SEOUL, Feb. 15 (BNA) North Korea will issue commemorative coins marking the upcoming birth anniversary of its late leader, state media reported Tuesday, in a move to create a festive atmosphere marking the National Day.
The Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly decided to issue gold and silver coins to celebrate the 80th birthday of Kim Jong Il, father of current leader Kim Jong Un, which falls on Wednesday this year, according to the North Korean official. It was reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.
An image published of the coins engraved with the image of the former leader and the other side showed a picture of what the North claims to be his hometown located at the foot of Mount Baekdu, the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula.
The North often issued commemorative coins to mark anniversaries and historical events.
The move comes as North Korea holds several events to mark the anniversary, with keen interest in whether it will stage a large-scale military parade.
A concert for the third day of the arts was held in Pyongyang on Monday. Other events included a party hosted by the Korean Socialist Women’s Union, a speech symposium on the late leader’s achievements and cooking competitions, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
HF