A grand art performance was held at May Day Stadium in the capital city of the DPRK on New Year’s Eve to welcome 2025, a year anticipated to mark another turning point of continued success and advancement. This celebration followed a historic 2024—a year of transformation that made unprecedented strides in the annals of Korean-style socialist construction.

Throughout the stadium, excitement and emotion were palpable as the audience reflected on 2024, a pivotal year for both the revolution and national development. During that time, the country forged ahead with sweeping rejuvenation projects—unseen since its founding—fueling immense pride in the ideals, achievements, and unstoppable progress unique to the Korean revolution. The spectators looked forward with confidence to fresh victories and new cultural heights in the coming year.

Before the main performance began, figure skaters and schoolchildren energized the crowd with bright, spirited routines set to the nationwide hymn “Dear Father,” performed on ice.

A moment of reverence followed as the national flag of the DPRK was raised, prompting the assembled crowd to pay their highest tribute to a flag symbolizing the nation’s storied past, eternal future, and boundless glory.

Attendance of Kim Jong Un Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the DPRK, arrived to watch the performance. As he entered the auditorium to a chorus of welcoming music, the audience erupted into thunderous cheers.

They hailed him with the utmost respect and gratitude as the guiding leader of the revolution and the benevolent father figure who, with unwavering confidence, forges a new era in which the people’s dreams and aspirations are realized. He warmly returned their heartfelt greetings, conveying best wishes to all citizens nationwide for the New Year.

Among the spectators were members of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee, members of the Political Bureau, other high-ranking Party and government officials, commanding officers of armed forces organs, labor innovators and distinguished service personnel invited for the New Year festivities, Pyongyang residents, service members of the Korean People’s Army, and students from revolutionary schools. Compatriots visiting from abroad also attended.

Two-Part Performance The celebration was divided into two parts. Part One opened with the instrumental, song, and dance piece “The People Offer Glory to the Party,” followed by an array of colorful numbers dedicated to the Workers’ Party of Korea.

A particularly moving moment came during the narrative poem “Only Our Party,” which evoked stirring memories of the country’s bold achievements in 2024—achievements guided by the great Party Central Committee that brought the people’s long-cherished hopes to fruition. This segment captured the nation’s joy over the era of remarkable change made possible by the lofty ideals and remarkable leadership of the “motherly Party,” as well as the bright future lying ahead.

The song “We Are Koreans” likewise inspired the audience, expressing the profound determination of citizens who stand firm in their commitment to uphold and develop a resilient socialist Korea. Its lyrics honored the pioneering spirit and patriotic will that have safeguarded the nation’s dignity throughout uncharted paths in its history.

As midnight approached, a highly charged countdown marked the transition from 2024 to 2025. At the stroke of 00:00 on January 1, a celebratory torch was lit, and vivid fireworks lit up the sky, heightening the sense of jubilation. Children then presented bouquets to Kim Jong Un and senior officials, wishing them a joyful New Year.

The stadium brimmed with pride and happiness as everyone welcomed 2025 in the presence of their respected leader, buoyed by confidence and optimism.

Part Two Part Two commenced with “Snow Is Falling on New Year’s Day,” followed by newly composed musical pieces that captured the deepening patriotic spirit of this evolving era. The audience offered resounding applause for songs like “Motherland and My Destiny,” “My Powerful Motherland,” and “I Will Love My Motherland Forever,” each expressing the people’s highest respect and commitment to the mighty DPRK—a nation that has weathered history’s storms to stand undefeated.

The performance concluded with the playing of the DPRK’s national anthem. With its final notes, the stadium erupted in chants of “Hurrah!” for Kim Jong Un, and a magnificent display of fireworks lit the Pyongyang night sky.

Thus ended the final night of a year rich in victorious memories, ushering in a New Year that promises renewed hope, enthusiasm, and progress.