Kim Jong Un Visits a KPA Fishery Station

Kim Jong Un (1) talks with senior KPA officials prior to touring a fishing boat during a visit to the 25 August Fishery Station of KPA Unit #313. Also seen in attendance are Chief of the Chief of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau Col. Gen. Ri Yong Gil (2), Chief of the KPA General Staff Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (3) and Director of the KPA General Political Department VMar Choe Ryong Hae (4) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

DPRK state media reported on 28 May (Tuesday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the 25 August** Fishery Station subordinate to Korean People’s Army [KPA] Unit #313***.  His last observed appearance was his field inspection of KPA Navy Unit #291.  Attending Kim Jong Un’s visit to the fishery station were VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of KPA General Political Department), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Gen. Jang Jong Nam (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Col. Gen. Ri Yong Gil (Chief of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau), Col. Gen. Son Chol Ju, Col. Gen. Ryom Chol Song, Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok (1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Col. Gen. Yun Tong Hyon (Senior Deputy Director of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Organization Guidance Department), Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol (Chief of the Military Security Command), Maj. Gen. An Ji Yong, Lt. Gen. Kim Su Gil and Hwang Pyong So (Deputy Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department).

Kim Jong Un (1) on the deck of a fishing vessel during a visit to the fishery station of KPA Unit #313 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un (1) poses for a commemorative photograph with managers and employees of the 25 August Fishery Station of KPA Unit #313. Also seen in attendance is Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Jang Jong Nam (2), Director of the KPA General Political Department VMar Choe Ryong Hae (3) and Chief of the KPA General Staff Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (4) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un began his visit to the fishery station greeting military and civilian personnel who manage the fishery.  According to KCNA, he said “the fishery station should catch a lot of fishes with good fishing boats and supply the soldiers on the forefront with them all the year round so that the fishing boats provided by the Party may pay off profusely.”  He climbed aboard a fishing boat and toured the engine room to learn about the ship’s engine and fuel consumption.  He also toured the cabins utilized by the fishing crew and said that “an experience gained by a fishery base in effectively using spent fuel, underscoring the need to make sure that fishermen can have rest in a warm place as their hands are wet in cold water of rough sea.”  Kim Jong Un also instructed that each fishing boat should catch 1,000 tons of fish per year and that the fishery station managers should “write a letter to the Supreme Commander when they honor their plan.”  Whilst touring the fishing boat, Kim Jong Un mentioned that the KPA is engaged in a campaign to grow soybeans,”calling for successfully conducting both soybean growing and fishing operations to provide the soldiers with soybean and fishes all the year round.”  He also  named the fishing boat he toured “naming it ‘maple,’ symbolic of autumn.”

Kim Jong Un also visited a historical exhibition about the fishery and a monument denoting late leader Kim Jong Il’s visit to the fishery station on 25 August 1973.  He also toured a tackle shop and a refrigeration unit.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “called on the fishery station to undertake aquaculture on a large scale while catching a lot of fishes in order to boost aquatic products, adding that it is necessary to cultivate seaweed, tangle, mussel, etc. in a big way” and he said he “visited the supply base on the east coast under KPA Unit 639 a few days ago where he saw it providing good supply service and catching a lot of fishes by putting fishing operations on a scientific basis, urging them to follow the working style and experience of the officials at that unit.”  Kim Jong Un ended his visit to the 25 August Fishery Station of KPA Unit #313 by posing for commemorative photographs with the fishery station’s military and civilian managers and employees.

Kim Jong Un’s visit to the 25 August Fishery Station was the first public event in which all of the senior KPA officials affected by personnel changes during February to May 2013 were present.  This was the first observed occasion in DPRK state media that gathered Col. Gen. Ri Yong Gil (Chief of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau, appointed February 2013), Gen. Jang Jong Nam (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces, appointed May 2013), Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok (1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces, appointed May 2013) and Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Chief of the KPA General Staff, appointed May 2013).

 

 

**The fishery station of KPA Unit #313 is named after the date (25 August) in 1960 when Kim Jong Il inspected the 105th Tank Division.  The DPRK’s official history marks this as the beginning of Military-First (so’ngun) politics.

