As U.S.-N.Korea tensions grow, Kim Jong Un goes on a (PR) offensive
PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA— While tensions between his country and the United States appeared to be escalating rapidly, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a highprofile appearance in Pyongyang on Thursday, not to denounce Washington, but to cut a ceremonial ribbon to mark the opening of a new highrise district.
With more than 100,000 people gathered in a huge rally to mark the event, Kim stood front and centre on a red-carpeted stage to cut the ribbon. The event was part of the run-up to the 105th anniversary of the birth of national founder Kim Il Sung, which falls on Saturday and is North Korea’s most important holiday.
Nothing official has been an- nounced, but a large-scale military parade is expected Saturday.
Tension in the region has risen with the dispatch of a U.S. aircraft carrier to the area and the deployment of thousands of U.S. and South Korean troops, tanks and other weaponry for their biggest-ever joint military exercises. Pyongyang has warned of war if it sees any signs of aggression from south of the Demilitarized Zone.