Happy Birthday Kim Jong-il!

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea celebrates its dear leader’s birthday today (or yesterday due to the time difference). Kim Jong-il turned 68, which seems surprisingly young given the poor state of his health in recent months. News of North Korea’s first ice sculpture festival on Mt. Baekdu reportedly overshadowed celebrations of the Lunar New Year on Sunday. Synchronized swimming, a flower festival and treats for children were included among the festivities. Aso, breaking with tradition, officials called for dialogue with the United States rather than voicing harsh anti-American rhetoric as in years past.

Mr. Kim did not attend his own birthday celebration, much of his time is now spent behind the scenes. Some of that time is said to be spent promoting the rise of his son Kim Jong-un. Reports indicate that Kim Jung-un now controls the finances of the party and is responsible for the ouster of officials deemed responsible for the disastrous currency policy two months ago (though as a piece by Andrei Lankov points out, succession is still far from certain and reports remain highly speculative).

North Koreans were not alone in marking the occasion. In Yangon, Lieutenant General Tin Aye celebrated alongside the North Korean ambassador. News of the meeting was carried in the official state newspaper The New Light of Myanmar. The friendly birthday greetings are an innocuous reminder of growing ties between the two countries. It is suspected that the junta is attempting to become a nuclear power and North Korea is likely vital in these efforts. In a stranger example of cooperation, photos surfaced last summer of tunnels being built in Myanmar with the aid of North Korean experts.

South Korean activists also took part in the birthday celebrations, sending the dear leader large balloons carrying 20,000 flyers ridiculing the dictator, some small radios and dollar bills. As the balloons floated toward the border the activists shouted “down with the dictator!” I think most of us can get behind this sentiment and wish that the dear leader’s future celebrations are anything but happy for him and his cronies.