North Korea continues to build excitement for the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party by releasing a rare live speech from General Secretary Kim Jong Un at a celebratory event held on the eve of the anniversary.
On October 10, Korean Central Television broadcast nearly 90 minutes of footage from the previous day’s festivities, including a video titled, Grand Celebration of the Glorious 80th Anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, filmed at the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium.
The broadcast featured Kim’s live address, a departure from recent practice in which his speeches were typically read by news anchors. This direct presentation likely aims to underscore the significance of the party’s eight-decade history and reinforce the supreme leader’s authority.
Despite the rain, an estimated 100,000 spectators filled the May Day Stadium, waving light sticks and national flags. This venue gained international attention in September 2018 when former South Korean President Moon Jae-in addressed North Korean citizens there—the first time a South Korean leader had done so.
The broadcast also showcased a welcoming ceremony for a key foreign dignitary: the General Secretary of Vietnam’s Communist Party.
Footage of a performance by a Russian artistic troupe at the Mansudae Art Theatre was also aired. Kim viewed the show alongside Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora and Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui.
The performance featured Russian pop singer Shaman (Yaroslav Dronov), a returning act in North Korea, as well as an ensemble from the Russian Aerospace Forces. A Russian female vocalist notably sang in Korean about the friendship between North Korea and Russia, captivating the audience.
During a segment depicting North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Operation, Kim and all attendees rose to their feet, highlighting the symbolic importance of North Korea-Russia military cooperation.
A large-scale military parade is anticipated to be held at Kim Il Sung Square that evening. Experts expect North Korea to unveil new strategic weapons, including the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) reportedly under development. Kim may also deliver a speech that potentially contains confrontational rhetoric towards the United States and South Korea.
