Kim Jong Un Attends Liberation Day Performances; North Korea Silent on President Lee's Multilateral End-of-War Proposal

While North Korea has yet to respond to President Lee Jae-myung's proposal for multilateral discussions to end the war, State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un attended events including a circus performance on Liberation Day, accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported today (the 17th) that the comprehensive acrobatic performance by the National Acrobatic Troupe, celebrating the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the fatherland, was held yesterday at the Pyongyang Circus Theater with Chairman Kim in attendance.

The performance featured various award-winning acts from international circus festivals, including tightrope walking and aerial acrobatics. According to the KCNA, Chairman Kim expressed satisfaction with the performers' success and highly praised their contributions.

Chairman Kim also took commemorative photos with officials from the National Acrobatic Troupe.

On the same day, Chairman Kim attended a sports and cultural event, watching swimming and diving competitions.

Chairman Kim was accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, to the acrobatic performance and swimming matches.

North Korean state media, including the KCNA and the Rodong Sinmun, released photos showing Ju Ae sitting in the center seat right next to Chairman Kim in the VIP box to watch the performance.

The events were attended by senior officials accompanying Chairman Kim, including Party Secretaries Jo Yong-won, Ri Il-hwan, Ju Chang-il, and Jong Kyong-taek; Premier Pak Tae-song; Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui; Defense Minister No Kwang-chol; and Pak Jong-chon, advisor to the Ministry of Defense.

While North Korean media have been continuously reporting on various commemorative events for Liberation Day, which they refer to as the Day of the Liberation of the Fatherland, they have made no mention as of this morning of President Lee's Liberation Day congratulatory address proposing multilateral discussions to put an end to the Korean War.

Previously, during his congratulatory speech at the 81st Liberation Day ceremony held on the 15th, President Lee stated, "We will embark on a journey to end the war and replace the unstable armistice system on the Korean Peninsula with a peace system," adding, "Let us set aside mutual intentions of threat and begin discussions among the parties involved to end this long-standing war."

This marks the first time President Lee has officially proposed multilateral discussions regarding peace treaty negotiations.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.