Kim Jong Un Visits Mt. Myohyang Children’s Camp

Kim Jong Un (1) and his wife Ri Sol Ju (2) interact with children campers during a commemorative photo session after KJU toured the Mt. Myohyang Children’s Camp in North P’yo’ngan Province on 19 May 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) and his wife Ri Sol Ju (Ri So’l-chu) visited the Myohyangsan (Mount Myohyang) Children’s Camp in North P’yo’ngan Province on 19 May (Sunday).  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his visit to Ryongmun Liquor Factory.  Attending the visit to the children’s camp with KJU and RSJ were VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), Choe Hwi (Senior Deputy [1st Vice] Director of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Propaganda and Agitation Department) and Pak Tae Song (Deputy KWP Department Director).  KJU began his visit to camp looking at a stone monument of a quotation by KJU’s paternal grandfather, late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un noted that “Kim Jong Il proposed on number of occasions the task for successfully rebuilding the children’s camp and personally examined its design in the last period of his life” and he “underscored the need to newly build the camp to be proud of in the world as early as possible and thus carry out without fail the behest of Kim Jong Il who made so much effort to provide a better camp to children.”

Kim Jong Un (1) and his wife Ri Sol Ju (2) pose for a commemorative photograph with campers, employees and officials at Mt. Myohyang Children’s Camp on 19 May 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Campers at the Mt. Myohyang Children’s Camp (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju toured the camp where they saw “bedrooms, the room for disseminating knowledge about camping, room for the Children’s Union, room for cultural information service, room for the preservation of gifts, music room, dinning room and hall to learn in detail about children’s camping.”  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un said “to build the camp as required by the era of Military-First politics (So’ngun) is an important work for realizing the lifelong desire of the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il who did everything for the children as their tender-hearted father all their lives. He called for newly building the camp instead of remodeling it.”  Referring to the songs “We Are the Happiest in the World” and “General to Front, While Children to Camps,” Kim Jong Un said “I remember the loving care shown by the Generalissimos for posterity whenever I listen to those songs. There is a mountain of work to be done for building a thriving nation, but we must not spare investment in the building of camps. It is the determination of the party to excellently remodel not only this camp but all other camps, children’s palaces and children’s houses across the country.”

According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un also remarked that “when remodeling camps across the country, it is necessary to spruce up camps at the foot of mountains to match their landscape and those camps on seaside to do its landscape, and to this end it is important to work out designs well.”  KJU also “noted that the main objective of the revolution being made despite manifold difficulties and trials is to bring happiness to the children and it is necessary to enable them to lead a happy life with no more desire in the world.” Kim Jong Un met with some of the campers and posed for commemorative photos with them.

Kim Jong Un Visits Yanggakdo Stadium and Football Game

Kim Jong Un (1) provides instructions on the renovation of Yanggakdo Stadium in Pyongyang. Also seen in attendance are Jang Song Taek (2), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (3) and Kim Jong Un’s wife Ri Sol Ju (4) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 29 April (Monday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Yanggakdo Stadium and attended the men’s football finals for the Mangyo’ngdae Prize at Kim Il Sung Stadium.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his visit to the Haedanghwa Health Complex.  KJU’s first visit was to the Yanggakdo Stadium which he ordered to be renovated.  Attending the visit was his wife, Ri Sol Ju (Ri So’l-chu), along with VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission [NDC]), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Col. Gen. Ri Yong Gil (Chief of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau) and other officials.

According to KCNA Kim Jong Un visited the stadium (originally opened in 1989) “with a plan to radically remodel the stadium as required by the new century.”  KJU visited the stadium historical exhibition where he “recollected with deep emotion the undying exploits they performed for the development of the Juche-based physical culture and sports.”  KJU then toured the stadium and ordered a series of renovations.  He said, “it is the intention of the Workers’ Party of Korea to turn the stadium into a football stadium which can represent stadiums of such type across the country as required by the new century.”  KJU also “formed a strong construction unit capable of carrying out the project in a brief span of time.”  KJU also remarked that “to develop physical culture and sports is an important work to augment the national power in every way, demonstrate the indomitable spirit and dignity of Military-First (So’ngun) Korea before the world and let all the service personnel and people dynamically step up the building of a thriving socialist nation full of national pride and self-esteem” and he “expressed expectation and belief that the relevant fields would successfully remodel the stadium as a football stadium to be impeccable in any aspect.”

