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VICE News

On The Ground in Pyongyang Ahead of North Korea’s Failed Missile Launch

VICE was there for the eventful weekend of North Korea's "provocation".

PYONGYANG, North Korea — It's been an eventful weekend in North Korea.

On Sunday morning, the Hermit Kingdom conducted a failed medium-range missile launch from a site near the northeastern coastal city of Sinpo. Apparently timed to coincide with the parade and the arrival of a U.S. Navy strike group in the region earlier in the week, the missile "blew up almost immediately" after launch, according to U.S. Pacific Command.

On Saturday, huge crowds gathered for the 105th birthday of Kim Jong Un's late grandfather Kim Il Sung, who is considered to be North Korea's founding father.

Following a forceful speech by Choe Ryong Hae, one of Kim Jong Un's closest confidants, thousands of Pyongyang residents marched for hours in lockstep chanting devotional mantras to a smiling and seemingly relaxed Kim Jong Un, seated in a balcony high above.

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