It's on January 8th, and it's becoming a national holiday. From the Daily NK:
North Korea implemented special security measures for Kim Jong Un’s birthday on Jan. 8, signaling ongoing efforts to establish the date as a national holiday.
A Daily NK source in North Hamgyong province reported that heightened security measures were in effect from 5 p.m. on Jan. 7 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 9. Central government authorities ordered all organizations, including neighborhood units and workplaces, to prevent any incidents during the leader’s birthday.
During this period, institutions and enterprises formed dedicated security teams to guard Kim family statues and revolutionary sites, while also increasing workplace security personnel. Neighborhood offices enforced strict two-person security patrols, marking a departure from the typical single-person shifts despite existing two-person patrol regulations.
These measures mirror security protocols used for major state holidays honoring Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, reflecting the growing status of Kim Jong Un’s birthday. Notably, residents have shown little resistance to these measures, suggesting broad acceptance of Jan. 8 as a de facto holiday despite its lack of official designation.
“People have naturally come to accept these security measures since they’re familiar with similar protocols during other major holidays,” the source explained, adding that while residents acknowledge the day’s significance, the additional security requirements create more inconvenience than celebration.
The holiday atmosphere has been reinforced by the distribution of gifts, particularly to children. In Hoeryong this year, candy was distributed between Jan. 4-6 to children from infancy through fifth grade. Previously, such gifts were reserved for Kim Il Sung’s birthday (April 15) and Kim Jong Il’s birthday (Feb. 16).
A Chongjin resident in their 30s noted, “Jan. 8 feels like a proper holiday now, especially when it includes candy distributions for children.” However, holiday supplies were limited to officials from provincial and city party committees, with ordinary households excluded due to North Hamgyong province’s financial constraints.
It's close to Christmas, January 8th. Obviously Christmas is out in Christianity-averse North Korea, but there does seem to be this thing for a winter-solstice festival in the northern hemisphere – time of renewal and all that. Kim Jong-un as Santa Claus? Giving out gifts and sweeties. He's certainly the right shape.