Kim Jong Un (3) attends the men’s premier league football finals for the Mangyongdae Prize at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on 29 April 2013. Also watching the game with are Jang Song Taek (1), Ri Sol Ju (2) and Choe Tae Bok) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Su later attended the  men’s football (soccer) finals for the Mangyo’ngdae Prize National Sports Festival at Kim Il Sung Stadium.  Also in attendance at the football game were VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Taek, Gen. Hyon Yong Chol, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Ki Nam (Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department), Choe Tae Bok (KWP Secretary and SPA Chairman), Kim Yang Gon (KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department), Kim Yong Il (KWP Secretary and Director of the International Affairs Department), Kim P’yo’ng-hae (KWP Secretary and Director of Cadres’ Affairs), Kwak Pom Gi (KWP Secretary and Director of the Planning and Finance Department), Mun Kyong Dok (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang City [municipal] KWP Committee), Ju Kyu Chang (Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department), Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (Minister of the People’s Security), Kim Tong Il (Deputy [vice] Director of the KWP Workers’ Organizations Department) and “members of the State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission, officials of the party and armed forces organs, ministries and national institutions, those in the sports field, sportspersons, fans and Pyongyangites.”

The men’s football premier league finals for the Mangyongdae Prize between the Rimyongsu Sports Group and the Amnokgang Sports Group at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on 29 April 2013. The Rimyongsu Team beat the Amnokgang Team 2-1. (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

The match was played between two of the DPRK’s premier league teams, Rimyongsu and Amnokgang.  KCNA reported the two teams “advanced into the finals after proving successful at the men’s premier soccer league matches. They played good games, displaying high technique they have cultivated in day-to-day trainings” and that “Rimyongsu Team took the initiative from the beginning according to its tactics and made hot attacks.”  Rimyongsu led Amnokgang 2-0 in the first half and went onto win the game 2-1.  At the end of the match, Kim Jong Un “congratulated the footballers of both teams on playing a good match, expressing great satisfaction with their high technique.”

Kim Jong Un (1) greets DPRK athletes who received gold medals or placed in the top of their categories at international competitions held between February and April 2013. Also in attendance at the event held at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on 29 April 2013 are DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju (2), Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (3), and Minister of People’s Security Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (4) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

KJU also met with DPRK athletes who successfully participated in recent international competitions including long-distance runner Kim Kum Ok (who placed first in the 14th Asian Marathon Championship held in Hong Kong on 25 February 2013), wrestler Yang Kyong Il (who placed second in the men’s 55 kg freestyle at the 2013 Asian Wrestling Championship), gymnast Ri Se Gwang (who placed first in the vault event at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series in Doha in March 2013), wrestler Hwang Ryong Hak (who placed first in the men’s 60 kg freestyle at the 2013 Asian Wrestling Championships), Pak Yong Mi (who placed first in the women’s 48 kg freestyle at the 2013 Asian Wrestling Championships), judoka Hong Kuk Hyon (who placed first in the women’s 73 kg weight class at the Asian Judo Championships of 2013 in Bangkok in April 2013), weightlifter Ri Su Hyon (who won three gold medals in the women’s 44 kg competition at the 2013 International Weightlifting Federation’s Youth World Championships in Tashkent in April 2013), Kwon Yong Gwang (who won three gold medals in the men’s 62 kg competition at 2013 IWF Youth World Championships in Tashkent) and weightlifter Pak Jong Ju (who came in second overall and won two medals in the men’s 50 kg competition at the IWF Youth World Championships in Tashkent), along with “a coach and physical culture and sports guidance officials.”

