Pyongyang restless over leader Kim Jong-il`s imminent birthday: report

By Sam Kim
SEOUL, Feb. 14 (Yonhap) -- The city of Pyongyang is bustling with festivities as
it prepares to greet North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's birthday with a mix of
colorful events, the communist state's official media reported Saturday.
Kim, who reportedly suffered a stroke last year but has recovered enough to rule
his impoverished country, turns 67 on Monday. He recently reshuffled the
country's top military posts with loyal hard-liners, and appears to be
considering test-firing a long-range missile to rattle his state's saber, outside
officials say.
The capital, Pyongyang, is "simmering" with preparations for the birthday of the
"dear leader," the official Korean Central News Agency said, adding its residents
are festooning streets and bridges.
An event honoring Kimjongilia, a flower dedicated to the leader, will be held,
along with an international figure skating event, the report said.
Kim inherited the regime from his father and North Korean founder Kim Il-sung,
who died in 1994. His country practices a massive cult of personality for him and
his father, dubbed the "Eternal President."
Cultural performances at theaters of all sizes will heighten the spirit of the
birthday, and the city's rationing officials will give out traditional foods, the
report said. Peanuts, roasted sweet potatoes and cotton candy will also be
available.
Buses and trams of all types are being greased to make sure celebrants
expediently move around to attend events, the report said, while factories are
being pressed to churn out food for parties in advance.
Despite being one of the world's poorest countries, North Korea retains a
1.2-million-strong army. Millions are believed to have died during massive famine
in the 1990s, and the country is suffering from years of economic mismanagement
and lack of energy.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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