Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has pledged to transform the country into an "affluent" socialist "paradise" during an event marking the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea's founding, as reported by state media.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim delivered the pledge in a speech at Pyongyang's May Day Stadium, where foreign guests and members of various groups gathered to celebrate. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim reflected on the party's history, emphasizing its dual focus on economic development and nuclear capabilities in response to perceived threats from the U.S. during the political upheaval of the 1990s.

Kim asserted that no other country has faced the same challenges, having to manage national defense and development amidst persistent external pressure and threats. Despite ongoing political and military pressure, Kim noted that North Korea's "international prestige" continues to rise within the socialist community.

Kim expressed optimism about the future, urging the nation to maintain its current spirit to achieve significant transformation and goals. He vowed to make North Korea "the best socialist paradise in the world," as quoted by KCNA.

The eve of the anniversary featured fireworks, mass games, and an art performance, with notable foreign guests such as Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Security Council's Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnam's Communist Party chief To Lam in attendance. Although a military parade was anticipated, weather conditions postponed it, possibly to Friday night.

Additionally, Kim attended a concert by Russian artists, including singer-songwriter Shaman, at Pyongyang's Mansudae Art Theatre. Accompanied by Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and his sister Kim Yo-jong, he praised the performance as enhancing the North Korea-Russia friendship, according to KCNA.