North Korea Boosts Atmosphere with Events Ahead of 'Gwangmyeongseongjeol' Holiday in Two Days

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] North Korea is heightening the atmosphere with various events two days ahead of the 80th anniversary of Kim Jong-il National Defense Commission Chairman's birthday (February 16), known as 'Kwangmyongsong Day.'

On the 14th, the Korean Central News Agency reported, "The 1st Kwangmyongsong Day People's Art Festival, which opened in Pyongyang, is becoming more and more prosperous day by day," adding, "On the 13th, the second day of the art festival performances took place at the People's Palace of Culture, East Pyongyang Grand Theater, Bonghwa Art Theater, and Youth Central Hall." The People's Art Festival, held for the first time this year to commemorate Kim Jong-il National Defense Commission Chairman's birthday, will continue until the 18th.

The previous day in Pyongyang, an underwater gymnastics performance was also held to celebrate Kwangmyongsong Day. The news agency stated, "The exemplary underwater gymnastics dance performance celebrating Kwangmyongsong Day was held on the 13th at the Swimming Stadium on Youth Street," and "The performers expressed the loyal hearts of the entire nation's people, who revere the peerless great man born as the Bright Star of Paektu and who built immortal achievements, through various events."

Additionally, the news agency reported that to commemorate Kwangmyongsong Day, celebratory gatherings of the Russian government, political parties, and organizations were held in Moscow on the 9th. Participants in the celebratory gatherings laid flowers before video art works featuring Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il and also watched North Korean films dealing with Kim Jong-il's achievements.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.