Kim Jong Un Visits Pyongyang Construction Sites and Amusement Park

Kim Jong Un (3rd L) is briefed while touring Kaeso’n Amusement Park in central Pyongyang. Also seen in attendance are his uncle and Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission, Jang Song Taek (L), and Director of the KPA General Political Department (bureau) and Vice Chairman of the Party Central Military Commission, Choe Ryong Hae (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 25 May (Friday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited three ongoing construction projects and an amusement park in Pyongyang.  Kim Jong Un’s last reported public appearance was his inspection of Korean People’s Army [KPA] Unit #1501.  At all of his visits, KJU was accompanied by Jang Song Taek.

Kim Jong Un (L) tours the Ryugyong Health Complex in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

KCNA reports on his visit to the Ryugyong Health Complex and the People’s Outdoor Ice Rink:

After being briefed on the health complex before a large map showing its panoramic view, he went round it.

Making the rounds of the exterior and interior of the complex, he learned in detail about its construction.

Entering a pine tree sauna emitting strong smell of resin, he was pleased with the successful construction of its floor and walls.

Rest halls of bathhouses look spacious and nice, he said, adding visitors will like if TV sets are available there so that they may enjoy an emotional life, having good rest there.

Going up to the last fourth story, he stressed the need to use space effectively and efficiently.

The complex is an object to which leader Kim Jong Il paid special attention, he said, adding that if it is completed, this will amount to implementing another behest of Kim Jong Il.

Noting that the complex is not only fresh and peculiar in its architectural style and contents but also on a high level from designing to building, he underlined the need for soldier-builders to finish its project till the war victory day and provide it to the people.

The next leg of his field guidance was the People’s Outdoor Ice Rink.

Noting that sporting and service facilities such as the ice rink could be built thanks to the heroic struggle of soldier-builders, he highly praised their merits.

There should be good places for providing skates and sharpening skate edges as it is a mass skating ground, he said.

He called for successfully completing the ice rink as a sports center for the country’s ice sports development and physical training of working people, youth and students.

It is also a gift the WPK will present to the people, he noted, adding it should be finished till the war victory day along with the above-said health complex.

He was accompanied by Jang Song Thaek, member of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee and vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission, and Ryang Chong Song and Ma Won Chun, vice department directors of the WPK Central Committee.

Kim Jong Un tours an ongoing apartment complex construction project in central Pyongyang. Also seen in attendance are Jang Song Taek (2nd L), Ryang Chong Song (L) and Ma Wo’n-ch’un (3rd R, behind KJU) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

KJU was also reported to have visited the construction of apartment buildings, restaurants and other facilities near Mansudae Assembly Hall in central Pyongyang:

There are in Changjon Street 5 to 45-storeyed apartment houses for thousands of families, each of which having several living rooms and tens of buildings for nurseries and kindergartens, secondary school, pharmacies, educational and healthcare institutions, commercial and catering networks and various welfare and service facilities standing in good harmony.

After being briefed on the street in front of a huge map showing the panoramic view of the Mansudae Area, Kim Jong Un went round various restaurants, shops and stalls and parking lot in the basement, etc. to acquaint himself in detail with the construction of the street.

He looked round various parts of Haemaji Restaurant built in a peculiar style and was satisfied with it.

He made the rounds of various other restaurants including the combined restaurant of the Jung District and Unjong Teahouse built in diverse styles to learn in detail about their size, furnishings, decorations, ventilation, etc.

He personally sat on a chair of the restaurant and underscored the need to thoroughly abide by the principle of guaranteeing convenience first and architectural beauty next when designing and manufacturing any furniture so that it may be convenient for use and look nice.

Learning in detail about the quality and colors of the paving blocks on the passages linking the ground and the underground and the greenery outside, he indicated detailed orientation and ways to build the street into a more magnificent and fashionable one.

He also viewed the signboard designs of various catering networks in the street and indicated ways of rounding them off better.

He enjoyed a bird’s-eye view of the street and said the scenery of the street is really fantastic and its appearance has changed beyond recognition.

He said with pride that the successful construction of the modern street by the efforts of Koreans as required by the new century is a demonstration of the validity of the WPK’s idea of architectural aesthetics and the potential of the Juche-based self-supporting economy.

Changjon Street is excellent in designing and high in the level of construction, he appreciated again, stressing the need to enable residents to move to new houses in mid-June.

He indicated important tasks to serve as guidelines for building Pyongyang into a more magnificent city as required by the Songun era.

Pyongyang should be built into a city for people where the revolutionary outlook on the leader is thoroughly embodied both in name and reality, he said, and went on:

As required by the developing reality it is necessary to lay out streets, build roads, distribute various buildings and ensure their styles, interior decorations, etc. in a peculiar manner under a long-term plan.

It is also necessary to distribute well educational, healthcare, sports, cultural and welfare facilities and welfare service bases on the principle of ensuring popular character, national identity and modernity.

The field of construction should steadily and thoroughly implement the WPK’s policy of applying formative art in architecture and pay deep attention to creating cultural environment including the greening of the city, in particular.

He was accompanied by Jang Song Thaek, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WPK and vice-chairman of the NDC of the DPRK, and Ryang Chong Song, Pak Chun Hong and Ma Won Chun, vice department directors of the C.C., WPK.

