North Korea’s day of celebration reveals little to celebrate
Kim Jong Un unveils luxury apartments as his people confront food shortages
THE ANNIVERSARY of Kim Il Sung’s birth, on April 15th, is often an exuberant affair in North Korea. This year’s tribute to the country’s founder was no exception. Civilians, many dressed in traditional costume, danced in choreographed crowds in the centre of Pyongyang, the capital. Fireworks lit up the night sky. Sculptures of tanks and missiles, made of multicoloured lights, decorated the streets. And all the while spectators cheered, swelling with patriotism and pride.
This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “Sung and dance”
From the April 23rd 2022 edition
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