Concert, fireworks as North Korea celebrates late leader’s birthday
TOUGH TIMES DUE TO PANDEMIC, UN SANCTIONS
SEOUL: North Korea celebrated the 80th birthday of late leader Kim Jong-il with a concert, fireworks and a rare outdoor ceremony near its border with China, state media reported on Wednesday, as the country pushes for greater public support amid pandemic-related hardships.
The snowy celebration involving a cheering crowd is likely meant to solidify the leadership of Kim’s son and current leader, Kim Jong-un, as he faces one of the toughest moments of his decade in power. The younger Kim said last year his country was grappling with “the worst-ever situation” due to the pandemic, UN sanctions and other problems.
North Korea’s state TV showed Kim Jong-un, dressed in a dark winter coat, waving when people clapped their hands and hopped as he appeared at the ceremony at Samjiyon city on Tuesday on the eve of his father’s birthday.
The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the ceremony showed participants’ firm resolves to rally behind Kim Jong-un and achieve a prosperity with self-reliance.
Similar ceremonies were held across North Korea to mark the birth anniversary, while senior officials visiting Samjiyon city observed fireworks and a music concert, according to KCNA.
It’s rare for North Korea to hold a high-profile state event in the city at the foot of Mount Paektu, the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula which is the heart of North Korea’s foundation myth revolving around the Kim family.
A major development project has also been under way in Samjiyon, which Kim Jong-un has said epitomises his country’s “iron will” to achieve prosperity.
The birthday of Kim Jong-il is one of the most important holidays in North Korea, along with that of Kim Il-sung, the late grandfather of Kim Jong-un who established North Korea in 1948. Kim Jong-un has ruled North Korea since Kim Jong-il died of a heart attack in late 2011.
On Wednesday, North Korean citizens climbed Pyongyang’s Mansu Hill to lay bouquets of flowers and to bow before the giant statues of Kim Jong-il and Kim Il-sung.
Last month, North Korea conducted a spate of missile tests in what some experts say was an attempt to pressure the United States to offer concessions like sanctions relief.