A well-known rock band hailing from former Yugoslavia will become the first ever group of its kind to perform in North Korea, holding Pyongyang concerts this August to coincide with a national anniversary commemorating the end of Japanese colonial rule.

Laibach, founded in the year that saw the death of former Yugoslavian dictator Marshal Tito, will perform two dates in North Korea during Liberation Day celebrations as part of a “cultural-exchange” initiative held in cooperation with Arts Council Norway and Norwegian film director Morten Traavik.

“The objective is – as always – cultural exchange and mutual understanding