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A rare look inside North Korea as nation preps for 70th Communist Party anniversary

North Korea allows a rare look inside its capital as it prepares to celebrate a national milestone, the 70th anniversary of its ruling Communist Party.
/ Source: TODAY

North Korea, one of the most secretive countries in the world, is allowing a controlled glimpse inside its capital as it prepares to celebrate a national milestone.

Large parades featuring thousands of military troops will line the streets of Pyongyang on Saturday as North Korea celebrates the 70th anniversary of its ruling Community Party.

TODAY

NBC’s Bill Neely toured parts of capital, walking the city streets where portraits of the nation’s founder, Kim Il Sung, hang everywhere.

TODAY

North Korean residents are raised to view their leader as a parent or a God, and nearly everyone in the city wears a party badge that features Kim’s picture on it.

TODAY
TODAY

Neely also rode along with early morning commuters on the city’s metro, which doubles as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war.

TODAY

North Korea continues to be locked in a Cold War with the United States, which opposes the nation's development of nuclear weapons.

TODAY