( CNN ) -- On the second anniversary of the death of former North Korean leader , Kim Jong Il , the nation held a memorial in his honor , lauding his life and achievements . During the ceremony , his son , Kim Jong Un sat front and center below the image of his father , which was festooned in gold-colored flowers . He assumed power after his father 's death in 2011 . The memorial marking the death of the elder Kim brought out what looked like thousands of party members and military personnel , who dressed in black or in green uniforms , into Pyongyang Gymnasium . They clapped in in synchrony , raising their hands above their shoulders . The anniversary came a week after an uncharacteristically public announcement of the execution of Kim 's uncle , Jang Song Thaek that raised speculation about turmoil within the North Korean leadership . Showing allegiance . During Tuesday 's ceremony , the remaining top brass , appearing solemn , flanked Kim . All the levels of power and control of North Korea appeared to be there , to show allegiance to Kim and the state , said Daniel Pinkston , senior analyst of the North East Asia region for the International Crisis Group . Anniversary ceremonies pertaining to the North Korea 's founder , Kim Il Sung and his son , Kim Jong Il are common . `` Kim Jong Un is using those dates for ceremonies as opportunities to have people in the leadership extend pledges of allegiance and loyalty to the regime , to the party and Kim Jong Un as a leader , '' said Pinkston . `` There was a lot more eyes on it because of the recent purging and execution of Jang Song Thaek . '' 'Human bullets and bombs ' In a separate event on Monday , members of the North Korean military -- the Korean People 's Army -- swore to uphold Kim as leader and to defend him unto death at a meeting at Kumsusan Palace , reported the North Korean state news agency , KCNA . The participants `` solemnly pledged to become human bullets and bombs '' and to know only Kim , according to KCNA . The execution of Jang last week came as a shock . Jang , who was Kim 's uncle by marriage , had been regarded as the second-most powerful figure in the secretive nation . Denounced as a `` traitor for all ages '' and `` worse than a dog , '' he was executed for trying to overthrow the state `` by all sorts of intrigues and despicable methods . '' His crimes on KCNA included : Behaving arrogantly , unwilling to stand up from his seat and `` half-heartedly clapping . '' His widow and the current North Korean leader 's aunt , Kim Kyong-hui did not appear to attend the Tuesday anniversary commemorating the death of her brother . However , she was mentioned in a KCNA report this weekend , suggesting she had survived her husband 's purge . After the ceremony held at the Pyongyang gymnasium , Kim Jong Un later appeared with his wife , Ri Sol Ju as they visited the mausoleum where his father 's body lies . Ri was seen walking by his side . For the rest of the North Korean population , the situation may be tense . Sokeel Park , director of Research and Strategy at Liberty in North Korea , an NGO , said he had heard from defectors secretly communicating with family members inside North Korea that there have been greater restrictions . This is common during anniversaries marking the Kims . `` I 've heard of increased restrictions on movement , and increased restriction on the market , '' Park said . `` The general atmosphere is one of lockdown . Combine that with the quite shocking news to North Korea that Jang Song Thaek was looking to overthrow the leadership -- that 's shocking in any society . That contributes to this tense atmosphere among North Korean people . '' Signs of instability ? The execution of Jang has unsettled some North Korea observers as well as its neighbors , as they look for signs of instability in the government and possibility of provocation . The South Korean defense ministry said Jang 's death could be a major turning point in North Korea since the founding of its power 68 years ago and there could be a provocation early next year . But the ministry 's spokesman Kim Min-seok said that there is no `` imminent sign of North Korea carrying out nuclear and missile tests . '' Park Geun-hye , the South Korean president said on Monday before a meeting with diplomatic and security ministers , that she could not rule out `` reckless provocations '' from the north . U.S. Secretary of State , John Kerry called Kim `` reckless '' and '' insecure '' following the execution of his uncle , stating that it makes having a nuclear weapon in the hands of somebody like him `` even more unacceptable . '' CNN 's KJ Kwon in Seoul contributed to this report .
One - year anniversary marked for death of Kim Jong Il . North Korea 's top brass state funeral . Returning to North Korea after execution of Kim Jong Un 's regime . New : More restrictions in North Korea .