Kim Jong Un (R) talks with KPA construction officials during a tour of an apartment complex in central Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un and other members of the DPRK central leadership watch an amusement park ride during a tour of the Kaeso’n Amusement Park (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un (2nd row, 6th L) and Jang Song Taek (2nd row, 5th R) poses for a commemorative photograph with restaurant employees during a tour of Kaeso’n Amusement Park (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un also visited the Kaeso’n Fun Fair.  The amusement park was one of the locales Kim Jong Il visited during the week that he died.

Learning in detail about the operation of the amusement equipment personally watched by leader Kim Jong Il, he noted with appreciation that the funfair is kept neat and tidy and managed regularly.

Before the merry-go-round swing, he said it is most popular, adding when he accompanied Kim Jong Il visiting the funfair last year, he had a chance to ride it.

At the electronic amusement hall he kindly asked which apparatus do visitors like more, underlining the need to set up a merry-go-round swing and electronic amusement hall at the Rungna People’s Recreation Ground now under construction.

Standing before a kiosk where wheat cake stuffed with roast chicken is served, he learned about the quality of mineral water bottle inside it.

Visiting the Kaeson Bread Restaurant in the compound of the funfair, he said he was also told that visitors liked food there and it is serving good food.

He recollected with deep emotion that Kim Jong Il promised to visit it without fail in his lifetime but he could not keep his promise.

He was greatly satisfied with the fact that the workers of the funfair are operating amusement facilities regularly and successfully operating several catering networks.

He set forth the tasks to be fulfilled to manage and operate the funfair.

He underlined the need to improve the management of equipment and technical control of them and operate the funfair in such a way as not to give even the slightest inconvenience to the visitors.

He underscored the need to provide a sufficient quantity of foodstuff to the catering networks in the compound of the funfair so that they may operate more effectively.

He stressed the need to pay deep attention to dresses of operators and service persons of the funfair and make service garments fit for seasons so that they may match the scenic beauty of the funfair.

He asked them to manage and operate the funfair well so as to bring into bloom Kim Jong Il’s love for the people for all ages and always please them.

He had a photo session with the workers of the funfair and the relevant field, expressing expectation and conviction that they would fulfill their honorable mission and duty as the true servants of the people.

He was accompanied by Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee and director of the General Political Bureau of the KPA, Jang Song Thaek, member of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee and vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission, and Hwang Pyong So and Pak Chun Hong, vice department directors of the WPK Central Committee.

Kim Jong Un Visits Mangyongdae Amusement Park as Land Management Conference Held

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) tours Mangyongdae Fun Fair. Also in attendance is VMar Choe Ryong Hae (L), director of the KPA General Political Department. (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

DPRK state media reported on 9 May (Wednesday) that Kim  Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited Mangyo’ngdae Fun Fair (amusement park).  The amusement park has occasionally been featured in tourist photographs.  Some images have shown DPRK citizens using the park, however other pictures have shown the areas of the park, constructed in the 1980s, shuttered.  In its report on KJU’s visit, KCNA noted that he expressed his displeasure about the condition of the amusement park.  In undated images his visit, KJU is wearing a fedora of similar style to his grandfather, Kim Il Sung.

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) pulls weeds during his tour of Mangyongdae Fun Fair (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) appears to be complaining about cracked pavement during his tour of the Mangyongdae Fun Fair (Photo: KCNA)

KCNA reports :

Covering 70 hectares, the funfair has the first-phase funfair built in Kalmaeji Field and the second-phase one and a wading pool built on an expansion basis in Songsan Field.

The funfair has made positive contribution to the entertainment of people and school youth and children for decades.

He looked round various places of the funfair to acquaint himself in detail with its management and operation.

In front of the swingboat in the second-phase funfair, he, pointing at the seriously broken pavement in the compound of the funfair, asked officials when the road was last re-paved. It is regretful that the road has not been managed well, he said.

Putting his finger on the faulty arrangement of the bases of Oriental arborvitae and Sabina Chinensis, he said it would be good to have gravel stones planted in various shapes around the trees.

Seeing the weeds grown in between pavement blocks in the compound of the funfair, he, with an irritated look, plucked them up one by one. He said in an excited tone that he has never thought that the funfair is under such a bad state and a proverb that the darkest place is under the candlestick fits the funfair. He scolded officials, saying why such things do not come in their sight and querying could the officials of the funfair work like this, had they had the attitude befitting master, affection for their work sites and conscience to serve the people. Plucking up weeds can be done easily with hands as it is different from updating facilities, he added.

Saying that the amusement facilities have been put into operation with the paint scraped off, he noted that the officials and care-takers of the funfair have below-zero spirit of serving the people. This is not just a business issue but an issue concerning ideological viewpoint, he said in a serious tone.

He dropped in at the fountain pool where he stressed the need to tidy up the place even though it may not go operational for this or that reason.

Officials should draw a serious lesson from the tour of Mangyongdae Funfair, he said, adding that this occasion should be taken to issue a serious warning to the officials so that they can have proper spirit of serving the people.

He called for sprucing up the Mangyongdae Funfair as required by the Songun era. This process should be made an occasion of removing outdated ideological point of view from the heads of officials and ending their old work-style, he added.

He set forth the tasks for sprucing up the funfair.

He gave Choe Ryong Hae, director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People’s Army, the task for sprucing up the funfair as required by the new century by dispatching strong construction forces of the KPA.

