North Korea celebrated the 80th anniversary of the National Liberation Day with events held across the country. Kim Jong Un, the Workers’ Party General Secretary, enjoyed a festive performance by Russian artists.
On August 16, the party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that Kim had attended a performance at the Pyongyang Gymnasium the previous day. He was accompanied by Vyacheslav Volodin, the Chairman of the Russian State Duma. The performance featured Russian singer Shaman (Yaroslav Dronov), the Ministry of People’s Armed Forces’ strategic ensemble “Red Star,” and the joint Air and Naval Forces ensemble.
The newspaper published several photos of Shaman’s performance. The singer energetically interacted with the audience, sprinting across the stage while holding both the Russian and North Korean flags, and he passionately sang into a standing microphone. North Korean spectators responded with enthusiasm, reaching out to him.
The front page noted that Kim visited the Liberation Monument to pay tribute to the Soviet Armed Forces. He was accompanied by key officials including Pak Jong-chon, a party secretary; Choe Son Hui, the Foreign Minister; Kim Yo-jong, the Deputy Department Director; and other senior officials from the party’s central committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of People’s Armed Forces, as well as military commanders.
Page 3 featured news of Choe Ryong Hae, the Chairman of the Supreme People’s Assembly, and other officials visiting the Sinmiri Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery. A celebratory banquet was held the previous day at the Mokran House, attended by officials and patriotic contributors. Kim Song Nam, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly and head of the party’s international department, held talks with key members of the Russian delegation, including First Deputy Chairman Ivan Melnikov, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang.
Page 4 reported on a youth and student gathering and fireworks event celebrating the 80th anniversary of national liberation at Kim Il Sung Square. The youth also held a debate meeting at the Arch of Triumph Square before proceeding with a demonstration march.
Page 5 covered the Torch Cup Men’s Football Match between the Locomotive Team and the Dawn Team, with the Dawn Team winning 6-5 after a penalty shootout. Celebratory performances and dances took place in various regions, including Pyongyang’s Moranbong Theatre, South Pyongan Province, North Hwanghae Province, Jagang Province, South Hamgyong Province, North Hamgyong Province, Ryanggang Province, Rason City, and Kaesong City. Women’s Union officials and members also participated in the dances.
Page 6 reported that organizations from India, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Nepal congratulated North Korea on the 80th anniversary of its liberation. The newspaper stated that Kim Il Sung’s achievements in national liberation will shine through the ages, noting that the international community has highly praised him.
