A photo recently released by state-run media showed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun accompanied only by civilians, in stark contrast to his previous visit.

Kim went to the palace today on the 22nd anniversary of his grandfather’s death, with high-officials of Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) only.  No military personnel were visible at the site.

“Kim Jong Un, accompanied by the vice chairmen of the WPK Central Committee, has entered the hall,” today’s edition of the Rodong Sinmun reads.

A comparison of the photograph taken during a visit last year indicates the power structure within North Korea has