The officials of the relevant fields including the Pyongyang City Committee of the WPK, ministries and national institutions should fulfill their duties and responsibilities in sprucing up the funfair to implement the WPK’s intention of serving people in practice.

He was accompanied by Choe Ryong Hae and Ma Won Chun, vice- department director of the WPK Central Committee.

Kim Jong Un and members of the DPRK central leadership pose for a commemorative photograph with participants in a meeting on land management (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un was also reported to have attended a photo op with participants in a land management conference held in Pyongyang.  KCNA reports:

He waved back to their enthusiastic cheers, giving a warm encouragement to them.

He expressed expectation and belief that all the service personnel and people including the participants in the meeting would carry out leader Kim Jong Il’s idea of land management and his last instructions without any slight deviation and concession so as to drastically change the appearance of the land to suit the features of a thriving socialist nation.

He was accompanied by leading officials of party, state and military organs Choe Yong Rim, Kim Jong Gak, Jang Song Thaek, Kim Ki Nam, Ri Myong Su, Mun Kyong Dok, Ro Tu Chol, Ri Ryong Ha and chief secretaries of the provincial committees of the WPK.

Photo op at Kumsusan Memorial Palace for participants in a meeting on land management held in Pyongyang on 8 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

View of rostrum at a meeting of land management activists held at the People’s Palace of Culture in Pyongyang on Tuesday, 8 May 2012. During the meeting a speech on land management by Kim Jong Un was publicized. (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK Vice Premier Kim In Sik delivers a report during a meeting of land management activists on 8 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

The land management meeting was held at the People’s Palace of Culture on 8 May (Tuesday).  It is not clear if this was the large “homeland” meeting which was reported by Good Friends to take place in early May.  The meeting included the release of a speech on land management Kim Jong Un delivered on 27 April 2012.  KCNA reports:

The meeting discussed the tasks and practical measures to turn the country into a land of bliss for the people by highly displaying the validity and vitality of the movement initiated and led by leader Kim Jong Il under the guidance of the dear respected Kim Jong Un.

Present there were Choe Yong Rim, Kim Jong Gak, Kim Ki Nam, Ri Myong Su, Mun Kyong Dok and Ro Tu Chol, and officials of party and power organs, working people’s organizations, armed forces, economic institutions and the relevant field in Pyongyang and all provinces, cities and counties and activists of the movement.

The participants of the meeting heard “On Effecting a Drastic Turn in Land Management to Meet the Requirements for Building a Thriving Socialist Nation,” the work of Kim Jong Un published on the occasion of the meeting.

The work, published on April 27, 2012, said that President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il paid deep attention to the land management and worked heart and soul to turn the country beautiful.

It clearly indicates the tasks and ways for the officials and other working people in the field of land management to preserve and glorify the party’s idea and leadership feats performed in the land management and face-lift the appearance of the land to befit the land of a thriving socialist nation.

Kim In Sik, vice-premier of the DPRK Cabinet, in his report referred to the undying feats the peerlessly great persons performed in the work for improving the land construction and management.

He also touched on the successes made in the land construction and management since the policy on general mobilization for land management was put forth.

He underscored the need for all officials, party members and working people to dynamically wage a general offensive to successfully realize the far-reaching plan of the Party for land construction true to the leadership of Kim Jong Un and thus turn the country into a fairyland of socialism.

Speeches were made at the meeting.

The speakers expressed their determination to fully uphold the work of Kim Jong Un as their important guidelines for land management and to dynamically step up the worthwhile effort forturning the country more beautiful in hearty response to the call “Forward for Final Victory!” made by the supreme commander of the Korean People’s Army to all the people of the country.

A view of the venue and participants in a land management meeting in Pyongyang on 8 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK Premier Visits Power Station and Coal Mine

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim tours the Kumyagang Army-People Power Station on May 5, 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 6 May (Sunday) that Premier Choe Yong Rim and DPRK Cabinet officials visited the Ku’myagang Army-People Power Station and the Ku’mya Youth Coal Mine in South Hamgyo’ng Province on 5 May (Saturday).  KCNA reports:

The first leg of his visit was the Kumyagang Army-People Power Station. He held a consultative meeting after going round various places of the station.

It took measures for boosting the electricity production by operating the generating equipment in full capacity and underscored the need for the related units to supply equipment and materials necessary for the operation of the power station.

The next leg of his visit was the Kumya Youth Coal Mine.

He learned in detail about the coal production there before holding a consultative meeting of the officials concerned on the spot.

The meeting called on the officials to take good care of workers true to the dear respected Kim Jong Un’s noble idea of loving people and took measures for providing a satisfactory supply of coal badly needed by various fields of the national economy.

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim tours Kumya Youth Coal Mine in South Hamgyong Province on 5 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un Attends Shop Opening and Photo-Op

Kim Jong Un (2nd R) applauds after members of the central leadership cut a ceremonial ribbon opening the Mansugyo Meat and Fish shop. Also in this image are VMar Ri Yong Ho (2nd L) and Gen. Kim Yong Chol (C) (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported that Kim Jong Un and other members of the DPRK central leadership attended the opening of a butcher-cum-fish monger called the Mansugyo Meat and Fish Shop on Wednesday (25 April).  Also in attendance with Kim Jong Un were Kim Kyong Hui, Jang Song Taek, VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Mun Kyong Dok, Kim Yong Nam,  VMar Kim Jong Gak, Choe Yong Rim, VMar Ri Yong Ho, Kim Yang Gon, Kang Sok Ju, Yang Hyong Sop, Choe Tae Bok, Kim Ki Nam, Gen. Kim Kyong Ok and Gen. Kim Yong Chol.

