article_snippet.sent: The match was being held as part of a lavish series of events celebrating the 103rd birthday of Kim Il-Sung, the young leader's grandfather, which falls on Wednesday.
article_snippet.sent: North Korea designates the 'Day of the Sun' as a rare two-day national holiday, with art performances, exhibitions and sporting events, and pilgrimages to the late leader's birthplace in Pyongyang.
article_snippet.sent: The Kim dynasty has ruled the isolated state for nearly seven decades with an iron fist and pervasive personality cult.
article_snippet.sent: Kim Il-Sung led North Korea from North Korea establishment in 1948 until Kim Il-Sung death on July 8, 1994.
article_snippet.sent: Kim Il-Sung was succeeded by Kim Il-Sung son, Kim Jong-Il, who also ruled until Kim Il-Sung death in December 2011 when power was transferred to Kim Il-Sung son and current leader Kim Jong-un.
article_snippet.sent: KCNA said 'an endless stream of people' was visiting, Mangyongdae, the birthplace of Kim Il-Sung, as the 'Day of the Sun' draws near.