a move that could put the focus on Kim’s own achievements and policies instead

With Kim Jong-un’s legitimacy underpinned by narratives surrounding his forebears, dismissing them ‘amounts to his own dismissal’, some analysts warn

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North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un (centre) during a ceremony to mark the completion of the second phase of a 10,000-unit housing development in Pyongyang on April 17. Photo: KCNA via KNS / AFP

Published: 8:00am, 18 Apr 2024

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un appears to be orchestrating a departure from the long-standing personality cult of his ancestors as he forges a distinct ideological path that would place the focus on himself and unfettered by blood ties with the South, according to observers.

This shift is perceived to be marked by the subtle rebranding of significant holidays commemorating his grandfather and father and a reduction of overt displays of reverence for them, as reported by the South’s Unification Ministry.

Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the changes could signify Kim Jong-un wanting his era and achievements to look equally illustrious, if not more so, as those under his ancestors.

“He wants his people to focus on his achievements rather than his ancestors’ feats,” Hong told This Week in Asia.

A pedestrian walks along a street in Pyongyang on April 15, as the country marks the 112th anniversary of the birth of late North Korean leader Kim Il-sung. Photo: AFP

The North’s propaganda mills have largely replaced the Day of the Sun, an idolatrous term referring to the April 15 birthday of founder Kim Il-sung, with neutral appellations, 4.15 and the April holiday, a South Korean Unification Ministry official was quoted anonymously as saying by Yonhap news agency on Tuesday.