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Events surrounding Kim Il-sung's 92nd Birthday

ROK Ministry of Unification
2004-04-30

Summary

¡á On the occasion of the 92^nd birthday of the late leader Kim Il-sung (April 15), which is regarded as one of the "greatest national holidays" in the North, North Korea heightened up the festive mood by holding a variety of events during the two holidays.

- In particular, the North produced a film entitled "Mt. Baekdu, Tell the Tales," which is based on a choral suite glorifying Kim Il-sung's struggle against Japan, and distributed it widely through the media.

Note) The Central News Agency reported on April 15 that the "Mangyeongdae Amusement Park" was opened during the April holidays and more than 113 million spectators visited "Mangyeongdae Home," the birthplace of Kim Il-sung.

Major Birthday Events

A. Domestic Events

- Scope & Content -

¡á Up to April 15, a total of 35 events (average: 35.5) were held, which is an average number each year.

- International events such as the "April Spring Friendly Art Festival" (April 10-18), the "Mangyeongdae Prize International Marathon" (April 11), and others have been or are being held.

Note) Congratulatory events (a total of 35): Loyalty oath/congratulatory events (10), visits to or establishment of historic sites (5), motion pictures and arts (5), sporting events (4), exhibitions (7), and medal awarding ceremonies (4).

¡á In terms of content, the events called for the North Korean people to become the protectors of the "Military-First" policy, the main forces for building its economic power as well as to unite under the leadership of Kim Jong-il.

- The North organized events in which military personnel, the Youth Vanguard, the Youth Guard, the Workers' Union, and the Korean Democratic Women's Union pledged loyalty to their leader. A Central Reporting Session was also held.

- Central Reporting Session -

¡á With Kim Yeong-nam (reporter), Jo Myeong-rok, Park Bong-ju and other major executives participating, the Central Reporting Session was held at the "April 25 Cultural Hall" on April 14.

¡á In his report, the president of the Supreme People's Assembly Kim Yeong-nam:

- praised Kim Il-sung's greatness and achievements saying that he is the "Sun of humankind in the 20^th century" and

- emphasized that Kim Jong-il has accomplished much, such as i) inheriting and further advancing the Juche Ideology; ii) cultivating the Military-First policy; iii) intensifying the previous ideology's focus on the military; iv) preserving socialism; v) laying the groundwork for unification through the June 15 Joint Statement; vi) elevating the international status of North Korea, etc.;

- called for i) top executives to unite as one; ii) exaltation of the superiority of the Military-First policy; iii) development of the military industry; iv) strengthening of national competitiveness; v) realization of national unification, etc.;

- urged all North Koreans to be fully prepared in case of a US attack, saying, "If the American imperial power lights the fire of war once more, our military and the people shall destroy and mop up the invaders."

B. Overseas Events

¡á Overseas, North Korea formed "Day of the Sun Commemoration Preparatory Committees" with its sympathizers and promoted a festive mood through a variety of gatherings, motion picture previews, etc.

- Preparatory committees have been organized in 38 nations (e.g. Ecuador) and are engaged in propaganda activities to rally support for North Korea.

Note) Establishment of overseas preparatory committees: 37 nations in 2000, 45 in 2001, 41 in 2002, and 39 in 2003.

Analysis

¡á In honor of his 92^nd birthday, the North built a statue of Kim Il-sung mounted on a horse and widely distributed copies of a motion picture featuring a choral suite, both of which depict his fight against Japan in order to propagandize his greatness. At the same time, the North:

- stressed that Kim Jong-il is the rightful heir of Kim Il-sung and highlighted his role as the successor through which, it is deemed, they are trying to unite the people under the leadership of Kim Jong-il.

¡á In general, this year's birthday was celebrated in a festive atmosphere with diverse congratulatory events. However,

- formal events such as the distribution of souvenirs and traditional food, and the extended operation of city buses were not reported, hinting that this year's celebration was rather modestly than in the past.