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80 years of the KCU - Kim Jong Un joins thousands of children for grand Pyongyang celebration

"DPRK leader Kim Jong Un joined thousands of children and youth delegates in Pyongyang on Saturday for celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Korean Children's Union (KCU), one of the country's most prominent youth organisations. Footage shows thousands of young KCU members from across the country filling stadium stands and parade grounds in coordinated formations, wearing identical uniforms and the organisation's signature red neckerchiefs. Kim was seen arriving at the venue, where he received flowers from children, embraced several young delegates and accepted commemorative neckerchiefs before taking his seat alongside senior officials. The ceremony featured a flag-raising event, the national anthem and a large-scale parade, with participants displaying coordinated performances and formations in the colours of the KCU and the DPRK. During the event, Kim delivered a speech and later posed for a commemorative photo session with delegates, describing children as the 'future and hope' of the country's revolution, according to state media. Authorities transported more than 20,000 outstanding primary and middle school students to the capital for the celebrations, including through dedicated flights and special transport arrangements. Delegates also took part in organised visits to major monuments and landmark sites across Pyongyang. The Korean Children's Union is the country's main political organisation for children aged between seven and 13 and operates under the Socialist Patriotic Youth League. The anniversary celebrations highlighted state education and welfare policies, including DPRK's 12-year compulsory education system and the domestic production of school uniforms and school supplies, which authorities presented as part of the country's efforts to shape future generations."