North Korea's New Year holiday is marked by visits to the mausoleum of its two late leaders and affirmations of allegiance to incumbent leader Kim Jong-un.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for bolstering nuclear forces this year during a visit to a nuclear material production base and nuclear weapons institute, state media KCNA reported on Wednesday.

Kim Jong Un has inspected a facility that produces nuclear material and called for bolstering the country’s nuclear capability.

Kim Jong-un has inspected a nuclear-material production base and a nuclear weapons institute, emphasizing that strengthening the nuclear shield is "indispensable" amid a long-term confrontation with "the most vicious hostile countries.