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim (4th L), KWP Secretary Kim Kyong Hui (2nd R) and KWP Secretary Mun Kyong Dok (2nd R) cut a ceremonial ribbon. Kim Jong Un can be seen watching the ceremony in the background (Photo: KCNA)

KCNA reports:

The Mansugyo Meat and Fish Shop built on the bank of picturesque Pothong River in Pyongyang started its business on Wednesday.

The 3-storey shop covers 5 000 plus square meters.

Its ground floor has counters of fresh and frozen fish and processed fish while the first floor counters of meat including beef, pork, goose, turkey and quail and processed foodstuff.

The second floor has a restaurant serving steak.

The opening ceremony was held on Wednesday.

The dear respected Kim Jong Un appeared at the shop to congratulate its opening.

Attended there were Kim Yong Nam, Choe Yong Rim, Choe Ryong Hae, Ri Yong Ho and other senior party, state and army officials and officials concerned.

Looking round the interior of the shop, Kim Jong Un expressed great satisfaction with the solider builders having built the shop to be loved by the people.

He ardently said leader Kim Jong Il would have seen the shop with the highest service level.

He advanced tasks to manage and operate the shop.

He visited the shop construction site in January and indicated the orientation and ways for construction, underlining the need to provide the best convenience to the consumers.

Kim Jong Un inspects a refrigerator case. Also in attendance are VMar Choe Ryong Hae (R) and Gen. Kim Kyong Ok (2nd R), who is a member of the Party Central Military Commission and deputy director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un’s presence at the ribbon cutting and tour of the premises established the shop’s opening as a #1 event.  However, KJU was not observed cutting the ceremonial ribbon in front of the shop’s entrance; instead the ribbon was cut by his aunt, Kim Kyong Hui (party secretary for light industry) and Mun Kyong Dok, Pyongyang KWP Secretary, among others.  This activity (or lack thereof) contrasts with his cutting the ceremonial ribbon to open the KPA Arms and Equipment Exhibition.  This indicates that Kim Jong Un still has a passive public role on economic affairs, while retaining an active role in security and military matters.

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) gestures at a fish tank. Gen. Kim Yong Chol is at the left (Photo: KCNA)

With recent statements by the KPA Supreme Command excoriating and threatening South Korean political leaders, the prominent position of Gen. Kim Yong Chol at KJU’s side may incite queasiness in some Pyongyang watchers.  Gen. Kim heads the Reconnaissance General Bureau, whose mission is anti-ROK military and intelligence operations.

Kim Jong Un was also reported as having attended a commemorative photo session with the personnel involved in the construction of the KPA Arms and Equipment Exhibition.  The photo-op was KJU’s last reported public appearance.  KCNA reports:

Kim Jong Un waved back to the soldier-builders enthusiastically cheering him, overcome with excitement, and extended a warm salute to them.

He warmly congratulated them and had a photo taken with them.

He repeatedly praised them for their laudable exploits, noting that they successfully built the exhibition as a gift to leader Kim Jong Il, greatly contributing to adding shine to the Songun revolutionary exploits performed by the great persons of Mt. Paektu, helping the service personnel of the KPA and people deeply grasp the history of the army of the WPK and thus encouraging them in their efforts to build a thriving socialist nation.

Kim Jong Un expressed belief that the solider-builders would make a positive contribution to the cause of building a thriving nation by fully displaying patriotic devotion and popular heroism in the defence of the country and socialist construction in the future, too.

Present at the photo session were senior officials of party and armed forces organs Choe Ryong Hae, Ri Yong Ho, Kim Jong Gak, Jang Song Thaek, Kim Yong Chun, Kim Ki Nam, Pak To Chun, Hyon Chol Hae, Kim Won Hong, Ri Myong Su, Ju Kyu Chang, Kim Chang Sop, Ri Pyong Sam, Choe Pu Il, Son Chol Ju, Pak Jae Gyong, Kim Yong Chol, Jo Kyong Chol, Yun Tong Hyon, Kim Su Hak and Ri Jae Il.

Choe Ryong Hae Tours University Construction Site

Choe Ryong Hae (4th R) is briefed about ongoing construction at Kim Hyong Jik University of Education (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported that on Tuesday (24 April) VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Choe Ryo’ng-hae), director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Bureau (department), visited the ongoing renovation and construction projects at Kim Hyong Jik University of Education which is located in east Pyongyang.  Choe is the second member of the DPRK central leadership  reported to have made a solo public appearance, after DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim who has visited a number of factories, mines and construction projects during 2011-2012.

KCNA reports:

Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea and director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People’s Army, learned about the work at Kim Hyong Jik University of Education under renovation on the spot on Tuesday.

Leader Kim Jong Il assigned the People’s Army the task to successfully renovate the university as required by the new century and settled all issues arising in the project.

The soldier-builders dynamically pushed forward the project despite unfavorable weather conditions in severe winter.

