Kim Jong un Breaks Tradition By Prioritizing Artillery Drills Over Ancestral Rites On North Korean Holiday

North Korean leader Kim Jong un skips traditional birthday tributes for his grandfather to lead artillery drills, signaling a shift in state military priority.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 4:33 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Korea Times

A Military Deviation From National Anniversary Traditions

In a notable shift of state protocol, Kim Jong un chose to mark the Day of the Sun by overseeing a competitive artillery firing exercise rather than participating in traditional ancestral tributes. According to reports from the Korean Central News Agency, the leader traveled to the western area on Wednesday to observe subunits of the Korean People's Army as they demonstrated their tactical proficiency. This event marks the first instance of the current leader attending a purely military engagement on the birth anniversary of his grandfather, Kim Il sung, a day typically reserved for solemn visits to the state mausoleum.

The Strategic Centrality Of Artillery Modernization

During the inspection, Kim emphasized that the effective utilization of artillery remains the most critical factor in determining the outcome of modern warfare. He praised the participating units for their militant marksmanship and instructed the military to focus exclusively on training that rounds off combat preparations. According to state media, this emphasis on firepower is a core component of a new five year defense development plan aimed at the thorough modernization of the North's hardware. By framing artillery readiness as the primary pillar of national defense, Kim is signaling a transition toward a more aggressive and technically advanced military posture.

Consolidating Power Through Protocol Shifts

For the fourth consecutive year, Kim Jong un reportedly declined to visit the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, opting instead to send a flower basket to the site where his predecessors lie in state. While high ranking officials, including Premier Pak Thae song and Chairman Jo Yong won, paid their respects at the mausoleum, Kim’s absence suggests a calculated effort to distance his leadership from the shadow of his father and grandfather. According to observations from the South Korean unification ministry, this redirection of loyalty serves to center the national identity around Kim’s current military achievements rather than historical lineage.