[imText1]There are big three holidays falling in April at the same time: the 95th Kim Il Sung’s birthday (Apr. 15), the 75th foundation anniversary of the People’s Army (Apr. 25) and the 15th anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s ascension to the throne (Apr. 20). According to DailyNK sources, all North Korean cities are busy to preparing for Kim Il Sung’s birthday events, along with Army preparation for a large scale military parade in Pyongyang.
From mid-April to mid-May, the mass-performance “Arirang” will feature 100,000 students participating in the 25th “Spring Friendship Spring Festival” and other memorial events for Kim Il Sung. Other events will include the release of a documentary movie, “Being with the great military-first Leadership”, to commemorate the 14th anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s inauguration as the Chairman of the Defense Committee of North Korea.
Designed to inspire popular nationalism, the April events will occur on an unprecedented scale and will include the participation of the General Federation of Trade Union, the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League, the Union of Agricultural Working People, and the Union of Democratic Women.
The Choson Sinbo of Chongryon (the General Association of North Korean Residents in Japan) is creating a cheerful atmosphere through the release of an article, “the Solar Holiday (Kim Il Sung’s birthday, Apr. 15) in this year is the great fest for the winners.”
North Korean authority intends to take a triumphant stance due to the thaw in U.S. relations, the resumption of six party talks, and perceived diplomatic victories after the nuclear test. The 1998 national slogan, “The Construction of the Strong Prosperity Nation” is believed to have been accomplished this year because of the test.
Previously, military parades were used to emphasize tension between the U.S. and North Korea. However, the upcoming parade is intended to be a victory celebration of a win in confrontation against the U.S. In the past when North Korea has been the beneficiary of positive world opinion, it capitalized by strengthening its domestic surveillance and political education systems. The April events are in furtherance of their strategy to maintain military tension while simultaneously whipping up nationalistic, nuclear pride.
