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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un proudly showcased his country’s totalitarian system to a delegation of foreign visitors on Wednesday night, as Pyongyang held its first mass games performance in five years.
The extravagant propaganda spectacle, titled “The Glorious Country,” took place at the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang. Kim personally attended the event alongside high-ranking officials and foreign dignitaries, marking a significant moment in North Korea’s cultural diplomacy efforts after years of pandemic-induced isolation.
According to state media KCNA, Kim told the international guests that the performance demonstrated “the might of single-minded unity” that represents the core strength of North Korean society. He emphasized that the country’s political system, which concentrates absolute power in his hands, remains the foundation of North Korea’s resilience despite ongoing international sanctions and economic hardships.
The mass games, a uniquely North Korean tradition, feature tens of thousands of performers executing precisely choreographed movements in perfect synchronization. The event serves both as entertainment and as a powerful propaganda tool, displaying the regime’s ability to mobilize its citizens for collective action and ideological purposes.
This year’s performance incorporates massive human mosaic displays, gymnastics routines, and elaborate dance sequences, all celebrating the achievements of the ruling Workers’ Party and the Kim dynasty. Huge backdrops created by thousands of students holding colored cards formed images of industrial achievements, military might, and portraits of Kim’s father and grandfather, who ruled before him.
Foreign analysts note that the resumption of the mass games signals North Korea’s increasing confidence in opening its borders following the strict COVID-19 lockdowns that began in early 2020. The pandemic had effectively cut off the country from the outside world, exacerbating its economic isolation.
“The return of the mass games represents more than just cultural expression—it’s a calculated political statement,” said Dr. Lee Ji-young, a North Korea specialist at American University. “By inviting foreign observers to witness this display of collective discipline, the regime is projecting strength and stability to the international community.”
The foreign delegation included officials, journalists, and tourism operators from China, Russia, and several European countries. Their presence marks one of the largest groups of international visitors to North Korea since the pandemic began, reflecting the regime’s cautious steps toward reopening.
Economic considerations likely played a role in reviving the spectacle, as the mass games have historically been a significant source of hard currency for the sanctions-hit country. Before the pandemic, foreign tourists paid up to $1,000 per ticket to attend these performances.
Human rights organizations have consistently criticized the mass games for exploiting child performers, many of whom endure months of grueling daily practice sessions. Young participants, some as young as five, are reportedly selected from schools across the country and subjected to harsh training regimens.
North Korean defectors have described the preparation process as physically and mentally taxing, with children sometimes practicing for up to 12 hours daily in the months leading up to the performances. Despite these concerns, the spectacle remains a point of national pride within North Korea.
The timing of the event coincides with escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula, as North Korea continues to advance its nuclear and missile programs while strengthening ties with Russia. Just days before the performance, Pyongyang conducted its latest missile test, further straining relations with South Korea and the United States.
Experts believe that by resuming high-profile cultural events like the mass games, North Korea is attempting to normalize its international image while maintaining its provocative military posture. The dual approach reflects Kim Jong Un’s strategy of projecting both cultural confidence and military strength as he navigates the challenging geopolitical landscape.
As the performance concluded, foreign guests were ushered to a reception where state media reported they expressed admiration for North Korea’s cultural achievements. Whether this cultural diplomacy will translate into any meaningful political or economic opening, however, remains highly uncertain.
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18 Comments
North Korea’s use of the mass games to showcase its totalitarian system is concerning. While the performances may be visually striking, they serve to obscure the regime’s oppressive policies and human rights abuses.
Well said. These events are more about projecting power than celebrating the people. It’s important to look past the spectacle and consider the true impact on North Korean citizens.
The mass games seem more like a display of state control than a genuine celebration of unity. I wonder how much resources and effort go into these propaganda events while ordinary North Koreans struggle with economic hardship and lack of freedoms.
That’s a good point. The regime’s priorities appear to be more about showcasing its power than addressing the needs of the people. These spectacles likely come at a significant cost to North Korean citizens.
While the mass games may be visually impressive, they also serve as a powerful propaganda tool for the North Korean regime. It’s concerning to see the regime using these events to promote its totalitarian system to international visitors.
Absolutely. These performances are more about projecting an image of control and unity than reflecting the true experiences of North Koreans. It’s important to look beyond the spectacle and consider the human rights implications.
The mass games seem like an extravagant display of state power, rather than a genuine celebration of the North Korean people. I’m curious to learn more about the economic and social impact of these propaganda events on ordinary citizens.
That’s a good point. The resources and effort poured into these mass games are likely coming at the expense of addressing the country’s significant economic and humanitarian challenges. It’s important to look beyond the propaganda and consider the realities faced by North Koreans.
An interesting propaganda display from North Korea, though I’m skeptical of their claims about the strength of their political system. Mass games seem more about showcasing control than celebrating the people’s unity.
Agreed, these events are more about projecting power than reflecting the realities of life in North Korea. The regime’s priorities seem clearly skewed.
While the mass games may be visually impressive, they also serve as a powerful tool for the North Korean regime to promote its totalitarian system. It’s concerning to see the regime using these events to showcase its control and concentration of power.
I agree. These propaganda spectacles seem more about projecting an image of unity and strength than reflecting the true experiences of North Korean citizens. It’s important to look beyond the surface-level displays and consider the human rights implications of the regime’s policies.
The mass games seem like an extravagant display of state control. I’m curious to hear more about the economic and social impacts of these propaganda events on ordinary North Koreans.
Exactly. The regime’s focus on these huge performances likely diverts resources away from addressing the country’s significant economic and humanitarian challenges. The priorities are clearly skewed.
The mass games are a concerning display of North Korea’s totalitarian control. While the performances may be visually striking, they serve to obscure the regime’s oppressive policies and human rights abuses. I wonder how much of the country’s resources are diverted to these propaganda events.
That’s a great point. These extravagant displays likely come at a significant cost to ordinary North Koreans, both in terms of resources and attention. It’s important to look past the spectacle and consider the real-world impact on the lives of citizens under the regime’s rule.
While the mass games may be visually impressive, I worry they obscure the dire human rights situation in North Korea. Promoting totalitarianism to international visitors is concerning.
You make a good point. Totalitarian regimes often use spectacle to distract from their oppressive policies. It’s important to look beyond the propaganda and consider the lived experiences of North Korean citizens.