N. Korea, slimmed down Kim Jong Un, enjoy toned-down parade

By KIM TONG-HYUNG
Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Civil defense forces carrying rifles and health workers wearing gas masks and red hazmat suits have paraded in North Korea’s capital in a celebration of the nation’s 73rd anniversary that was a marked departure from past militaristic displays. The parade, overseen by a noticeably thinner leader Kim Jong Un, centered around public security forces instead of the major military units that handle Kim’s nuclear and missile arsenal. The event appeared to be aimed at a domestic audience instead of displaying military might. Experts say the toned-down event reflects the challenges facing North Korea as its broken, mismanaged economy is further strained by U.S.-led economic sanctions, prolonged border closures and last year’s damaging floods.