(LEAD) N. Korea marks party anniversary on modest scale

Seoul, October 11 - The Workers' Party of Korea marked its 81st founding anniversary with a subdued celebration, according to state media reports. The event took place at Pyongyang Indoor Stadium, featuring patriotic songs, acrobatics, and dance performances. Leader Kim Jong-un was present, waving to the audience as a gesture of congratulations to all participants on the party's founding day.

Kim's wife, Ri Sol-ju, and their daughter, Kim Ju-ae, accompanied him. Diplomatic envoys and representatives from foreign missions attended alongside senior party and military officials and citizens from Pyongyang, as per the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The performance was part of a series of events and gatherings marking this year's milestone anniversary, which were relatively small in scale compared to past years. North Korea traditionally considers anniversaries ending in zero or five as significant milestones, and has historically commemorated these occasions with grand military parades, mass gymnastics displays, and weapon exhibitions.

Last year, Kim Il Sung Square witnessed a massive night-time military parade, showcasing the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile.

Party officials also visited the Party Founding Museum, where they received updates on Kim Jong-un's planned visit to the museum in October 2025. During the visit, the officials were informed about Kim's plans to usher in a new era for the party and achieve comprehensive national rejuvenation.