North Korea has been creating a festive atmosphere to celebrate its 76th founding day, which falls on September 9 every year.
According to state-run media Rodong Sinmun, the opening ceremony of a national art exhibition took place at the Korean Art Museum on Thursday. The exhibition, which showcases over 30 video art pieces, highlights the achievements of Kim Il Sung, the country’s founder, and Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea. Also, a stamp exhibition kicked off the previous day at the Korean Stamp Museum.
The celebrations also included a speech contest for university students, titled “Patriotism and Youth University Students,” held at the Pyongyang Youth Park outdoor theater. Labor organizations across the country have organized gatherings to mark the occasion.
A delegation from the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, led by Chairman Ko Deok Woo, arrived in Pyongyang to join the festivities. The group was greeted by Kim Ho Chol, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly, and Hong Kyung Sik, Director of the Overseas Korean Affairs Bureau. This visit is notable as it marks the first official General Association delegation to North Korea since 2019.
North Korea’s sudden push for a celebratory atmosphere just three days before the founding day seems to reflect a need to unify public sentiment, shaken by recent flood damage and declining economic conditions.
No grand events, such as a military parade, are anticipated for this year’s September 9 (9·9) Day, as it is not a significant anniversary year (ending in a 5 or 10). However, recent satellite images have revealed movements suggesting preparations for an event near the Mansudae Assembly Hall and accommodation buildings near Pyongyang’s military parade training ground.
The possibility has been raised that Kim Jong Un could personally invite some of the flood victims staying in Pyongyang to an event to boost their morale or hold a nighttime celebration that could entertain all the residents.