One of the most important events of North Korean history of the 2000s was the Ryongchon catastrophe.

It was a massive explosion, which occurred at Ryongchon station, in North Phyongan province, the same day Kim Jong Il’s train passed through. Long rumored to have been an assassination attempt on the so-called “Great Commander,” it resulted in a five year long era of counter-reforms in North Korea.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The explosion occurred on April 22, 2004. Apart from being the birthday of Vladimir Lenin – almost forgotten in North Korea – this day had little other significance to the DPRK.