Oblivious to murder of his son, North Koreans celebrate late leader’s birthday

Kim Jong-nam, who is believed to have been assassinated in Malaysia, may as well have never existed as far as most North Koreans are concerned as few have access to outside media sources and reports.

A man poses for a photo as people watch a fireworks display near the Taedong river, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the birth of Kim Jong-il, in central Pyongyang on February 16, 2017. Ed JShow more

PYONGYANG // North Koreans marked the birthday of their late leader Kim Jong-il on Thursday, unaware of reports that his eldest son – and current leader Kim Jong-un’s half brother – was killed just days ago in what appears to have been a planned assassination.

As with every year, there was dancing, special treats for children and reverential bows and bouquets of flowers before bronze statues.

There has been no mention of Jong-nam’s murder at the Kuala Lumpur airport in the North’s official media.

In fact, Jong-nam, who is believed to have lived most of the past decade in a kind of exile away from the North, may as well have never existed as far as most North Koreans are concerned. Few have access to outside media sources and reports here are generally limited to the ruling line of Kims.

Other members of the family tree – especially problematic ones like Jong-nam, who once suggested the North should do away with its hereditary succession – are rarely if ever mentioned.

On the surface, at least, normalcy was the word of the day.

Newlyweds, soldiers and children lined up to laud their country’s rulers on the Day of the Shining Star - Jong-il’s birthday and the second-most important holiday of the year.

A steady stream of celebrants made their way to a hill in the centre of Pyongyang where a giant bronze statue of Kim Il-sung, founder of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the family dynasty, looks out over the capital, arm outstretched.

In central Pyongyang, from early morning thousands of people climbed Mansu Hill to lay flowers and bow below giant statues of Jong-il and Il-sung. North Koreans are expected to make a show of respect to their leaders on all major holidays and anniversaries and authorities are ensuring that the day is being celebrated in traditional fashion.

Over the course of the day, thousands of people lined up, laid a flower, bouquet or basket – all featuring Kimjongilia, the red flower named after the late leader – and bowed.

“The great president Kim Il-sung and great leader Kim Jong-il will always be with us,” read ribbons attached to the baskets.

Retired financial official Kim Myong-Hui said she made hers herself.

“It is the birthday of our great leader,” the 51-year-old said, her voice trembling. “We come to the hill to pay our respects every year because comrade Kim Jong-Il lives eternally in the hearts of the people.

“Even though he has passed away, he is always in my heart.”

People can expect presents of cooking oil or other food and drink from their employers, and they get time off to spend with their families.

On Thursday, Pyongyang residents also took part in large public dances, filed through displays of ice sculptures. The finale of the day was a fireworks show.

* Associated Press and Agence France-Presse