Choe looked round for hours the interior and exterior of building No. 1 nearing completion and encouraged them to achieve achievements in the project so as to complete the project as quickly as possible at the best level as intended by Supreme Commander Kim Jong Un.

He underscored the need to thoroughly ensure the quality in the project in the spirit of working for their own parents and brothers and sisters and sprucing up the yards of their own houses under the motto “Let’s help the people!” put up by Kim Jong Il.

It is the way of upholding the noble intention of Kim Jong Un to creditably discharge the honorable mission of the People’s Army as defender of the country and creator of the people’s happiness, Choe said, calling upon them to renovate the seat for training educational talents in an impeccable manner and make a report on their victory to the supreme commander.

Choe has become Pyongyang watchers’ man of the hour since his promotion to Vice Marshal and appointment to the Political Bureau’s Presidium, Vice Chairman of the Party Central Military Commission and appointment to the National Defense Commission less than two weeks ago.

Choe Ryong Hae (2nd R) visits a classroom at Kim Hyong Jik University of Education during a tour of campus construction projects on 24 April 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

KJI Statue Unveiled as Birthday Events Begin

A bronze statue depicting Kim Jong Il (R) on horseback was unveiled during a ceremony at Mansudae Art Studio on 14 February 2012. According to NK Economy Watch, the Kim Il Sung (L) statue is preexisting (Photo: KCNA)

Members of the central leadership attend the unveiling ceremony. In this image (L-R) are: Gen. Kim Jong Gak; Jang Song Taek; Gen. O Kuk Ryol; VMar Ri Yong Mu; VMar Kim Yong Chun; VMar Ri Yong Ho; Kim Yong Nam; Choe Yong Rim; Choe Tae Bok; Yang Hyong Sop; Kang Sok Ju; Kim Yang Gon; Kim Yong Il; Ju Kyu Chang; Choe Ryong Hae; Ju Kyu Chang; Kim Rak Hui (Photo: KCNA)

In a key event marking the birthday of the recently deceased DPRK supreme leader Kim Jong Il, a bronze statue was unveiled on Tuesday (14 February) at Mansudae Art Studio in Pyongyang.

An honor guard representing the three service branches of the Korean People's Army delivers a floral basket to the unveiled statue of Kim Jong Il on 14 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

SPA Presidium President Kim Yong Nam delivers the keynote address at a ceremony unveiling a bronze statue of Kim Jong Il at Mansudae Art Studio on 14 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

A variety of events commemorating what is officially Kim Jong Il’s 70th birthday have been held throughout the DPRK.  More events will occur on or around 16 February (Thursday).  According to the official chronicles of the Korean Workers’ Party History Institute, KJI was born on 16 February 1942 in a log cabin near Mt. Paektu on the DPRK-China border while other accounts said that KJI was born in February 1941 at a Russian military base  Khabarovsk where his parents were stationed as members of the 88th Brigade under the Soviet Far East Command.  Since KJI’s death in 2011, the country has commemorated his birthday as the “Day of the Shining Star.”

In 2011 KJI joined central party, security and government leaders at a banquet.  In 2010 KJI attended to the reopening of the 8 February Vinalon Complex in South Hamgyo’ng, signed (or assented to) execution orders and personally informed the then-Cabinet Premier of his eventual dismissal.  A documentary film on KJI’s activities in that month later revealed that during February 2010 he also attended a synchronized swimming exhibition at Ch’angkwang Health Complex in central Pyongyang.  In February 2009, KJI was preoccupied with changing his military leadership and during that month Gen. O Kuk Ryol was appointed Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission [NDC], Kim Yong Chun was appointed Minister of the People’s Armed Forces and Ri Yong Ho was appointed chief of the General Staff.  Also, according to several sources and accounts, on the sidelines of private family festivities Jang Song Taek asked KJI’s three sons for their views on succession.  

Daily NK, citing the rumor mill of the country’s forex workers, considers the possibility that a complete list of KJI’s “behests” from 8 October 2011 will be publicized.  The only reported KJI behest and bequest the DPRK has released was the appointment of Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) as Korean People’s Army [KPA] Supreme Commander, which occurred during a KWP Political Bureau meeting on 30 December.  DNK analyzes that a public reading of the late center’s behests may solidify the political power of Jang Song Taek and Kim Kyong Hui:

One such person, whom Daily NK met in Shenyang, explained, “They say that the General’s ‘last instructions’ will be publicly released on Gwangmyungsung Day,” adding, “I am sure it will say that ‘the people must be one with comrade Kim Jong Eun and open the doors to the strong and prosperous nation’.”

“The first priority for the ‘last instructions’ will be to gather around comrade Kim Jong Eun with one heart; second, to build a strong and prosperous nation, and last the reunification of the fatherland,” the source went on. “As in the past when the Suryeong passed away, the ‘leadership of the last instructions’ will carry on for some time.”

However, it is the role of Jang Sung Taek that is attracting more attention than whether or not the last instructions are made public, the source claimed.

“If the General’s ‘last instructions’ are revealed this time, Vice Chairman Jan Sung Taek’s position will become much stronger,” he said. “I am sure the main point of the contents of the General’s ‘last instructions’ is, ultimately, to support comrade Kim Jong Eun enthusiastically, but who in the Republic will do that expect Jang?”

