South Korea had feared new missile launches for North Korea’s national holiday. But this time there were no weapon tests.
After a dozen missile tests this year, North Korea has celebrated its most important national day without saber-rattling.
State television showed a mass event in the capital Pyongyang on Friday evening (local time) for the 110th birthday of the “eternal president” Kim Il Sung. Thousands of young people danced on the square named after the former head of state. Women wore colorful traditional costumes. A large fireworks display was to follow on the “Day of the Sun”. It was unclear whether ruler Kim Jong Un was also present as a spectator.
Rocket launches had been feared
South Korea had previously feared that North Korea could launch missiles again before or on its birthday or even conduct a new nuclear test to demonstrate strength. North Korea often takes important holidays or commemorations as an occasion. But this time there were no new weapon tests. Nor was there any sign of a major military parade. In the past few weeks, experts have been able to identify preparations on a training ground in the capital on satellite images.
North Korea has tested missiles several times this year. Most recently, neighboring countries were alarmed by the new test of a North Korean ICBM. UN resolutions ban Pyongyang from testing any range missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The country is subject to tough international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons program.
Personality cult around Kim Il Sung
An intensive personality cult is practiced over Kim Il Sung, revered as the founder of the state, his son Kim Jong Il and his grandson Kim Jong Un. Kim Il Sung’s milestone birthdays are celebrated with pomp. According to reports, there have already been larger gatherings and exhibitions in the past few days for his 110th birthday. The bodies of Kim Il Sung, who died in 1994, and his son Kin Jong Il, who died at the end of 2011, lie embalmed in a mausoleum in Pyongyang and can be viewed there by the North Koreans.
Source: Stern
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