***In previous mentions in DPRK state media, KPA Unit #313 had been identified as “KPA Large Combined (taeyonhap pudae) #313.”  It is not clear whether DPRK news writers streamlined the nomenclature of the KPA unit or if KPA Unit #313 had been downgraded from a large combined unit (a KPA unit consisting of several combined units) with its assets merged or migrated to other KPA units as part of a force restructuring process in the KPA.

Kim Jong Un Visits Construction of Ski Park

Kim Jong Un stands at the bottom of a ski slope during his visit to the construction of the Masik Pass Skiing Grounds in Kangwo’n Province (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

DPRK state media reported on 26 May (Sunday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Masin Pass skiing grounds in Kangwo’n Province and inspected Korean People’s Army [KPA] Navy Unit #291.  Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his visit to the food factory of KPA Unit #534.  Attending his visit to the construction of the ski park and inspection of the navy unit were Col. Gen. Son Chol Ju, Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok, Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon and Lt. Gen. So Hong Chan.

Kim Jong Un’s first stop was the construction of a skiing grounds in Masin Pass in Kangwo’n Province.  The park’s construction is being conducted by officers and service members of the KPA.  Kim Jong Un was reported to be “greatly satisfied to learn that soldier-builders have constructed a skiing area on mountain ranges covering hundreds of thousands of square meters, including primary, intermediate and advanced courses with almost 110 000 meters in total length and 40-120 meters in width” and said “the skiing ground is located in the best place as it ensures a long period of skiing and it is easy to have access to it with the Pyongyang-Wonsan tourist motorway available nearby.” Kim Jong Un was briefed about the construction of the skiing grounds before going up to the park’s highest elevations.  According to KCNA he said “it is nice to see it, but it would be more fantastic to watch the ground covered with snow” then “indicated tasks and ways for hastening the construction of the skiing ground” and “noted that it is the firm determination of the Party to build the skiing ground into a world class one.”  Kim Jong Un instructed that the skiing grounds be completed in time for the start of winter in 2013.

Kim Jong Un (1) tours the construction of the Masik Pass skiing grounds in Kangwo’n Province (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Construction of an area of the Masik Pass Skiing Grounds in Kangwo’n Province (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un (1) talks with senior officials and KPA construction managers on a peak at the construction site of the Masik Pass Skiing Grounds in Kangwo’n Province (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un “gave instructions to properly build a drainage system to prevent the courses from being washed away by rain in the rainy season and plant turf of good species suitable for that area so as to keep the courses in good shape even after thaw.”  Kim Jong Un also said, “it is necessary to build well not only rest places but first- aid stations at starting, middle and final points of the courses and establish an automatic cableway monitoring system for a real time watch so as to take measures to prevent accidents” and “underlined the need to preserve ecological environment and prevent pollution while building the skiing ground.”  According to KCNA, he also “called for properly setting up a unit for operating the ground and scrupulously organizing its management from now while pushing ahead with the construction, and taking measures for the production of skis and other winter sports apparatuses” and “called on the relevant field to supply equipment and materials needed for construction in a responsible manner and pay deep attention to this work.”

 

Kim Jong Un Visits KPA Supply Base and Food Factory

Kim Jong Un (1) looks at fish caught by the “supply base” of KPA Unit #639. Also in attendance is Col. Gen. Son Chol Ju (2) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

DPRK state media reported on 25 May (Saturday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) inspected a Korean People’s Army [KPA] supply base on the country’s east coast and visited the food factory of KPA Unit #534.  Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his inspection of KPA Unit #405.  Attending his visit were Col. Gen. Son Chol Ju, Col. Gen. Jong Chang Bok, Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon and Lt. Gen. So Hung Chun.

Kim Jong Un’s first appearance was a field inspection of a commercial fishing and boat repair facility subordinate to KPA Unit #639.  He viewed persimmon trees and listened to a poetry recital, then toured the dining hall, public baths and other facilities for the employees.  He was briefed about the management and operations of the “supply base” and “urged other fishery bases to follow the working style and experience of the officials at that unit.”Kim Jong Un toured a boat repair facility and one of the fishing boats.  According to KCNA he “was very pleased to hear that the base keeps boats operating not by the method of repairing boats when they go wrong but by the method of always keeping a spare engine for replacing any one out of order with it in a short span of time.”  Kim Jong Un also met two factory employees and “appreciated their efforts.”  Kim Jong Un also remarked that “the supply base is a model for the whole army.”  Kim Jong Un ended his visit by presenting the fishing facility of KPA Unit #639 with a pair of binoculars, an automatic rifle and a machine gun, then posing for commemorative photos with service members and employees of the unit.

