North Korea Marks 78th Anniversary of Republic's Founding Without Kim

North Korean officials visited the mausoleums of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il on the 78th anniversary of the republic's founding, according to the official Korean Central News Agency on Wednesday.

The agency said officials traveled Tuesday to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang, where the remains of the state's founder and his son lie, bowed before them "praying for their eternal life," and pledged to continue working for "the dignity of the nation, its prosperity, and the happiness of the people."

The leader Kim Jong Un did not participate in the visit ceremonies, but a flower basket bearing his name was placed in front of statues of his father and grandfather, according to the report.

In related developments, official media reported that workers and honored figures called for celebrations marking the annual anniversary, while senior officials, including Prime Minister Pak Myong Su and Central Committee Secretary Cho Yong Won, visited national cemeteries across the country.

Source: Yonhap