About the Author
Colin Zwirko
Colin Zwirko is a Senior Analytic Correspondent for NK News based in Seoul. Follow him on Twitter @ColinZwirko.
North Korea has begun hyping up major holidays celebrating the birthdays of the country’s former leaders in the coming months, releasing new propaganda posters and holding a large rally on Wednesday to promote the upcoming events.
Feb. 16, called the Day of the Shining Star in North Korea, will mark Kim Jong Il’s 80th birthday, and the Day of the Sun on April 15 will be Kim Il Sung’s 110th. These are the two most important holidays under the state’s mythology, meaning large-scale celebrations could be in the works.