I received a Koryo Tours email update this morning about the status of future Mass Games performances:
We have just been told by our partners in the DPRK that there is a chance there will be no mass games next year – possibly not even until 2012 which is the next big anniversary (Juche 100 – the 100th birthday of Kim Il Sung!!!). For Americans this year’s mass games may be the last opportunity to visit the country.
Nothing has been set in stone but we wanted to give you all pre-warning. This year there are 2 different performances – ARIRANG and PROSPER THE MOTHERLAND! – the latter has never been seen before so it really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Historically the Mass Games are performed on special anniversary holidays (those in years divisible by 5 or 10). Since 2005 (60th anniversary of victory over Japanese imperialism) they have been held annually. This change could mark a return to the original schedule.