North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the grave of Hyun Chol-hy, a prominent military figure, to mark the third anniversary of his death, according to state media reports from North Korea on Monday.
The Korean Central News Agency stated that Kim visited the national martyrs’ cemetery in Sinmi-ri the day before, laying a flower at Hyun’s grave to commemorate the occasion.
Hyun, the commander of the Korean People’s Army, passed away at the age of 87 on May 19, 2022. He was known for playing a crucial role in aiding Kim Jong-il, the father of the current leader, in consolidating control over the military and preparing Kim Jong-un as his successor, as reported by South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.
In 2022, North Korea held an official funeral for Hyun, presided over by Kim Jong-un. Kim has visited Hyun’s grave on both the first and second anniversaries of his death.
The agency quoted Kim as saying, “Comrade Hyun Chol-hy, who was always by General Kim Jong-il’s side, remains in my memory; he was a shadow of the great general.”
Kim stated, “He will remain immortal in our hearts, always reminding us of the era of Kim Jong-il and encouraging us in our sacred struggle for great victory.”
