North Korea Marks Founding With No Sign of Congress

North Korea celebrated its founding today with no indication of whether the nation has begun its first party congress in 30 years, which may endorse a dynastic transfer of power in the impoverished Stalinist state.

Flags and signs extolling the “thriving nation” were hung throughout the streets of Pyongyang, decorated with electric lights, the official Korean Central News Agency reported today. Restaurants, “decked in festive attire,” served national dishes as art troupes gave performances, KCNA said.