DPRK congress shaping up to be coronation for Kim

World Today

Preparations continued in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s capital Pyongyang on Saturday ahead of mass celebrations at a landmark party congress that has entered a second day.

The Associated Press’ Rafael Wober reports.

Foreign media have not been allowed into the event and by 7 p.m. there had been no reports about the second day of the Congress from DPRK state media.

The 7th Congress of the DPRK’s ruling Workers’ Party is the first in 36 years – the last one was held in 1980.

On Saturday morning, thousands of people continued practicing their moves in open areas around Pyongyang for the kind of mass celebrations that the DPRK typically puts on for big events.

Younger students are usually involved in a torchlight parade at nighttime. Older students and workers normally take part in a daylight parade.

For many years, both of these mass celebrations were held in Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang.

The area around the square was locked down last Wednesday for a giant dress rehearsal.

In spite of all the activity around the city, little news has come out from the main event.

The first report appeared on state TV at 10 p.m. on Friday, around 12 hours after the event could have started.

On Saturday, people in Pyongyang said they had seen it and described it as an emotional experience.

DPRK citizens are routinely very careful in talking to foreigners, especially about anything involving official events or their leadership.

The congress ran four days the last time it was held in October 1980. This time there is no official announcement yet about how long it will be.

But DPRK authorities have allowed a large group of foreign media into the country to cover the event, and much of the group is expected to leave on Tuesday 10 May, which is the best hint at when it might all be over.


US, South Korea toughen stance on DPRK

The Republic of Korea and the United States are stepping-up pressure on Pyongyang. Seoul’s Foreign Ministry says the two nations agreed to toughen measures against the DPRK.

CCTV’s Shane Hahm reports from Seoul.
Follow Shane Hahm on Twitter @ShaneHahm