Kim Jong Un (1) tours a dock at the “supply base” of KPA Unit #639 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un (1) stands for a commemorative photograph with the officers, service members and employees of the fishing and boat repair facility subordinate to KPA Unit #639 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un (1) learns about a product during a visit to the foodstuffs factory under KPA Unit #534 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un’s next appearance was a visit to the food factory subordinate to KPA Unit #534.  He toured the historical exhibition and was briefed about the layout and production of the food factory.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “looked back with deep emotion on the immortal leadership exploits of leader Kim Jong Il, who initiated the reconstruction of the factory in order to increase the production of varieties of processed foodstuffs including essential foodstuffs for the service personnel and visited it several times when its project was at its height, giving precious instructions to it.”  He then visited the control room, the factory’s e-library and research facilities, followed by a tour of the factory’s different production sections.

He said that “to put production processes on an automatic basis at foodstuff factories is an essential requirement for ensuring hygienic safety of foodstuffs” and “gave precious instructions to keep production going at a high rate and improving their quality.”  He also remarked that “supply service means a battle for defending socialism. . .the foodstuff factories including this factory are standing at the outpost of supply service, that of the battle for defending socialism.”  KCNA also reported that Kim Jong Un told factory employees “to bear in mind that they are standing alongside service personnel in the same trench for defending socialism” and ordered the factory to be reconstructed “reconstructing the factory as required by the era of Military-First politics (So’ngun)” and that he “took measures for carrying out the project with loving care.”  After touring the food factory, Kim Jong Un posed for commemorative photographs with factory employees.

Kim Jong Un poses for a commemorative photograph after touring a foodstuffs factory under KPA Unit 534 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un Visits Liquor Factory

Kim Jong Un (1) tours the production line at Ryongmun Liquor Factory. (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 18 May (Saturday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Ryongmun Liquor Factory.  KJU’s last observed public appearance was at a recently constructed machine plant.  At the liquor factory, KJU was joined by VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok (1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon (chief of the KPA Artillery Command) and Col. Gen. So Hong Chan.

Kim Jong Un (1) poses for a commemorative photograph with managers and employees of the Ryongmun Liquor Factory. Also in attendance are Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon (2), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (3), Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok (4) and Col. Gen. So Hong Chang (5). (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

After arriving at the factory, Kim Jong Un was briefed about its construction and he remarked that “a modern liquor factory was built as required by the new century and the production of liquor is kept going at a high rate, adding that one more instruction of leader Kim Jong Il has been implemented.”  KJU toured the water-filtration and “after being told by officials that it uses spring water gushing out between natural rocks hundreds of meters away from the production site and the volume of spring water and its physical and chemical nature remain unchanged in all seasons, he learned in detail about the technological features of water filtering process including chlorine filter, ferromanganese filter, quartz sand filter, soft water filter and activated charcoal filter.”  He also toured the distillery and packing facility.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “underscored the need to design trademarks better” and said, “it is important to design trademarks well as they are widely used for guaranteeing the quality of products and making ads.”  He also “underscored the need to put the packing process on a higher level of automation in order to save the manpower and cut down production cost” and “called for establishing a modern general command system to more scrupulously organize business management and operation activities.”

Kim Jong Un also visited a shop that sell the alcoholic beverages and an exhibition of the factory’s products.  According to KCNA, KJU “underscored the need to seal them more tightly and take strict measures for ensuring proper temperature and humidity so that their good quality may be preserved” and “specified tasks to be fulfilled to produce, manage and operate the factory and ways for doing so.”  After his tour of the Ryongmun Liquor Factory, Kim Jong Un posed for a commemorative photograph with the factory’s managers and employees.

