North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un repeatedly makes headlines around the world, some of which are shocking - such as missile tests or announcements that he intends to further expand his nuclear weapons system.
Discover our latest podcast
Reports are currently spreading that the North Korean dictator recently celebrated his birthday. Kim Jong-un is said to have been born on January 8, 1984 - making him 40 this year. At least that is what ntv magazine assumes, citing speculation by the South Korean government. The date of Kim Jong-un's birth is not officially confirmed.
Festivities - no show
On the occasion of the head of state's milestone birthday, some may well expect the dictator to celebrate extensively. However, the North Korean news agency has so far remained silent about any celebrations. There are also no photos so far.
Instead, there are reports of the North Korean ruler visiting a poultry farm with his daughter last Sunday. There is also talk of weapons and missile tests as well as tributes to farmers' successes. But not of celebrations, as the newspaper BILD also reports.
No party because of sanctions?
There are already speculations as to why Kim Jong-un, unlike his predecessors - his father Kim Jong-il and his grandfather Kim Il-sung - does not celebrate in a big way, as the magazine ntv further reports.
According to the report, the South Korean government suspects that the country's economically isolated position due to numerous sanctions is one of the reasons why the dictator's birthday is not celebrated nationally. The sanctions were primarily imposed due to North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
Read more:
⋙ Kim Jong-un: Gardener sentenced to prison for 6 months due to this absurd reason
⋙ Kim Jong-un: This is how the youngest son of the family became North Korea's leader
⋙ Kim Jong-un: The death of his brother might be North Korea's most perfectly executed murder
This article has been translated from Gentside DE.
Sources used:
BILD: "Weapons and eggs for the dictator's 40th birthday: North Korea propaganda celebrates Kim Jong Chicken: Kremlin reports: Putin wants to meet Kim in Pyongyang"
ntv: "Is there no money for the celebration? North Korea keeps quiet about Kim's 40th birthday"
