North Korean officials swore loyalty to their new leader Kim Jong-un in a rally, the country’s television reported Monday, in the latest public display of support for his dynastic power succession.
Kim became the supreme commander of the country’s 1.1 million-strong military soon after the December death of his father, Kim Jong-il. The young leader is believed to be consolidating his power.
Ri Yong-ho, chief of the General Staff of the Korean People‘s Army, vowed to safeguard supreme leader Kim Jong-in in the rally, according to the North’s television station.
The rally was held on Mount Paektu, which Pyongyang claims is the sacred birthplace of Kim Jong-il. However, historians and foreign officials say he was born in Russia.
The latest rally was held ahead of the late Kim‘s Feb. 16 birthday. The North has said the birthday will be instituted as the “Day of the Shining Star.” (Yonhap News)
