On October 9, 2025, Pyongyang’s May Day Stadium was awash in color, music, and the thunderous applause of tens of thousands as North Korea celebrated the 80th anniversary of its ruling Workers’ Party. The event, a blend of grand spectacle and political theater, was more than a commemoration—it was a showcase of power, ambition, and defiance, led by the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un.
In a speech that echoed through the stadium and reverberated across state-run media, Kim Jong Un pledged to transform North Korea into “the best socialist paradise in the world.” According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim declared, “I will surely turn this country into a more affluent and beautiful land and into the best socialist paradise in the world.” These words, delivered with characteristic bravado, were intended not just for the domestic audience but also for the foreign dignitaries seated in the front row—Chinese Premier Li Qiang, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnam’s Communist Party leader To Lam among them.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the realities of life in North Korea remain stark. The country is one of the world’s poorest by GDP per capita and ranks 118th out of 127 nations on the Global Hunger Index, with about one in five children suffering from stunted growth due to malnutrition, as reported by CNN and other outlets. Yet, Kim’s speech was resolute, crediting the Workers’ Party for “building a powerful socialist state” and steering the nation through decades of hardship, war, sanctions, and international isolation.
“The past 80 years were really complicated and arduous, yet worthwhile and glorious,” Kim said, according to Rodong Sinmun. He emphasized the inseparable bond between the party and the people, stating, “Our party cannot exist apart from the people… the party is great as the people are great.”
The celebrations themselves were a masterclass in North Korea’s unique blend of pageantry and propaganda. State media released images of mass games and artistic performances, with meticulously choreographed dances, patriotic songs, and even martial arts displays where soldiers broke cinder blocks on their stomachs. The night ended with a grand fireworks display, illuminating the Pyongyang sky in a defiant burst of color. For the first time in five years, mass games returned to the May Day Stadium, a nod to both tradition and the regime’s desire to project unity and strength.
The anniversary events were not just about spectacle—they carried a clear message of military might. Analysts, including those cited by South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, anticipated that the military parade, likely held the following evening, would feature North Korea’s latest and most advanced weapons. Among the expected highlights: the next-generation Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), potentially capable of reaching the United States, and the Hwasong-11 Ma hypersonic glide vehicle. Such displays are closely watched by the international community, given that much of North Korea’s weapons development violates United Nations Security Council sanctions.
Kim’s rhetoric was unyielding. He accused the United States and its allies of intensifying military activities in the region, referencing the regular joint drills conducted by the US, Japan, and South Korea. “In direct proportion to the build-up of US forces in Korea, our strategic interest in the region has also increased, and we have accordingly allocated special assets to key targets of interest,” Kim said, as quoted by KCNA. He continued, “The US–ROK nuclear alliance is making rapid progress, and they are conducting various kinds of exercises to execute dangerous scenarios. The enemy… will have to worry about which direction their security environment is moving in.”
This defiant posture is nothing new. Since the collapse of denuclearization talks with the United States in 2019, Pyongyang has declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power and has firmly rejected any suggestion of giving up its atomic arsenal. Yet, Kim’s speech also hinted at a dual strategy—simultaneously developing nuclear weapons and the economy to “cope with growing nuclear war threats by the U.S. imperialists,” while expressing confidence in overcoming difficulties and drastically improving the nation’s economic fortunes.
Foreign relations were front and center during the celebrations. Kim met separately with Li Qiang and To Lam on October 9, discussing the expansion of high-level visits and bilateral cooperation. Chinese Premier Li reportedly described the two countries’ ties as “entering a new chapter of the development of relations,” while Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message emphasizing the enduring importance of China-North Korea relations, according to KCNA. Russia’s presence was also notable, with Medvedev representing Moscow and meeting with one of Kim’s top aides, Jo Yong-won.
North Korea’s international posture has shifted in recent years, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Pyongyang has prioritized its relationship with Moscow, sending troops and arms to support Russia’s war effort, and Kim has sought to bolster an anti-Western bloc alongside both China and Russia. Last month, Kim visited Beijing to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II and shared the stage with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a massive military parade.
The anniversary events also drew figures from beyond the usual circle of allies. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono was scheduled to visit Pyongyang for talks on October 11, reflecting North Korea’s ongoing efforts to cultivate diplomatic ties across Asia. Dewi Sukarno, the Japanese TV personality and widow of former Indonesian President Sukarno, attended the festivities, her presence a reminder of the regime’s historical connections.
State media’s coverage was extensive, showing Kim waving between Li and To Lam as the stands spelled out “Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea.” The spectacle was not just for show; it was a calculated demonstration of loyalty, unity, and strength. For the first time since 2012, North Korea’s three major state-run newspapers issued a rare joint editorial, urging loyalty to Kim and support for the nuclear weapons program. The editorial described Kim as “the great representative of the Party and the nation’s dignity and bright future.”
Yet, beneath the fireworks and the rhetoric, the fundamental challenges facing North Korea remain daunting. The country continues to grapple with poverty, malnutrition, and international isolation. Kim’s promises of a “more affluent and beautiful land” ring aspirational, if not entirely credible, given the economic hardships that persist. Still, the spectacle of the anniversary and the presence of powerful allies send a clear signal: North Korea, under Kim’s rule, is determined to assert itself on the world stage, come what may.
As the celebrations faded and the parade ground emptied, the message from Pyongyang was unmistakable—North Korea’s leadership, emboldened by its alliances and its arsenal, is not backing down. Whether Kim’s vision of a socialist paradise will ever materialize remains to be seen, but for now, the regime’s grip on power and its narrative of strength remain unshaken.