North Koreans pledge loyalty to leader days after uncle's execution

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- North Koreans marked the second anniversary of Kim Jong Il's death and vowed to follow his son, Kim Jong Un, at a ceremony held Tuesday in a Pyongyang stadium.

The ceremony came days after North Korea executed Kim Jong Un's uncle and mentor, Jang Song Thaek, for treason.

At the ceremony, North Korea's ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam called on all North Koreans to remain loyal to Kim Jong Un, who did not speak.

Kim and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, later visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to pay tribute to his father, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported.

The visit marked Ri Sol Ju's first public appearance since Oct. 15.

Jang's wife, Kim Kyong Hui, did not attend the ceremony or visit the mausoleum.