North Korea Calls for Unity on Anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s Death

North Korea marked the 10th anniversary of the death of former leader Kim Jong Il on Friday by calling for increased public support for his son, current leader Kim Jong Un, who is attempting to steer the country out of worsening pandemic-related difficulties, according to AP.

In the ten years following his father's death, Kim Jong Un, 37, has consolidated the same absolute power enjoyed by Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung, the current leader's grandfather and state founder.

Despite massive economic shocks caused by rigorous anti-virus measures and long-dormant discussions with the US, North Korea shows no signs of political instability, and few outside experts challenge Kim's grip on power.

However, some observers feel that Kim Jong Un's authority may be jeopardized in the long run if he fails to address existing concerns and improve the lives of the people.

North Koreans sat silent and bowed in reverence for Kim Jong Il as a siren blared for three minutes at midday on Friday.

Cars, trains, and ships blared their horns, national flags were lowered to half-staff, and crowds climbed Pyongyang's Mansu Hill to leave flowers and bow before Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung's massive monuments.

"Our great general (Kim Jong Il) went through so much difficulty, forging his way along such an arduous path to establish a paradise here, obtaining what the people wanted," Pyongyang citizen Won Jong Rim told the Associated Press Television News, echoing state propaganda.

Kim Jong Un has visited a mausoleum where the embalmed bodies of his father and grandfather lie in state on each of their previous death anniversaries.

During past milestone anniversaries, such as the first and fifth, he organized national gatherings to remember his father.

He was anticipated to do the same this year, but as of Friday afternoon, North Korea's state media had not reported on any public actions involving him.

Articles praising Kim Jong Il and appealing for more unification behind Kim Jong Un were published in state-run outlets.

In an editorial, the North's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper wrote, "We should make every effort to fortify our single-minded unity... by standing united behind esteemed comrade Kim Jong Un."

The coronavirus outbreak, continuous U.N. sanctions, and mismanagement have all conspired to make this year's death anniversary the most difficult of Kim Jong Un's tenure.

North Korea's trade with China, its most important commercial partner and economic conduit, fell by nearly 80% last year before plummeting by two-thirds in the first nine months of this year.

According to South Korean government estimates, the North's economy contracted at its fastest rate since 1997 last year, and grain production fell to its lowest level since Kim assumed office.

Kim has refused to resume discussions with the US and South Korea. He has advocated for a stronger, self-sufficient economy while maintaining severe virus restrictions, including two years of border closures.

Analysts say Kim is concerned that his country's ailing public health system would be unable to cope with a significant virus epidemic, despite his dubious claim that North Korea is clear of the coronavirus.