New 1st Vice Defense Minister Appointed

Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok (annotated) poses for a commemorative photograph with Kim Jong Un after a visit to the 20 February Factory of the KPA. DPRK state media’s report on this KJU visit revealed that Col. Gen. Jon had been appointed 1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

“Despite the fact that after I am gone, it will still not be too late to use your people, why are you in such a rush to try to handle things your way?”–Kim Jong Il, December 2011

Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok has been appointed as the DPRK’s senior vice minister of defense.  Col. Gen. Jon, the former director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Logistics Department, was identified as 1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces when he attended Kim Jong Un’s (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visit to the 20 February Foodstuffs Factory of the KPA.  Jon Chang Bok is a member of the Party Central Committee and was a member of the National Funeral Committee for Kim Jong Il.  His last observed public appearance was his attendance with KJU at a May Day-themed concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra in early May 2013.  Jon also visited Ku’msusan Memorial Palace with KJU and other members of the central leadership on the anniversary of late leader Kim Jong Il’s birth in February 2013.  In March 2013, Jon delivered the keynote speech at the opening of the Taeso’ngsan General Hospital in Pyongyang.  He also joined members of the core leadership when they escorted the Moranbong Band on a visit and performance at KPA Large Combined Unit (taeyonhap pudae) #630.  In August 2011, Col. Gen. Jon led a KPA delegation on an official visit to China.

Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok (L) shakes hands with former Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie (R) in Beijing on 26 August 2011. At the time Col. Jon was leading a KPA logistics delegation on a visit to China. Jon was appointed 1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces in May 2013. (Photo: Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

A graphic illustrating key departments within the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces (Graphic: Michael Madden/NK Leadership Watch)

Hyon Chol Hae visits the Taedonggang Tile Factory with late leader Kim Jong Il in July 2009 (Photo: KCNA)

VMar Hyon Chol Hae talks with a Changjon Street resident while visiting the man’s apartment on 6 July 2012 (Photo: KCNA/KCTV still)

Jon replaces VMar Hyon Chol Hae, a former close military aide to Kim Jong Il.  VMar Hyon was appointed 1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces in April 2012 and was also elected a full member of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Political Bureau and a member of the Party Central Military Commission.  From 2007 to 2012, VMar Hyon was director of the National Defense Commission [NDC] Standing Bureau, which was responsible for logistical and security arrangements for Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un field inspections of KPA units.  During the 3rd Party Conference in September 2010, Hyon sat in the gallery to Kim Jong Un’s left.  From 1995 to 2007 VMar Hyon was a deputy director of the KPA General Political Department, with responsibility for organization.  From 1986 to 1995, Hyon served as Director of the KPA General Logistics Department (under the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces).  He was reappointed Director of the GLD in April 2012, replacing Jon Chang Bok.  It is not clear if Hyon has been removed from his GLD position, which may have been reclaimed by Jon Chang Bok.  It is not clear if Hyon’s removal from office is an actual “purge” or if it is tied to the last week’s dismissal of Gen. Kim Kyok Sik as Minister of the People’s Armed Forces.

Hyon is the latest DPRK elite affected by a series of personnel changes in the party, the government and security organizations.  In February 2013, Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il replaced Gen. Ri Myong Su as Minister of the People’s Security.  Col. Gen. Ri Yong Gil replace Choe Pu Il as Chief of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau  In March 2013, Paek Kye Ryong replaced Pak Pong Ju as Director of the KWP Light Industry Department and Yun U Chol replaced Kim Ki Ryong as editor of the KWP’s daily newspaper Rodong Sinmun.  In April 2013, Pak Pong Ju was re-appointed DPRK Cabinet Premier, replacing Choe Yong Rim, who was elected Honorary Vice President of the Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA].  Former President of the State Academy of Social Sciences Tae Hyong Chol was appointed President of Kim Il Sung University, replace Song Ja Rip.  Tae vacated his position as SPA Secetary-General and was replaced by Hong Son Ok.   April 2013 also found Ri Yong Yong appointed Minister of Coal Industry, replacing Kim Hyong Sik.  In May 2013 Choe Hwi appere to have replaced Ri Jae Il as the Senior Deputy of the KWP Propaganda and Agitation [publicity and information] Department.

