North Korea is expected to hold a grand celebration for the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea this October. There are also indications that the mass games, a showcase of the regime’s power, may be revived after a five-year hiatus.
South Korea’s Ministry of Unification official revealed on Thursday that it anticipates North Korea will hold a considerably grand event on October 10 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the party’s founding this year.
This year’s party founding day holds special significance as it marks a milestone year (ending in a multiple of five), which increases the likelihood of major events, such as a military parade.
In previous celebrations, North Korea showcased various new weapons and missiles during military parades for the 75th anniversary in 2020 and the 70th anniversary in 2015.
Sources suggest that North Korea may also resume the mass games, which have been suspended since 2020.
Formerly known as the “Arirang Mass Games,” these performances involve tens of thousands to 100,000 participants engaging in synchronized gymnastics, dance, and card stunts—a uniquely North Korean form of mass performance. The regime has not held these events since October 10, 2020.
The official added that it is monitoring developments related to the mass games, noting that historically, preparations for such events typically begin several months in advance.
Earlier in March, the Ministry of Unification also reported that North Korea appears to be preparing for large-scale events, including a military parade, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the party this year. They predicted that the scale of the events would be similar to or larger than in previous years.