Pyongyang: North Korea will grant a pardon to convicted people next month on the occasion of the 80th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), state media reported Sunday. This decision is seen as a move aimed at solidifying internal unity.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly has decided to grant a pardon to those convicted of "crimes against the country and people" to mark the WPK's founding anniversary set for Oct. 10. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the amnesty will be effective Wednesday, with the Cabinet and related organs tasked to map out "practical measures" to help the pardoned settle and return to normal life.

North Korea last carried out pardons around two key anniversaries in 2022, including the 110th birthday of late state founder Kim Il-sung in April and the 80th birthday of late former leader Kim Jong-il in February. The country has a history of granting pardons on the occasion of key national holidays and political events, including the birthdays of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Pardons have also been issued to mark the regime's Sept. 9 establishment and anniversaries of the WPK's founding when they end in a zero or five.

Experts indicate that the purpose of the pardons is to elicit the people's loyalty toward the incumbent leader Kim Jong-un and to appease the public amid a prolonged economic slowdown.