Kim Jong Un Watches U’nhasu Orchestra Concert

Kim Jong Un (1) watches a concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra at the People’s Theater in Pyongyang. Those watching the concert with him include: Chief of the Military Security Command Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol (2), Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Kim Kyong Sik (3), Director of the KPA General Political Department VMar Choe Ryong Hae (4), Gen. Kim Yong Chol (5) and Deputy Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department Hwang Pyong So (6) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 3 May (Friday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) watched an U’nhasu Orchestra concert at the People’s Theater in central Pyongyang.  KJU’s last observed public appearance was his attendance at a May Day (International Labor Day) sports competition of public health workers.  Attending the concert, also given to celebrate May Day, were: VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik, Hwang Pyong So, Kang Phil Hun, Lt. Gen. Ryom Chol Song, Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol, Gen. Kim Yong Chol, Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon, Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok, along with “Pyongyangites and local people of different social strata staying the capital city.”

Based on DPRK state media reporting, Kim Jong Un’s attendance was impromptu.  According to KCNA when he arrived at the venue, “the audience, who had been waiting for the start of the concert, broke into the rousing cheers of “hurrah” with tears of emotion when Kim Jong Un appeared in the auditorium unexpectedly.”  The concert began with the DPRK’s national anthem.  Included among the tunes performed were “mixed chorus ‘May, Month of Victory’, male solo ‘Ch’o'llima Gallops Forward’, female solo ‘For Another Great Surge under the Uplifted Banner of Self-reliance’ and orchestra ‘We Will Never Forget” and “orchestra and mixed chorus ‘The Dear Home in My Native Village’ and female solo and mixed chorus ‘Peace Is Guaranteed by Our Arms.’”

May Day concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra at the People’s Theater in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un (1) and senior officials of the Korean People’s Army watche a May Day-themed concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra at the People’s Theater in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK athletes who received gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics and employees of the Pyongyang Children’s Foodstuffs Factory performed “What Did We Cherish Deep in Our Hearts” and “We Will Never Forget.”  According to KCNA “the performers sang high praises of the glorious history of the struggle in which the Korean people worked world-startling miracles from debris after the war and paved a wide avenue for prosperity despite difficulties and trials under the wise leadership of the peerlessly great men and a bright future of the great Mt. Paektu nation advancing under the line of simultaneously pushing forward the economic construction and the building of nuclear force.”  The concert ended with “mixed chorus ‘The Leader and the General are Together” encore performances were given of “The Dear Home in My Native Village” and “Peace is Guaranteed by Our Arms,” at Kim Jong Un’s request.

Kim Jong Un “warmly congratulated the artistes, expressing great satisfaction over their splendid performance which is distinct in its ideological and thematic content and style and represents the ardent aspiration and desire, high awareness and determination of the Korean people.”  KJU also described the U’nhasu Orchestra as “as outpost and reliable agitator on the ideological front of the WPK (Workers’ Party of Korea; KWP).”  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un also said:

The U’nhasu concert marking May Day instills the spirit of defending the socialist country, the will to annihilate the enemies, faith in victory and optimism into the army and people with its might as powerful as a nuclear bomb, he noted, adding it is an excellent concert electrifying the audience and fully reflecting the revolutionary stand and principle of the DPRK.

Noting “The Dear Home in My Native Village”, a wartime song strong in philosophical nature and full of patriotism, was excellently represented in the spirit of the era, he said the service personnel and people of the DPRK would turn out in a decisive battle, singing such wartime songs once the second June 25 war breaks out on this land.

“Peace Is Guaranteed by Our Arms” is a very good song which one wishes to listen again and again, he said, adding: This song fully reflects our principled stand toward the enemies who haven’t dropped their wicked design to stifle our socialist country.

Thanks to such revolutionary and militant songs as “The Dear Home in My Native Village” and “Peace Is Guaranteed by Our Arms”, our service personnel and people will win only victory in their final decisive battle against the enemies, he stressed.

He expressed his expectation and belief that the creators and artistes of the orchestra would powerfully encourage the army and people through creation of arts and performing activities.

