N. Korea emphasizes self-reliance in building strong state on national founding day

This photo shows a marching ceremony in Pyongyang ahead of the 80th anniversary on Oct. 10 of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea, Sept. 7, released by the Korean Central Television, Sept. 8. Yonhap

North Korea on Tuesday emphasized that self-reliance is key to building a powerful state as it calls for national unity on the 77th anniversary of the country's founding.

The North's Rodong Sinmun newspaper said in an editorial, "Our people's strong pride and ardent patriotism have been the powerful drive for our republic's autonomous development."

On Tuesday, North Korea marks the 77th anniversary of the country's founding on Sept. 9, 1948, by the current leader's grandfather, Kim Il-sung, in the communist northern part of the Korean Peninsula.

"Nation building inevitably begins with a choice between independent presence and reliance," the newspaper said, adding that this choice determines whether the country becomes a powerful or weak nation.

"Disaster comes from relying on overseas forces while blessing comes from building self-reliant power," it said, noting that the dignity and greatness of a powerful country derive from growing its power independently.

Marking the national founding anniversary, a series of public events were held in Pyongyang the previous night, calling for loyalty to leader Kim Jong-un.

At Kim Il Sung Square in the capital, a ceremony to raise the national flag brought together crowds of workers, farmers and others, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

An outdoor youth gathering, art performance and various other events were also held to commemorate the anniversary, according to North Korean media.