North Korea Turns 70: A Grand Show‑Off (Without the Missiles)
On Saturday night, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea kicked off its 70th birthday with a big, bright, and surprisingly peaceful ceremony. Instead of firing missiles into the sky, the bigwig Kim Jong Un chose to shine a spotlight on the nation’s landmarks and folks.
Event Highlights
- The concert opened at Pyongyang Indoor Stadium, where a crowd of a few thousand was treated to a show starring three state‑of‑the‑art choirs and orchestras.
- A shiny red grand piano stole the stage, while a giant screen played footage of every triumph the country boasts.
- In a twist, the usual missile launch clips were swapped for shots of Mount Paektu, shiny skyscrapers, bustling factories, and endless wheat fields.
- Only a tiny portion of the show was military‑heavy: tanks, jets, and soldiers marched in a puff of stylized armor.
- A slogan flashed across the screen: “Military strength ensures peace,” but it was soon replaced by a picture of ripe red apples, though not a step away from the “peace” agenda.
More Than a Birthday Bash
North Korea’s birthday is a national event that usually features military parades and the famous “Mass Games” – huge acrobatic spectacles. This year, after a flurry of diplomatic talks with both the U.S. and South Korea (think—Trump in Singapore and a summit with President Moon Jae‑in), the regime opted to change the narrative. Instead of flaunting weapons, the focus was on economic development and social progress.
Korean National Pride
Each time the screen lit up with a portrait of Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Un’s grandfather, the crowd erupted in applause. Kim Jong Un also received a thunderclap of cheers.
- The soundtrack included “Socialism — I love you” and a brand‑new public anthem: “Be loved, our father.”
- The lyrics bragged about the Supreme Leader’s midnight and dawn visits, claiming he hears every ordinary person’s plea.
- There was an overt shoutout to “taking us to the future,” a classic hype line.
Bottom Line
In April, the big boss declared the nuclear program a “success” and announced a shift toward “socialist economic construction.” Now, as the country celebrates a milestone, it sends a clearer message: its strength is not just in warheads; it’s in its people, its prosperity, and its loud, heartfelt anthems.
So, here’s to 70 years of North Korea — may the fireworks stay on the stage, not the landing strip!