Documentary Film Aired on Moranbong Band Visit to KPA Large Combined Unit #630

On or around 15 April (Monday) DPRK state media broadcast a documentary film about a 11 April 2013 visit by members of the DPRK core elite and a concert by the elite Moranbong Band at a unit of Korean People’s Army Unit Large Combined Unit (taeyonhap pudae) #630.  The visit included an awards and gifts presentation to the unit, visits to the unit’s historical exhibitions, a tour of the unit’s quarters by core elites, performances and a martial arts exhibition by members of the unit and a concert by the Moranbong Band.  Members of the core elite who visited the unit did not attend the concert.

Members of the Moranbong Band are welcomed by the unit’s officers and service members and families.

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Soldiers participating in an awards and gifts ceremony, presided over by VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Director of the KPA General Political Department, Member of the Korean Workers’ Party Political Bureau Presidium and Vice Chairman of the Party Central Military Commission.

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

A view of a historical monument commemorating the visits to the unit by and quotations of the late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung, late leader Kim Jong Il and current supreme leader Kim Jong Un.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

Members of the DPRK’s core leadership inspects the monument.  Seen in attendance are: KWP Secretary and head of the Kim Family, Kim Kyong Hui (L), KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department, Kim Yang Gon (2nd L), DPRK National Defense Commission Vice Chairman and Director of the KWP Administration Department, Jang Song Taek  (3rd L), DPRK Cabinet Premier, Pak Pong Ju (4th L) and Minister of the People’s Armed Forces, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

Members of the Moranbong Band and the DPRK core leadership tour the unit’s historical exhibition.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Jo (L), NDC Vice Chairman Jang Song Taek (2nd L) and Gen. Kim Kyok Sik examine the unit’s historical exhibition.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

Members of the Moranbong Band examine the unit’s historical exhibition.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

DPRK core elites (top) and Moranbong Band members tours the unit’s living quarters.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

Members of a unit subordinate to KPA Large Combined Unit #630 give a musical presentation for the Moranbong Band and the visit members of the leadership.

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Members of the Moranbong Band applaud the performance by service members and officers of the unit.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

A view of DPRK leadership members watching the performance.  Annotated is Kim Kyong Hui, aunt of Kim Jong Un and sister of the late leader Kim Jong Un.  Note that Madame Kim is seated in the center among other the members of the leadership, indicative of her preeminent status in the leadership cohort despite other officials in attendance who have more senior positions in the formal hierarchy.  This is the same position that would be taken by Kim Jong Un, had he attended, or his father Kim Jong Il before him.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

A martial arts exhibition by members of KPA Large Combined Unit #630m observed by members of the Moranbong Band and visiting members of the DPRK leadership

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

The venue of the Moranbong Band’s concert whilst visit the unit (top) with officers and service members queueing for the event (middle) and seated for the performance (bottom).

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Images of the Moranbong Band gig.  Due to technical limitations of the concert venue (particularly lighting) there were very few usable images of the performance.  At the end of the gig, several members of the military unit praised the performers and thanked the leadership.  (On an editorial note, one wished we’d seen more of the drummer, the electric bass player and lead electric guitar player in the documentary)

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Members of the Moranbong Band were treated to a grand send-off with a musical performance and flowers given by the family members of service members and officers serving in the unit.

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Moranbong Band Plays for KPA Large Combined Unit #630

A Moranbong Band performance (Photos: KCTV screengrabs/NKLW file photo)

DPRK state media reported on 12 April (Friday) that the Moranbong Band gave a performance at a military unit subordinate to Korean People’s Army [KPA] Large Combined Unit(taeyonhap pudae) #630 on 11 April (Thursday).  The event was held to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Kim Jong Un’s (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) election as the Korean Workers’ Party’s [KWP] 1st Secretary and 1st Chairman of the National Defense Commission [NDC].  DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju, Director of the KPA General Political Department VMar Choe Ryong Hae, NDC Vice Chairman Jang Song Taek, KWP Secretary and head of the Kim Family Kim Kyong Hui, Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Kim Kyok Sik, KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department Kim Yang Gon, Deputy (vice) Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department Hwang Pyong So, Col. Gen. Son Jol Chu, Lt. Gen. Ryom Chol Song, Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok and Lt. Gen. Kim Jang Su traveled with the Moranbong Band to the forward deployed unit.  The members of the core elite and the Moranbong Band toured the unit’s historical exhibitions and viewed the honor roll of the unit’s heroes.  Prior to the performances, VMar Choe Ryong Hae delivered gifts to members of the unit, on behalf of Kim Jong Un.