Kim Jong Un shook hands with the DPRK athletes and, according to KCNA, “highly praised them for proving successful at the recent international games and instilling the conviction of victory and optimism into the service personnel and people of the DPRK dynamically pushing forward the building of a thriving socialist nation despite harsh sanctions and strong pressure of the enemies.”  KJU also “expressed his belief that sports persons and coaches would undergo more intensive trainings to consolidate the successes achieved and fully demonstrate the honor of the country with gold medals at international games.”  Also attending KJU’s meet-and-greet were DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju, VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Taek, Gen. Hyon Yong Chol, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik, Kim Ki Nam, Choe Tae Bok, Kim Yang Gon, Kim Yong Il, Kim P’yo’ng-hae, Kwak Pom Gi, Mun Kyong Dok, Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il and members of the State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission.

DPRK Ambassador Presents Letter of Credence to Mongolian President

DPRK Ambassador to Mongolia, Hong Gyu (L), shakes hands with Mongolian President Taskhiagiin Elbegdorj (R) in Ulan Bator on 16 April 2013 (Photo: Info Mongolia/Government of Mongolia)

DPRK state media reported on 19 April (Friday) that newly appointed ambassador Hong Gyu presented his letter of credence to Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj on 16 April.  According to KCNA, President Elbegdorj told Hong “Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il who paid deep attention to the development of the Mongolia- DPRK friendly relations at all times,” “expressed conviction that the bilateral friendly relations would grow stronger under the care of the dear respected Kim Jong Un in the future” and said “It is the consistent stand of the Mongolian government to boost the Mongolia-DPRK friendly relations.”  President Elbegdorj also “supported the DPRK’s policy to achieve the independent and peaceful reunification of the country.”

Hong Gyu and a DPRK diplomat (L) meet with Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj (C) and Mongolian government officials in Ulan Bator on 16 April 2013 (Photo: Info Mongolia/Government of Mongolia)

According to Mongolian media, during the meeting with Hong Gyu, President Elbegdorj “noted that that the 65th year anniversary of diplomatic relations established between Mongolia and North Korea marks in 2013 and emphasized that the bilateral relationship between the two countries would further boost.”  Hong Gyu extended the greetings of “young Supreme Leader of North Korea” Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) and reiterated KJU’s invitation for President Elbegdorj to visit the DPRK.  Mongolian media also reported that Hong Gyu “pledged to accelerate its (DPRK) economic reform.”  President Elbegdorj “expressed Mongolia’s readiness of contribution to solve this (inter-Korean) dispute peacefully” and “appealed for multi-lateral talks to be held in Ulaanbatar on security of North-East Asia countries” and said that he would welcome “bilateral or multilateral talks to organize in Ulaanbatar.”  Hong Gyu and President Elbegdorj agreed to expand cultural and sports exchanges.  According to Mongolia media reporting, at the end of the meeting, Hong Gyu said that the DPRK “may face severe food shortages.  Therefore, we ask Mongolia to seek possibilities of delivering food aid.”

Kim Jong Un Watches Sports Contests and U’nhasu Orchestra Concert on Sun’s Day

Kim Jong Un (seated 2nd L) watches a sports contest between the Kim Il Sung Military University and and Kim Il SungUniversity of Politics in Pyongyang on 15 April 2013. Seated next to him are: VMar Choe Ryong Hae (L), Jang Song Taek (3rd L) and Kim Kyong Ok (4th L) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) watched sports contests by Korean People’s Army [KPA] personnel and a concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra on 15 April (Monday), the 101st anniversary of the birth of DPRK President and founder, Kim Il Sung.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his visit to Ku’msusan Memorial Palace of the Sun.  KJU first attended sports contests and chess match held between the Kim Il Sung Military University and the Kim Il Sung University of Politics.  He attended the competitions with VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the KPA General Political Department), Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Kyong Hui (Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary and head of the Kim Family), Kim Kyong Ok (Senior Deputy [vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department), Hwang Pyong So (Deputy [vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department), along with “generals and officers of the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces [MPAF], and teachers and cadets of military academies, and officials, journalists, editors, creators and artistes in the fields of media and literature and arts of the KPA.”

