May 01, 2024
Analysis

Why North Korea won’t hold its ‘mass games’ spectacle this year

Massive propaganda show's first year off since 2017 may be due to political or economic trouble

North Korea’s “mass games” propaganda spectacle appears likely to take its first year off since 2017, even as the ruling party celebrated the 50th anniversary of the organizing body Mass Gymnastic Production Company this week.

The shows typically involve tens of thousands of children and adults dancing, performing acrobatics and forming giant propaganda art backdrops. Such performances were held multiple times per week sometimes for months on end, and also required months of training prior to opening night. 

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