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North Korea marks upcoming birth anniversary of founder with cultural events

Published: 10 Apr. 2026, 12:50

Visitors gather at an art exhibition to celebrate the birth of the regime founder Kim Il Sung in Pyongyang on April 9 in a photo carried by the Korean Central News Agency the following day. [YONHAP]

North Korea is marking the upcoming birth anniversary of its late founder, Kim Il Sung, with various cultural events honoring his achievements, according to state media on Friday.

The country launched on Thursday a film week to mark the April 15 anniversary, along with art exhibitions, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

North Korea observes April 15, the birthday of founder Kim, as one of its biggest national holidays, often marked by extravagant events honoring his achievements and aimed at boosting national unity.

Following a ceremony launching the cinema week at the International Cinema Hall in Pyongyang, participants watched a film praising Kim, and art exhibitions showcased works depicting his life, the KCNA said.

North Korea, however, appears to have reduced its use of the honorific term for the founder's birthday, the “Day of the Sun,” in recent years, including this year, as it seems to be shifting allegiance to his grandson, the current leader Kim Jong-un.

Yonhap