The main foreign currency earning lines in China and Malaysia are all stocked with Jang Sung Taek’s people, sources claim. While North Korea has been solidifying Kim Jong Eun’s power domestically, among front line foreign currency earners it is said that the competition is actually over loyalty to Jang.

Such people are very powerful, the source claimed, explaining, “We have to go back to North Korea every six months to a year for ideological education if we leave the country for two years, but those under Jang Sung Taek have the authority to extend the period without return to two or three years.”

“There is even a growing trend among workers (under Jang Sung Taek) to bring their children with them when they go abroad”. It has been long practice for the North Korean regime to keep the children of diplomats and workers in North Korea, to ensure ongoing loyalty.

Coincidentally, it is not only Jang himself who wields great power in North Korea. His late older brother Jang Sung Woo’s second son Jang Yong Chul is the current North Korean Ambassador to Malaysia, a position he has held since 2010, and his first son is working for the Committee for the Promotion of Economic Cooperation. His son-in-law Jeon Young Jin was appointed North Korean Ambassador to Cuba on the 4th of last month.

Opening ceremony of the Paektusan Sports Cup held at the basketball gym on Friday (Photo: KCNA)

The festivities for KJI’s birthday got underway late last week as the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea visited revolutionary historical sites which culminated in a loyalty oath ceremony near KJI’s official birthplace near Mt. Paektu.  KCNA reports:

They laid floral baskets and flowers before the statues of President Kim Il Sung at the Pochonbo Revolutionary Battle Site and on the shore of Lake Samji and the mosaic depicting the three commanders of Mt. Paektu in the Paektusan secret camp and paid high tribute to them.

They went round the then command post of the Pochonbo battle, the police post of the Japanese imperialists, the sub-county office, the Samjiyon grand monument, etc.

They held an oath-taking meeting in front of Kim Jong Il’s old home in the Paektusan secret camp.

They toured the Samjiyon county-seat, which has undergone dramatic change, and conducted various political and cultural activities during the period.

A display of postage stamps depicting KJI and Kim Il Sung over the years, part of an exhibition which opened at the Korea Stamp Exhibition on Friday, 10 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

On 9 February (Thursday), Party Secretary of Propaganda (Publicity) and Agitation Kim Ki Nam presided over two exhibition openings.  At Korea Stamp Exhibition, Kim launched a show of past and current commemorative stamps about KJI:

The Korean stamp show for commemorating the 70th birth anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il was opened with due ceremony at the Korean Stamp Exhibition today.

Seen at the exhibition are a stamp of the image of Kim Jong Il published for the first time in 1987 and stamps of the undying revolutionary exploits he performed in leading the Party, army and people along the road of sure victory.

There are also various stamps presented by Korean philatelists.

Present at the ceremony were Kim Ki Nam, secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea C.C., Sim Chol Ho, minister of Post and Telecommunications, officials concerned, creators, philatelists and working people.

Present on invitation were officials of foreign embassies here in charge of cultural and friendly relations.

At the end of the ceremony the participants went round the displayed stamps.

Photographs of Kim Jong Il at an exhibition at the People's Palace of Culture (Photo: KCNA)

At the People’s Palace of Culture, Kim launched the opening of an exhibition of photographs of KJI:

A national photo exhibition opened in the DPRK to commemorate the 70th birth anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il.

On display in its venue are at least 300 photos of the revolutionary career of Kim Jong Il.

Among them are pictures titled “The great leader Comrade Kim Jong Il declaring the programme of modeling the whole society on the juche idea”, “The great leader Comrade Kim Jong Il and the dear respected Kim Jong Un guiding the fire striking exercises of large combined unit of the Korean People’s Army” and “Kwangmyongsong-2 soaring up to fully display the national power of Songun Korea”.

“The dear respected Kim Jong Un participating in the farewell-bidding ceremony together with senior officials of party, state and armed forces organs,” “Kim Il Sung Square full of lamentations calling for the great General” and other pictures showing the days the greatest sorrow when people were in tears of blood at an unexpected loss of the father of the nation.

Members of the Democratic Women's Union of Korea attend a ceremony on 10 February 2012 at Oun Revolutionary Site on the outskirts of Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

On Friday (10 February) the Democratic Women’s Union of Korea held a loyalty oath event at the Oun Revolutionary Site in suburban Pyongyang.  Back in the city, KWP Secretary Choe Ryo’ng-hae presided over a loyalty oath event held by the Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea:

A meeting of agricultural workers took place in the plaza of the Party Founding Memorial Tower on Friday to pledge to accomplish the revolutionary cause of juche under the leadership of the dear respected Kim Jong Un true to the behests of leader Kim Jong Il.

At the meeting a reporter and speakers said Kim Jong Il performed exploits before the country, the people, the era and history by developing and enriching the revolutionary idea of President Kim Il Sung and leading the Korean revolution along the path of victory.

The revolutionary exploits of Kim Jong Il would shine forever as he created the new history of perpetuating the memory of the President and turned the socialist country into a political, ideological and military power with his original songun politics, they stressed.

They vowed to keep on the drive for the great and fresh victory of the Juche revolution. A poem of pledge was read out there.

Also the same day, a declamation contest was held as the People’s Palace of Culture, attended by Choe Tae Bok and Kim Ki Nam:

In an oratory titled “The great motto” Choe Myong Ju, department director of the Ministry of Food Procurement and Administration, impressively told the story that Kim Jong Il autographed a paper on supplying the people with fish on December 16 last year.

