The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Un paid his respects at the mausoleum for his grandfather Kim Il Sung on Thursday to mark the birthday of the founder of the state, official media KCNA reported.

Kim and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, also watched a performance of song and dance at the Kumsusan Palace of Sun, where his father and grandfather lie in state, in celebration of the national holiday, KCNA reported on Friday. 

"When the performance was over, the audience again broke into stormy cheers for the General Secretary," it reported.

Kim was accompanied to the palace this year by senior DPRK officials, including his sister Kim Yo Jong, KCNA reported.

The birth anniversary, referred to in the DPRK as the Day of the Sun, is the country's biggest national holiday marked by large-scale cultural and sports events.

Since taking office in late 2011, Kim had paid tribute to the mausoleum every year to mark the anniversary, but he skipped a trip last year amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, prompting speculation about his health.

(With input from Reuters)