Kim Jong Un Provides 2.9 Billion Won in Scholarships to Koreans in Japan to Mark Kim Il Sung's Birthday
by Park Jisoo
Published 14 Apr.2026 08:12(KST)
A Total of 466.64 Billion Won Delivered Over 172 Occasions
"Democratic National Education for Children of Overseas Koreans in Japan"
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has delivered educational aid funds and scholarships to the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) in commemoration of the 114th anniversary of Kim Il Sung’s birthday (April 15).
On April 14, the Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim sent scholarships worth 316.36 million yen (approximately 2.934 billion won) to support "democratic national education for children of overseas Koreans in Japan."
The agency added that, so far, Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Un have provided educational aid funds and scholarships to children of overseas Koreans in Japan a total of 172 times, amounting to 50,349,539,000 yen (approximately 466.64 billion won).
Since coming to power, Kim Jong Un has unfailingly sent scholarships to commemorate Kim Il Sung’s birthday each year. His emphasis on exchanges with the children of overseas Koreans in Japan and his support for their scholarships are interpreted as efforts to foster loyalty among the next generation of Chongryon members. Some analysts also point out that Kim’s biological mother, Ko Yong Hui, was a repatriated Korean from Japan, which is believed to have influenced his keen interest in Chongryon activities.
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