Overview of spectators at a 15 April 2013 volleyball game between KIS Military University and KIS University of Politics, attended by Kim Jong Un, on the 101st anniversary of the birth of DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

First, Kim Jong Un watched a volleyball game between the faculties and student bodies KIS Military University and the KIS University of Politics.  KCNA reported that “both teams lost no time to grasp their rivals’ tactical ideas and modes of playing and dexterously applied counter-tactics to gain points through surprise attacks and strong smashes” with KIS Military University winning the game.  KJU also watched a basketball game in which “players of both teams applyed combined tactics with main emphasis on rapid attack. They also applied closed up shot and middle and long distance shots to gain points,” and “players of the two teams skillfully applied a variety of tactics to break their rivals’ defense through agile and rapid playing. They penetrated into the rivals’ courts, increasing the rate of closed up shot.”  According to KCNA Kim Jong Un “clapped his hands to encourage the players whenever they displayed good skills.”  KIS Military University also won the basketball game, although DPRK state media did not disclose the score.  After the athletic competition, there was a Korean chess match which was won by KIS Military University, which was followed by a tug-of-war which was won by the KIS University of Politics.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un was “was greatly satisfied with the successful sports contest of teachers and cadets of military academies and sent a warm salute to the players who showed the spirit of collectivism and played fair matches.”

Kim Jong Un (3rd R) watches a concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra at the People’s Theater in central Pyongyang on 15 April 2013. Seated with KJU are his aunt Kim Kyong Hui (R), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (2nd R), Jang Song Taek (4th R), Choe Tae Bok (5th R) and Kang Sok Ju (6th R). (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

U’nhasu Orchestra concert at the People’s Theater in central Pyongyang on 15 April 2013. The concert was given to commemorate the 101st anniversary of the birth of Kim Jong Un’s paternal grandfather, late DPRK President and found Kim Il Sung. (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un’s next reported public appearance was his attendance of a concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra at the People’s Theater in central Pyongyang.  The concert was given to commemorate the 101st anniversary of the birth of his paternal grandfather, DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung.  Attending the concert with him were VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Taek, Kim Kyong Hui, KWP Secretary and Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Chairman Choe Tae Bok, SPA Presidium Vice President Yang Hyong Sop, DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier and foreign policy heavy Kang Sok Ju, KWP Secretary and Director of Planning and Finance Kwak Pom Gi and Pyongyangites.  KCNA reported of the U’nhasu Orchestra concert:

The concert began with the playing of the National Anthem. Put on the stage were mixed sextet “Let’s Sing of the Day of the Sun”, male solo and pangchang “Long Live Generalissimo Kim Il Sung”, female quintet “We Sing of Our Country Holding the Leader in High Esteem” and other numbers.

The performers sang high praises of the undying feats Kim Il Sung performed by leading to victory the cause of independence against imperialism and the socialist cause with his outstanding idea, rare leadership and noble traits under the uplifted banner of Songun all his life.

Whenever the image of Kim Il Sung was projected on the background of the stage, the audience was overcome with deep emotion.

National music instrument duet “Three Thousand-ri of Vinalon”, mixed chorus “Push back Frontiers of Latest Science and Technology” and other numbers impressively represented the fact that the dignity and spirit of the sun’s nation were demonstrated before the whole world and the solid foundation was laid for the eternal prosperity of Juche Korea thanks to the undying leadership of the great Generalissimo Kim Jong Il who remained loyal to the idea and cause of Kim Il Sung.

The concert reached its climax when female solo and male pangchang “Honor for Human Life,” female solo and pangchang “Let Korea Forge Ahead to Implement the Line on Simultaneously Pushing forward Economic Construction and Building of Nuclear Force” were staged

The concert came to an end with mixed grand chorus “The Man to Whom Both Destiny and Future Are Entrusted.” It made a truthful artistic representation of the will of all the service personnel and people of the DPRK to win a final victory in the all-out action against the U.S. and the drive for building a thriving nation, rallied close around Marshal Kim Jong Un, holding the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in high esteem as the sun of Juche for all ages.

