Kim Jong Un Pens New Year’s Letter, With No Sign of Hallmark Speech

In this undated photo provided on Jan. 1, 2021, by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un writes his New Year card to the public. Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a New Year’s letter to residents, eschewing his annual tirade against foreign powers, state-run media reported.

In the letter, Kim offered thanks to the people for having trusted and supported the ruling communist Party even in the “difficult” times, state news agency KCNA reported on Friday.