Photos from New Year's celebrations in North Korea have appeared on the Internet. Dictator Kim Jong Un spent New Year's Eve in the capital. According to Reuters, the celebration organized in Pyongyang included, among others: fireworks and dance show, singing of patriotic songs and taekwondo demonstration. The leader was accompanied during the ceremony by Kim Ju Ae, who is considered the main candidate to take over her father's legacy.
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How long does North Korea celebrate New Year?
What did Kim Jong Un say in his speech?
What attractions are organized in Pyongyang for the New Year?
Do the North Korean authorities approve New Year's Eve house parties?
This is how Kim Jong Un celebrated the New Year
In his speech, Kim praised the efforts of the North Korean people that led to “successes and phenomenal changes” in 2025, and called for unity as the party congress is scheduled to take place in early 2026 and set the future direction of the country.
Kim also sent a New Year's message to North Korean soldiers fighting on Russia's side in the war in Ukraine, calling them the country's “greatest strength and pride and a strong pillar” and expressing hope for their speedy return home.
– Be brave. Pyongyang and Moscow stand behind you, Kim said.
Kim Jong Un during his New Year's speechSTR/AFP/East News / East News
How do you celebrate New Year in North Korea?
New Year's Eve or New Year's Day is not an official holiday in Kim Jong Un's country. According to Daily NK, in the past, the North Korean authorities treated New Year's Eve gatherings as private initiatives over which they had no influence. The authorities criticized them and tried to censor them. For this reason, residents organized secret meetings at the end of the year at home, among close friends.
However, this year, some North Korean companies and enterprises organized year-end events, for which alcohol and food were provided. However, the purpose of these meetings was to publicly praise the achievements of the party and Kim Jong Un in the past year.