Pak Yong Sun, section chief of the Hoeyang County Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Kangwon Province, said in an excited tone that Kim Jong Il glorified his great life as a life that braved snowstorm.

In an oratory titled “Sun” Han Chong Su, vice-minister of Light Industry, praised Kim Jong Il as the great sun of mankind who recorded legends about loving care for the people with rare leadership ability and noble virtue.

Speakers included Jong Myong Ok, manageress of Pyongyang Department Store No. 1, Kim Ju Song, department director of Railways, and Choe Myong Ok, deputy secretary of the Primary Committee of the WPK of Changwang Health Complex. In their oratories made under the respective titled “Promise”, “The General and his journeys to mix with people,” “Road to the front and Changgwang Health Complex” they impressively said there were too many stories to tell about Kim Jong Il’s total dedication to the people.

On Saturday (11 February) SPA Presidium President Kim Yong Nam and DPRK Cabinet Premier Choe Yong Rim attended a screening of the latest Kim Family documentary film With Desire of the Leader:

The film deals with the facts that leader Kim Jong Il made an endless journey of patriotic devoted service to realize the desire of President Kim Il Sung for building a thriving nation.

It tells about the undying leadership feats of the peerlessly great man, who put the dignity and strength of songun Korea on the highest level with his iron will and superhuman energies while instilling into the mind of the army and people the firm faith that the President is always with us.

Through the film its viewers hardened their belief that Kim Jong Il is the peerlessly illustrious songun commander and patriot and benevolent father who had spent all his life on the train of field guidance for the people’s happiness, enduring his fatigue.

The annual exhibition of Kimjongilia flowers (Photo: KCNA)

On 12 February (Sunday), members of the central leadership converged on KJI’s birthplace for a large loyalty oath rally.  This has typically been a major event during KJI birthday week.  The Mt. Paketu-based event that was held in 2010 was a kind of debut for VMar Ri Yong Ho and, to a lesser extent, Gen. Kim Jong Gak, presiding over a significant national event.  KCNA reports:

A meeting to vow loyalty took place in the secret camp in Mt. Paektu, a holy land of revolution, on Sunday  on the occasion of the birth anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il, the Day of the Shining Star, the greatest holiday of the nation.

Attending the meeting were Ri Yong Ho, Kim Ki Nam, Choe Thae Bok, Kim Jong Gak, Pak To Chun, Choe Ryong Hae and officials of Party and armed forces organs and working people’s organizations, ministries and national institutions, service personnel of the Korean People’s Army and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces and people from all walks of life.

The participants observed a moment’s silence in memory of Kim Jong Il.

Speeches were made there.

Vice Marshal Ri Yong Ho, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the Workers’ Party of Korea and chief of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army, said that the birth of Kim Jong Il was the great jubilee and fortune of the nation which greeted the peerlessly songun sun and a worldwide event which promised the bright future of progressive mankind aspiring after independence.

Kim Jong Il made tireless efforts for increasing the military capability with the steadfast faith that the army guarantees the prosperity of the country and happiness of its people, he noted.

Kim Ki Nam, member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the C.C., the Workers’ Party of Korea, said that thanks to the wise guidance of Kim Jong Il, the WPK has developed into an invincible party and genuine mother party and guiding force of the songun politics and it is shedding its rays as a dignified and sovereign party of President Kim Il Sung.

He stressed the need to cherish the invariable faith that Kim Jong Il will always be with us and uphold him in high esteem for all ages and fully and unconditionally implement his last instructions.

Ri Yong Chol, first secretary of the C.C., the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League, said the youth marking the significant Day of the Shining Star in the sacred land of the revolution where the great sun of songun was born miss Kim Jong Il very much.

He stressed the need for all members of the young vanguard to firmly unite around the dear respected Kim Jong Un and accomplish the cause of the Juche revolution started in Mt. Paektu, true to the last instructions of Kim Jong Il.

Fireworks were displayed in the sky above the secret camp to present fantastic scenery in the deep forest at night. The participants broke into loud shouts of “hurrah!” watching them.

 

Kwangbok Supermarket Opens

Kwangbok Area Supermarket in Mangyo'ngdae District in west Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

The Kwangpok Area Supermarket in west Pyongyang opened on Thursday, 5 January.  One of the largest shopping centers in the DPRK, the Kwangpok market is a joint venture between the DPRK T’aesong General Trading Corporation and the PRC’s Feihaimengxin Trading Company.  A grand opening event was held on 5 January.  One of the participants at the opening ceremony was Jon Il Chun (Chon Il-chun), deputy director of the Korean Workers’ Party’s Finance and Accounting Department and section chief of Office #39.  Mr. Jon accompanied Kim Jong Il on a visit to the Kwangpok store in mid-December 2011, which was KJI’s last reported public appearance before his death.

Jon Il Chun (R) stands with DPRK and Chinese participants at an opening ceremony held in front of the main entrance to Kwangpok Area Supermarket on 5 January (Photo: KCNA)

KCNA reports:

All business service at the supermarket built as a commercial service center has been put on IT and digital basis. Customers can buy varieties of goods according to their taste and requirements in the sales rooms on each floor stacked with household appliances, electronic products, foodstuff, fibre, sundries and others.

