DPRK state media running no reports on Kim's traditional Palace visit

PYONGYANG - No official media coverage about Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has been released so far Friday on the occasion of the 69th anniversary of the ruling party's founding.

DPRK state media also did not say anything about a traditional visit by the top leader to the Palace of the Sun at Kumsusan, a midnight ritual marking the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.

In fact, Kim has not been in public view for more than a month, fueling speculation about his health.

However, the capital city of Pyongyang is in a festive mood.

Party flags and national flags are flying at street corners. On the walls of party and government buildings, restaurants and residential blocks hang banners that read "Long live the benevolent politics of our party" and "Unite as one to celebrate Oct. 10."

Mansudae Square, where stand grand bronze statues of former leaders, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, is the most crowded place where people from all circles of life come to offer bouquets and flower baskets in a tribute to their leaders.

A few foreign tourists were seen lay flowers before the monument.

Large flower baskets had to go through security checks before they were allowed to be presented, eyewitnesses noticed.

Several newly wedded couples dressed in Korean costumes took photos with smiles in front of the leaders' statues.

People were seen walk with flowers in hand in the city, possibly on their way to pay respect to their deceased leaders.

Oct. 10 is a public holiday in the DPRK. Pyongyang residents are using the holiday to shop or engage in sports. Some are simply enjoying the day in rest.