North Korea on Monday marked the 19th anniversary of its founder's death with the country's leadership, people and media all paying respects to Kim Il-sung.
Kim, who founded the communist country in 1948, laid the foundation of the state before his death in July 8, 1994. He is immortalized in the North and remains the "Eternal President of the Republic" even after his death.
Highlighting the importance of the day, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the founder's grandson, paid homage to Kim's remains at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang along with senior military officers at the stroke of midnight.
Kim's visit marks the second time he was at the mausoleum since April 25, the founding day of the Korean People's Army.
The day was also marked by articles carried by such media outlets as the Korean Central News Agency and the Rodong Sinmun, which called on the people to defend and adhere to the patriotism, philosophy and achievements of the founder.
Besides such calls for loyalty and remembrance, memorial services and events celebrating Kim's achievements took place all across the country, sponsored by the military, youth and womens' groups.
Pyongyang, meanwhile, claimed condolences flowed in from such countries as Russia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal and Ethiopia. (Yonhap News)
