Kim Jong Un observes Kim Jong Il's birthday

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a mausoleum in Pyongyang to mark the birthday of the country's previous leader Kim Jong Il. State television followed its routine of broadcasting still images of the current leader's visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, without saying exactly when it took place, only that it was on the occasion of the "Day of the Shining Star".

After Kim Jong Il died in 2011, North Korean authorities named his birthday, the 16th of February, the "Day of the Shining Star".During his visit, Kim was accompanied by a familiar line-up of senior officials, including Vice-Chairmen of the State Affairs Commission Choe Ryong Hae and Pak Pong Ju, as well as Premier Kim Jae Ryong.

It's a long-established tradition for North Korean leaders to visit the palace on major holidays and anniversaries, especially those connected to the country's former leaders. North Korea observes the 16th February as the birthday of Kim Jong Il and this year is officially the 78th anniversary of his birth. North Korea normally holds larger events to mark such anniversaries at five-year intervals.

(Image Credit: AP)