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North Korea is preparing a fireworks display over ‘Jong Il Peak’, a peak of Mt. Baekdu that stands directly behind the ‘official birthplace’ of Kim Jong Il, to mark the approaching Gwangmyungsung Day, the former leader’s birthday, on February 16th.
A source from Hyesan in Yangkang Province revealed the news to Daily NK yesterday, saying, “A big festival with a fireworks display is being prepared at Kim Jong Il’s birthplace in Miryeong, Mt Baekdu.”
“Soldiers are coming by train to Hyesan from other areas to take part in the celebrations,” the source added.
Last year also saw a fireworks display over Jong Il Peak; however, this year they are expected to be particularly spectacular, coming so soon after Kim’s passing in December and with the “last instructions of the General” such a prominent point of reference in the North Korean propagandist media.
The celebrations will form part of a number of events and activities marking the day. The authorities have already re-named it ‘Gwangmyungsung Day’, while there is also the annual Kimjongilia Festival, whereupon domestic enterprises, organs, military units and a number of pro-North Korea groups from around the world come to Pyongyang to display examples of the red begonia that bears the former leader’s name.
However, the main point of interest for the people is whether there will be special distribution of food rations to commemorate the day, as there usually is. The rumor currently doing the rounds in Hyesan is that there will not be any such rations this year.
“People are saying that this year there will be no oil or snacks,” the source said, adding that this is leading people to question with some consternation why a grand fireworks display can be arranged, but not bags of biscuits or candy.
