Kim Jong Il's budget birthday bash

With North Korea struggling to feed its people, the "dear leader" had to settle for a scaled-down celebration this year (and only one $16 million yacht)

North Koreans celebrated Kim Jong-Il's 69th birthday in a less-than-festive mood, given that the state canceled their annual food bonuses.
(Image credit: Corbis)

North Korea's Kim Jong Il turned 69 on Wednesday, but his birthday wasn't as spectacularly happy as it's been in the past. With the communist nation struggling to feed its 23 million people amid food shortages, an unusually harsh winter, and stiff economic sanctions, Kim's party planners slashed the budget for the traditionally lavish bash. Here, a quick guide to the relatively frugal festivities:

Normally, how big is this party?

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