Nuclear fears ahead of North Korea congress

North Korea’s rain-soaked capital was festooned with banners celebrating leader Kim Jong Un ahead of a ruling party congress, as rival South Korea expressed concern that Pyongyang could conduct a nuclear test before or during the rare event.

Flower pots lined balconies along streets that have been tidied as part of a 70-day campaign for the first Workers’ Party congress in 36 years, which starts on Friday.

Security has been stepped up ahead of the congress.