The mass games mobilize tens of thousands of North Koreans to hop around in unison and produce patterns with colored cards in a queasy display of people surrendering their individuality to the state. The last time they were held was in 2013.

North Korea is selling tickets for the notorious mass games to celebrate its 70th anniversary next month at more than W1 million each (US$1=W1,130).

North Korea on its tourism website said they will be held from Sept. 9 to 30 at the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang. Tickets are advertised for 800 euros for a royal seat and 500 euros for a first-class seat. Second-class seats cost 300 euros, and third-class 100 euros.

Most of the tickets are aimed at foreigners and intended to generate much-needed foreign currency amid biting sanctions.

By comparison, tickets for a concert by the legendary tenor Placido Domingo in South Korea in October cost W550,000 for a royal seat.

The first mass games in 2002 marked nation founder Kim Il-sung's 90th birthday.