Prior to the Moranbong Band’s performance, members of the unit welcomed the visiting VIPs with a performance of ”reed flute pipe ensemble ‘Song of devoted protection of the leader sung by soldiers in the enemy rear’” and a martial arts demonstration.  The Moranbong Band gave its performance at the unit’s assembly hall for the unit’s officers, service members and their family members.  The Moranbong Band was “enthusiastically welcomed them with great excitement and loud applause.”  Before the concert, an unnamed presented “told the audience that Kim Jong Un sent the band to encourage the service personnel of the combined unit, which he loves more than any others, always thinking of it though very busy making preparations for a final battle with enemies to defend the country and its people at a time when huge aggressor forces are staging maneuvers for a war of aggression even in the sky, land and seas very near the forefront of the country with their destructive weapons involved, pushing the situation to the brink of a war” and she “expressed belief that the service personnel of the unit would creditably perform their mission as first-line human bullets and bombs devotedly protecting the leader and members of a death-defying corps and a scouting party for national reunification, bearing deep in mind the profound trust reposed by the Supreme Commander in them by making sure that the Moranbong Band gave its first frontline performance at the unit,” according to KCNA.

A Moranbong Band performance (Photos: KCTV screengrabs/NKLW file photos)

KCNA reported among the songs performed by the Moranbong Band were “‘Look at Us’, female trio ‘When the Night Wears on in This Land’, light music ‘The Country Will Always Remember You’ and ‘Advance and Advance’, light music and song ‘Our March’ and finale ‘People Have Single Mind.’”  The “performers sang high praises of the immortal exploits Marshal Kim Jong Un has performed by successfully weathering the stern trial of history with his firm faith and will to keep to the road of independence, Military-First politics (So’ngun) and socialism paved by the great Generalissimos.”  After the concert members of the military unit “mounted the stage and said with great excitement that the respected Supreme Commander’s dispatch of the Moranbong Band to their unit was a manifestation of his deep trust in the service personnel of the unit and the greatest privilege granted by him to them.”  According to KCNA they “full of confidence that when the time comes for a final decisive battle, they would storm into the strongholds of the enemies at a lightning speed and deal successive deadly blows at their headquarters and mercilessly blow up all the disgusting military installations and puppet reactionary ruling institutions.”

According to KCNA “the audience repeatedly broke out into shouts of slogans including ‘Let’s defend with our very lives the Party Central Committee headed by the great Comrade Kim Jong Un!’”  Members of the Moranbong Band “promised them that they would wait for the soldiers after setting up a stage for performance celebrating the victory in the war on the debris of the enemies’ strongholds” and departed from the unit with a “warm send-off of the service personnel and their families.”

CMC Meetings Shown in DPRK Documentary on Kim Jong Un’s Military Activities

On 5 March DPRK state media released a documentary film which compiled film footage of Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) inspecting Korean People’s Army [KPA] units, observing training exercises and visiting construction projects utilizing KPA personnel from his accession in January 2012 to live fire exercises in 2013.  Loosely translated as Unleashing a New Heyday of the Formidable Forces of Mt. Paektu, the 80 minute film consists mainly of footage that has previously appeared in short documentaries about KJU’s activities.  Aside from a few new, brief scenes of KJU talking with note taking senior officials, the films includes footage of the expanded meeting of the Korean Workers’ Party Central Military Commission [CMC] meeting held late in the afternoon on 3 February 2013.  The meeting was a key event preceding the DPRK’s third nuclear test on 12 February 2013.  The CMC meeting ended with Kim Jong Un, assisted by Chief of the KPA General Staff Hyon Yong Chol, giving meeting participants handguns in presentation boxes.  

