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AP National News

North Korea celebrates late leader’s birthday amid hardships

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Published 9:35 pm

By HYUNG-JIN KIM
Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea has celebrated the 80th birthday of late leader Kim Jong Il with a concert, fireworks and a rare outdoor ceremony near its border with China. It’s pushing for greater public support amid pandemic-related hardships. State media say Kim’s son and current leader Kim Jong Un attended a state ceremony at Samjiyon city Tuesday on the eve of his father’s birthday. The snowy celebration is likely meant to solidify Kim Jong Un’s leadership. It’s rare for North Korea to hold a high-profile state event in Samjiyon. The city is located at the foot of Mount Paektu, the heart of North Korea’s foundation myth revolving around the Kim family.

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