Japanese-Korean Mother... Kim Jong-un's Birthplace Unclear
"Incomplete Narrative... Obstacle to Idolization Propaganda"
Authorities "Watching Parade and Provocations on Birthday"
[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] It has been confirmed that Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, does not have his birthday designated as a commemorative day this year. Although North Korea is focusing on idolizing Chairman Kim, this is analyzed to be due to the incomplete narrative, from his mother who was a Zainichi Korean to his unclear birthplace.
According to diplomatic and security authorities on the 8th, this day is Chairman Kim’s birthday. However, it is known that recent calendars circulating in the border area with China do not mark his birthday. This contrasts with the birthdays of President Kim Il-sung (April 15) and National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong-il (February 16), which are celebrated as the biggest holidays called the 'Day of the Sun' and the 'Day of the Shining Star,' respectively.
Earlier, the Korea Institute for National Unification released the '2023 Outlook on the Korean Peninsula Situation' last month, predicting that "North Korea is expected to tighten its propaganda efforts next year to elevate Kim Jong-un to the status of 'Supreme Leader'." It was forecasted that the idolization of Chairman Kim would be raised to the 'Kim Il-sung level,' but ultimately, even the disclosure of his birthday did not occur.
Various state-run media such as the Korean Central News Agency, Korean Central Television, and Rodong Sinmun have also not mentioned this recently. A Ministry of Unification official explained, "As far as we know, there have been no reports from North Korean state media about events held to celebrate Kim Jong-un’s birthday," adding, "Even the fact of his birthday has not been publicly announced within North Korea."
Jung Sung-jang, head of the North Korea Research Center at the Sejong Institute, said, "Although glorifying materials about Kim Jong-un continue to emerge, there is no specific mention of when and where he was born," adding, "If his birthday were designated as a commemorative day, residents would become curious about his birth year, and the fact that he is a very young leader is a kind of complex for Kim Jong-un."
North Korea Hesitates... "Cannot Even Disclose Mother Ko Yong-hui’s Identity"
Various analyses have been made regarding why North Korea cannot commemorate Chairman Kim’s birthday. First, there is the issue of his mother Ko Yong-hui’s background. In 2012, coinciding with Kim Jong-un’s rise to power, North Korea produced a video titled 'The Great Mother of Military-First Korea' and idolized Ko Yong-hui among cadres, distributing it to residents.
However, both the video and subsequent occasions rarely officially mention Ko Yong-hui’s 'name.' This is due to her background as a Zainichi Korean and a dancer. As indicated by the term 'anti-Japanese guerrilla,' North Korea holds a very negative view of Japan. They even disparage Zainichi Koreans as 'Jjapo,' meaning those tainted by capitalism.
Chairman Kim’s birthplace is also unclear. In North Korea, where idolization of the supreme leader verges on deification, the most important factor is the 'Paektu bloodline.' This refers to the Kim Il-sung family, and the fact that National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong-il was born at the revolutionary site of the Paektu Mountain secret camp (a guerrilla hideout) has been heavily promoted for this reason.
North Korea has tried hard to package Chairman Kim as being born in Samjiyon City under Paektu Mountain, but his actual birthplace is known to be Wonsan City, Gangwon Province. During the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, Kim Jong-un’s younger sister, Party Vice Department Director Kim Yo-jong, visited South Korea and when asked about their hometown by then-Gangwon Province Governor Choi Moon-soon, she replied, "I was born in Pyongyang, and my brother was born in Wonsan."
In fact, Chairman Kim’s affection for Wonsan is exceptional. Shortly after taking power, he declared the development of the Wonsan-Galma coastal tourist area, expressing his will to make Wonsan the 'second Pyongyang.' Even in April 2020, when rumors of his health issues circulated, he was reportedly staying in Wonsan with close aides. The recurring 'Wonsan refuge theory' whenever his public appearances decrease is also related to this context.
Heightened Attention Around 'Kim Jong-un’s Birthday'... "Possibility of Nuclear Test"
Security authorities are on high alert around Chairman Kim’s birthday. This is because signs of a military parade are being detected one after another. Recent satellite images taken on the 2nd by the private satellite service Planet Labs captured about 13,000 troops gathered at the parade training ground north of Mirim Airfield in Pyongyang. Such movements have been observed since mid-last month.
However, the National Intelligence Service recently estimated at a full meeting of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee that the parade will likely be held on February 8, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army. Typically, when a parade is imminent, residents are mobilized to Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang for cheering practice, but so far only troop movements have been observed, lending weight to this estimate.
A Ministry of Unification official said, "The government is closely monitoring North Korean regional developments, including preparations for the military parade, based on close South Korea-U.S. cooperation," adding, "We plan to observe the situation a bit longer before determining the exact timing of the parade," showing a cautious stance.
There are also predictions that North Korea may carry out a major provocation coinciding with the parade.
Center Director Jung Sung-jang said, "The military parade is an important event for North Korea to showcase its military power domestically and internationally and to elicit loyalty to the regime from its residents," forecasting, "There is a possibility that new weapons, which have not undergone test launches, will be unveiled at this parade." He added, "Since the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army is a milestone, large-scale events may continue from this time until February 16, Kim Jong-il’s birthday, potentially culminating in the 7th nuclear test and other major provocations."
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