External establishing shot showing the KWP flag over the KWP #1 Office Building in Pyongyang (L); The 3 February 2013 expanded CMC meeting (C); Kim Jong Un chairing the meeting (R) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un chairing the 3 February 2013 expanded CMC meeting (top) and 3rd generation KPA commanders and officials (middle and bottom) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC Members attended the 3 February 2013 meeting (L-R) Jang Song Taek; Pak To Chun; VMar Kim Yong Chun; Gen. Kim Won Hong; and Gen. Ri Myong Su (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC Members and senior officials attending the 3 February 2013 meeting. In this image are VMar Kim Jong Gak (front row, R), Ju Kyu Chang (front row, 2nd R), Gen. Yun Jong Rin (front row, 3rd R) and Gen. Pak Jae Gyong (2nd row, R) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC members applaud during the meeting. Among those in the front row in this image are Jang Song Taek (L), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (2nd L), Pak To Chun (3rd L) and VMar Kim Yong Chun (4th L) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Presentation boxes (L) containing an autographed message from Kim Jong Un (C) of handguns (R) presented to meeting participants (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Presentation ceremony of handguns at the end of the 3 February 2013 expanded CMC meetings. Among those presented with these guns were: VMar Choe Ryong Hae (1.), Jang Song Taek (2.), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (3.), Pak To Chun (4.), VMar Kim Yong Chun (5.), VMar Hyon Chol Hae (6.), Gen. Kim Won Hong (7.) and Gen. Kim Yong Chol (8.) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Over view of presentation ceremony at the end of the expanded CMC meeting (L) Gen. Hyon Yong Chol handing a presentation box to Kim Jong Un (C) and meeting participants applauding at the conclusion of the meeting (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

The film also included footage of another expanded meeting of the Party Central Military Commission, held between February and March 2012.  This would have been a key event preceding the 13 April 2012 launch of the U’nha-3 rocket, which crashed shortly after it was launched.  Unlike the February 2013 CMC meeting, KWP civilian officials are attired in KPA dress uniforms.  Based on the protocol from the February ’13 meeting, it is likely then-Chief of the KPA General Staff, VMar Ri Yong Ho, participated in the handgun presentation ceremony at the meeting’s conclusion, however VMar Ri is not shown in this film.

Overview of expanded CMC meeting held in February or March 2012 (L), Kim Jong Un chairing the meeting (C) and a view of CMC members and meeting participants (R) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC members attending the 2012 meeting. In the front row are Ju Kyu Chang (L), Choe Ryong Hae (2nd L) Pak To Chun (3rd L) and Kim Jong Gak (4th L) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC members standing at the 2012 meeting: Choe Ryong Hae (L), Pak To Chun (C) and Kim Jong Gak (R) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC members stand during the meeting in 2012. In the front row are: Gen. Kim Kyong Ok (L), Gen. Kim Won Hong (2nd L), Gen. Jong Myong Do (3rd L) and Gen. Ri Pyong Chol (4th L) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC members stand during the 2012 meeting. In the front row in this image are VMar Kim Yong Chun (R), Jang Song Taek (2nd R), VMar Kim Jong Gak (3rd R), Pak To Chun (4th R), Choe Ryong Hae (5th R) and Ju Kyu Chang (6th R) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC members and senior security officials stand during the 2012 meeting. In this image in the front row are: Gen. Ri Myong Su (L) Hyon Chol Hae (2nd L), Choe Kyong Song (3rd L), and Gen. Yun Jong Rin (4th L) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Overview of an expanded Party Central Military Commission meeting held in February or March 2012 with images of Kim Jong Un speaking, and 3rd generation KPA commanders and security officials (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Presentation box of a handgun (L) presented to participants at the 2012 CMC meeting. The grip contains KJU’s autograph (R) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Presentation ceremony of handguns at the end of an expanded CMC meeting held in early 2012. Among those presented with handguns are: VMar Kim Yong Chun (1.), Jang Song Taek (2.), VMar Kim Jong Gak (3.), Choe Ryong Hae (4.), Ju Kyu Chang (5.), Kim Kyong Ok (6.), Gen. Kim Won Hong (7.) and Gen. Jong Myong Do (8.) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Presented with handguns at the conclusion of the expanded CMC meeting in early 2012 were: Gen. Ri Pyong Chol (1.), Gen. Choe Pu Il (2.), Gen. Yun Jong Rin (3.), Gen. Ri Myong Su (4.), Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol (5.), Gen. Pak Jae Gyong (6.), Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon (7.) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un (L) concludes an expanded meeting of the Party Central Military Commission (R) held in early 2012 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)