North Korean leader Kim Jong-un watched a celebratory performance with his daughter Ju-ae on the 81st anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea on the 10th. Unlike last year, when North Korea held a large-scale military parade to showcase its military capabilities on the 80th anniversary, this year the country marked the anniversary without any separate speeches, addresses, or military parade.
The Korean Central News Agency and Rodong Sinmun reported on the 11th that the 81st-anniversary celebration performance took place the previous day at the Pyongyang Indoor Gymnasium. While North Korean media noted that Chairman Kim sent congratulatory remarks to participants during the performance, no specific details were provided.
Last year, on the 80th anniversary of the party’s founding, North Korea invited major foreign guests, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, and held a large-scale military parade. At the time, Kim emphasized the country’s commitment to strengthening its national defense in a speech. In 2024, he also issued a separate address on the party’s founding day, urging the continuation of the party’s founding ideology and internal unity.
In contrast, no speeches or addresses by Kim were reported this year.
North Korea reportedly marked the anniversary with standard commemorative events, including the celebratory performance and visits to historical sites. The performance featured vocal, dance, acrobatic, gymnastics, and military music segments integrated with party anthems. According to photos released by North Korea, Kim Jong-un, his wife Ri Sol-ju, and their daughter Ju-ae attended the event.
Party officials visited the Party Founding History Museum in Pyongyang, and floral baskets were placed at statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il in various locations, including Mansudae Hill in Pyongyang, according to the report.
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