The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea, observed its 76th National Day on September 9, 2024. This date commemorates the founding of the DPRK in 1948, following the division of Korea after World War II.
Located on the northern half of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, North Korea borders China and Russia to the north and South Korea to the south. Its capital, Pyongyang, serves as the political and cultural center of the nation.
The origins of North Korea’s National Day trace back to the aftermath of World War II. Following Japan’s surrender in 1945, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel, with the Soviet Union occupying the north and the United States occupying the south. On September 9, 1948, Kim Il-sung proclaimed the establishment of the DPRK, with himself as premier, solidifying the division of the peninsula.
National Day in North Korea, also known as the Day of the Foundation of the Republic, ranks among the country’s most prominent holidays. It shares this status with other key dates such as the birthdays of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, as well as Party Foundation Day.
The 2024 celebrations were marked by a rare speech from leader Kim Jong-un, who addressed government officials and citizens. In his speech, Kim expressed satisfaction with the country’s economic performance in the first half of the year and vowed to implement the 20X10 Regional Development policy, which aims to build factories in 20 cities and counties within a decade. He also discussed flood recovery efforts, stating that North Korea has developed “prospective and irreversible” measures to prevent future natural disasters.
Unlike previous years, this year’s observance focused more on civilian events rather than grand military parades. Kim Jong-un’s address aimed to bolster internal unity in response to the recent devastating floods that affected the country. This was the first time he delivered a speech marking Foundation Day, which raised speculation that it replaced his usual address at the Supreme People’s Assembly meeting.
The day featured various cultural events and activities across the nation. Art performances, exhibitions, and athletic competitions formed part of the celebrations. A unique tradition involves the admission of new children to the Korean Children’s Union on this day, integrating youth into the national narrative from an early age.
The holiday also carried diplomatic significance. While foreign dignitaries were not prominently featured this year, the DPRK used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to self-reliance and national sovereignty. State media emphasized the country’s progress in overcoming economic challenges and natural disasters, presenting a narrative of resilience to both domestic and international audiences.
North Korea’s National Day reflects the country’s distinct political system and ideology. The DPRK operates under a highly centralized government led by the Korean Workers’ Party, with a strong emphasis on self-reliance. This was evident in the holiday’s focus on the country’s founding and its achievements since then.
The day also presents North Korea’s unique Juche calendar, adopted in 1997 on the National Day. This calendar starts from 1912, the birth year of Kim Il-sung, further demonstrating the intertwining of national identity with the legacy of its leaders.
In essence, North Korea’s 76th National Day encapsulated the country’s complex history, political ideology, and current priorities. It provided a window into the DPRK’s self-perception and its presentation to the world, making it a subject of interest for international observers and a source of national unity for its citizens.
A mass event was held at #KimIlSung Square in #Pyongyang in celebration of Foundation Day. pic.twitter.com/LzNt0rKzhZ
— North Korean Archives and Library (NKAAL) (@NorthNKAAL) September 8, 2024
