North Korea's Kim visits family tomb to pay tribute to grandfather - KCNA

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, visit the Kumsusan Palace of Sun to pay tribute to Kim Il Sung, to mark the birthday of the founder of the state, in Pyongyang, in this photo supplied by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 16, 2021. KCNA via REUTERS

North Korean 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.

Officials visit the Kumsusan Palace of Sun as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju pay tribute to Kim Il Sung, to mark the birthday of the founder of the state, in Pyongyang, in this photo supplied by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 16, 2021. KCNA via REUTERS

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

Kim's no-show at last year’s anniversary fanned speculation about his health. A flurry of unconfirmed reports about his condition and his whereabouts followed, including reports suggesting that Kim was in grave danger after a surgery.

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

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, watch a performance in celebration to mark the birthday of his grandfather Kim Il Sung, in Pyongyang, in this photo supplied by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 16, 2021. KCNA via REUTERS

Earlier this month, North Korea said it would not take part in the Tokyo Olympics due to coronavirus concerns, dashing South Korean hopes that the Games could be a catalyst to revive peace talks.

North Korea says it has not had any coronavirus cases.

(Reporting by Sangmi Cha; Editing by Stephen Coates)

Guests stand up during a performance as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, attend a celebration to mark the birthday of Kim Il Sung, in Pyongyang, in this photo supplied by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 16, 2021. KCNA via REUTERS

The statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are pictured during a visit at the Kumsusan Palace of Sun as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju pay tribute to Kim Il Sung, to mark the birthday of the founder of the state, in Pyongyang, in this photo supplied by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 16, 2021. KCNA via REUTERS