Kim Jong Un thanks North Korean people in rare New Year cards

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has written a New Year card to the public, thanking them for their trust and support ‘in the difficult times’ and wishing them happiness and good health (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has thanked the public for their trust and support “in the difficult times” and wished them happiness and good health in his first New Year cards to his people.

Kim usually gives a televised speech on January 1, but is widely expected to skip it this year since he will address the country’s first ruling party congress for five years later this month.