He was also accompanied by key party and military officials who contributed to the successful launch of the Hwasong-14, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) which Pyongyang fired off on Tuesday in its latest provocation in defiance of international sanctions.

   The test-firing of its first ICBM has sparked fresh tensions over the Korean Peninsula and the allies of South Korea as the North's missile capabilities are seen as growing at a faster pace than expected.

   Pyongyang said that its nuclear and missiles will not be up for negotiations unless Washington give up what it calls a hostile policy toward the North.

   After he paid homage to the founder, he offered flowers at the standing statues of his grandfather and his father, Kim Jong-il, who died in 2011, the state media said.

   Kim, reported to be in his early 30s, came to power in 2012 and has since paid a visit to the memorial hall every year on key anniversaries of the founder. (Yonhap)