Foreign journalists invited to cover North Korea's first ruling party congress in 36 years were treated on May 5 to song and dance performances by schoolchildren professing their love for leader Kim Jong Un.
Kim is expected to use the congress starting on May 6 to declare North Korea a nuclear weapons state and formally adopt his "Byongjin" policy to pursue economic development and nuclear capability at the same time.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
The presence of foreign reporters offers the world a rare view from inside the isolated country, but their movements are closely managed.
The journalists were also shown after-school classes such as choir singing and guitar-playing at Mangyongdae Children's Palace in the capital Pyongyang.
"Whenever I come here, I feel the love and affection of our great Marshal Kim Jong Un," eight-year old Sun Ji Hoon said.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
The gala lasted around two hours, including orchestral, choir and acrobatic performances. Thousands of Pyongyang residents have been seen practising dance and parade routines in the run-up to the Seventh Workers' Party Congress.
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. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
A guide leads visitors towards the Mangyongdae Children's Palace.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
A model of a rocket is placed inside the palace.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
A member of staff looks from the balcony.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
Girls practice dancing.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
Students practice dance.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
A teacher gives instructions to a student.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
Students draw.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
A member of staff and spectators watch a performance.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
Girls perform.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
Spectators clap hands.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
Girls are wheeled on a sliding platform to the stage.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
Children acknowledge the audience.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
Children wave to spectators as the curtain is brought down.
. Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Reuters/Damir Sagolj
Children wave to spectators as the curtain is brought down at the end of a performance.