Present there were officials concerned, officials of the Korea Taesong General Trading Corporation, officials and employees of the Kwangbok Area Supermarket, members of the Feihaimengxin Trading (Beijing) Co. Ltd. staying in the DPRK and the Chinese embassy here.

O Ryong Il, general president of the Corporation, said in his speech that the work to build the supermarket was successfully completed under the energetic leadership of leader Kim Jong Il and the dear respected Kim Jong Un and the positive efforts of the peoples of the two countries.

He expressed belief that the supermarket would help towards improving the people’s living standard and promoting the well-being of the two peoples through better service and management.

Xue Rifei, executive managing director of the Feihaimengxin Trading (Beijing) Co. Ltd., said in his speech that Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un gave field guidance to the supermarket on December 15, 2011 and named it the Kwangbok Area Supermarket.

He expressed the expectation that an effort will be made to reenergize the supermarket to win high appreciation for its best management, service and credit.

People tour the aisles of the Kwangpok Area Supermarket after an opening ceremony on 5 January (Photo: KCNA)

Xinhua English reported:

The shopping center was the last place the leader paid a public visit to before he died in mid-December. It is jointly run by China and DPRK, with China holding 65 percent of its shares.

At the opening ceremony on Thursday, DPRK business representatives said they will try their best to provide quality service in order to contribute to the livelihood of people from the two countries.

Chinese delegates responded that the shopping center’s opening will give a new boost to DPRK trade and economy.

The shopping center is now selling a complete variety of items, ranging from food to clothes, and from household appliances to electronic products, most of which are imported from neighbouring China.

Internal Security Service Receives Titles

Ri Pyong Sam (R) attends Kim Jong Il's on-the-spot-guidance at the Taedonggang Fruit Processing Factory in July 2011 (Photo: KCNA)

A Korean People’s Internal Security Forces [KPISF] unit whose key mission are construction projects was given the Order of Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng).  KCNA reported that a 19 October (Wednesday) decree from the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) Presidium [Standing Committee] awarded the title because  KPISF Unit #3154, “carried out its honorable duty as the genuine defender and creator of people’s happiness by perfecting important projects to be monumental edifices as required by the military-first era.”

This was not the only title bestowed on the KPISF on 19 October.  The SPA Presidium also awarded the title of Labor Hero to the KPISF’s political director, Col. Gen. Ri Pyong Sam (Ri P’yo’ng-sam).  Col. Gen. Ri regularly appears at public events in Pyongyang (i.e. central report meetings) and has attended several guidance tours with Kim Jong Il during 2010 and 2011, most recently at the Taedonggang Net-weaving Factory which was reported by DPRK media on 14 October.

Col. Gen. Ri attends KJI's visit to the Taedonggang Net-weaving Factory which was reported by DPRK media on 14 October 2011 (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

Ryugyong Hotel to Partially Open by April 2012

The Ryugyong Hotel as it stood from 1992 to 2007 (R) and after construction resumed in 2009 (L) (Photo: Yonhap)

KCTV image of a fireworks display held to celebrate May Day in 2009

25 years after ground was broken, part of the Ryugyong Hotel is scheduled to open by April 2012 when the DPRK commemorates the 100th anniversary of Kim Il Sung’s birth.  Yonhap reports that interior construction and finishing work is proceeding so that the Ryugyong’s 1st through 25th floors will be ready for occupancy by April 2012.  The DPRK plans initially plans to house European companies and international organizations on the completed levels of the 105-story structure.  Located in the Pot’ong River City District (Pot’onggang-kuyok), construction on the Ryugyong began in 1987.  It was developed in a joint venture between Paektusan Architecture and Engineering in cooperation with a French construction company.  In addition to hotel rooms, the Ryugyong was intended to have revolving restaurants, a bowling alley and night club, as well as its own medical clinic.  There were several attempts to market the space to foreign investors which included allowing the operation of hostess lounges on the premises.  By 1992, construction of the Ryugyong ceased.

The Ryugyong Hotel prior to the resumption of construction

For 16 years the Ryugyong stood as a vacant concrete shell with a solitary tower crane at its pinnacle.  The lack of activity at the site did not stop other projects from taking place nearby.  In 1993 the Monument to the Fatherland Liberation (Korean) War was officially dedicated, located 1/3 of a mile (.54 km) north of the Ryugyong.  During 2000-2003 the Chung Ju-yung Indoor Stadium, which abuts the Ryugyong site, was constructed and dedicated.  In 2008 the DPRK completed an agreement with the Orascom conglomerate which included the completion of the Ryugyong.  The building was the focal point of a fireworks display held to celebrate International Labor Day (May Day) in 2009 and has appeared on several occasions in DPRK media.  In April 2011 the construction site was visited by DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim.

Flickr user Kernbeisser has a small gallery of ground imagery from different perspectives of the Ryugyong under different phases of construction which can be viewed here.

An image of the Ryugyong Hotel's construction site from October 2010. The yellow line at the right marks the boundary of an elite residential area where Kim Jong Il's official wife, Kim Yong Suk, resides (Photo: Google image)

The construction site of the Ryugyong Hotel in 2009 (Photo: Google image)

The unfinished Ryugyong Hotel, prior to construction resuming in 2008 (Photo: Google image)