Seoul, Oct 10 (NationPress) The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, has made a bold promise to transform the nation into an 'affluent' socialist 'paradise' during a celebration for the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea, as reported by state media on Friday.

In his speech delivered at the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang the previous day, Kim addressed an audience that included foreign dignitaries and various group representatives, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Reflecting on the party's historic journey, Kim noted that it had to adopt a dual strategy of advancing economic development alongside nuclear capabilities to counter escalating threats from the U.S. imperialists during the global political turmoil of the 1990s, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

Kim asserted, 'Historically, there has been no such country in the world as ours, which had to carry out so many tasks ... for national defense and construction, even as it faced constant and tenacious pressure, interference, and threats of aggression from outside forces.'

Despite ongoing 'fierce political and military' pressures from adversaries, Kim claimed that North Korea's 'international prestige' as a loyal member of the socialist community is rising annually.

He expressed optimism that if the nation continues its efforts in the same spirit, significant transformations in living conditions and goals could be achieved. 'I will surely turn this country into a more affluent and beautiful land and into the best socialist paradise in the world,' the KCNA quoted him as saying.

The anniversary celebrations kicked off on Thursday with spectacular fireworks, mass performances, and an art show. Notable foreign attendees included Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, and To Lam, chief of Vietnam's Communist Party.

A large-scale military parade was anticipated around midnight, but reports suggest it might have been postponed to Friday night due to rain.