PYONGYANG: North Korea celebrated the New Year with a grand art performance in Pyongyang, attended by leader Kim Jong-un, as reported by state media on Wednesday. The event took place Tuesday night at the May Day Stadium, marking the beginning of the hopeful year 2025, which is expected to be a critical period for the nation's continued progress.According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) described the performance as a spectacular display. It featured figure skaters and schoolchildren performing on ice to "Dear Father," a song honoring Kim Jong-un. The event was attended by high-ranking government officials, party cadres, and military commanders. The audience erupted into enthusiastic applause upon Kim's arrival, offering him the "highest glory and tribute," while Kim extended his best wishes to the entire nation.The conclusion of the performance was met with fervent cheers of "Hurrah!" for Kim Jong-un, accompanied by a fireworks display that illuminated the night sky. Photograp hs released by North Korea showed Kim's daughter, believed to be Ju-ae, and Premier Pak Thae-song seated next to him. Notably absent was Kim's wife, who was neither seen in the images nor mentioned among the attendees.In addition to the performance at the stadium, separate reports from KCNA indicated that students in Pyongyang gathered at Kim Il Sung Square on the same night to raise the national flag and launch fireworks, a tradition in North Korea's New Year celebrations. These events highlight the country's consistent approach to marking the occasion with public displays of patriotism and unity.