Kim Jong Un Attends Photo Op with Participants in Light Industry Workers’ National Meeting

Cover of the 20 March 2013 edition of the Korean Workers’ Party daily newspaper Rodong Sinmun

 

Commemorative photograph of Kim Jong Un and members of the central leadership with participants in an 18 March 2013 national meeting of light industry workers at the People’s Theater in central Pyongyang on 19 March 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 19 March (Tuesday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) attended a commemorative photo session with participants in a national meeting of industrial workers held in Pyongyang on 18 March (Monday).  KJU’s last reported public appearance was at the national meeting of light industry workers.  Attending the photo-op with Kim Jong Un were Choe Yong Rim (DPRK Cabinet Premier), Kim Kyong Hui (Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary and Department Director and KJU’s aunt), Kim Ki Nam (KWP Secretary and Director of Propaganda and Agitation [publicity and information]), Mun Kyong Dok (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang City [municipal] KWP Committee), Ro Tu Chol (DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier and State Planning Commission Chairman), Pak Pong Ju (Director of the KWP Light Industry Department), Ri Mu Yong (DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier) and the chief secretaries of KWP Provincial Committees and chairmen of Provincial People’s Committees.

Kim Jong Un poses for a commemorative photograph on 19 March 2013 with other members of the central leadership and participants at an 18 March 2013 national meeting of light industry workers (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Participants at an 18 March 2013 national meeting of light industry workers pose for a commemorative photograph with Kim Jong Un and other members of the central leadership in Pyongyang on 19 March 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un said, “the meeting loudly sounded the drive on the front of the light industry for improving the people’s living standard and made the torchlight for innovations kindled in the light industry furiously flare up for a fresh leap forward in agriculture and all economic sectors” and “warmly congratulated the participants on having successfully carried out their work with high enthusiasm and active participation and had a photo taken with them.”  KJU also “expressed belief that working people, officials, scientists and technicians in the field of light industry and related fields playing important roles in improving the people’s living standard would perform their duties for developing the light industry as required by the building of a thriving socialist nation.”

Commemorative photograph of Kim Jong Un, members of the DPRK central leadership and participants at an 18 March 2013 national meeting of light industry workers in Pyongyang on 19 March 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un Speaks at Light Industry Workers’ National Meeting

Kim Jong Un (3rd L) sits on the platform (rostrum) during the national meeting of light industry workers in Pyongyang on 18 March 2013. Also on the platform are Kim Ki Nam (L), Choe Yong Rim (2nd L), Kim Kyong Hui (4th L) and Tae Jong Su (5th L) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 18 March (Monday) that a national meeting of light industry workers was held in Pyongyang.  Attending the meeting from the central leadership were Kim Jong Un, Choe Yong Rim (DPRK Cabinet Premier), Kim Kyong Hui (Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary and Department Director), Kim Ki Nam [KWP Secretary],  Mun Kyong Dok (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang City [municipal] KWP Committee), Ro Tu Chol (DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier and Chairman of the State Planning Commission) and Tae Jong Su (Chief Secretary of the South Hamgyo’ng KWP Provincial Committee) along with “officials of the units taking the lead in carrying out the Party’s policy of light industry and labor innovators, leading officials here and in local areas, officials of economic guidance organs, affiliated fields and working people.”  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his observation and guidance of live fire artillery exercises in the West (Yellow) Sea.

A view of the national meeting of light industry workers in Pyongyang on 18 March 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Choe Yong Rim delivered the national meeting’s report.  According to KCNA Choe said in his report “that the history of the development of light industry in the DPRK is a history associated with President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il’s Juche-oriented idea on building light industry, their outstanding leadership and tireless devotion and efforts. Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il regarded it as the supreme principle of the party and state activities to improve the standard of people’s living, regarding it as their maxim to believe in people as in Heaven.  The great Generalissimos’ idea of building the Juche-based light industry and their undying leadership feats are being successfully carried forward by Marshal Kim Jong Un.”  Choe also “referred to the successes achieved in the light industrial field under the leadership of the WPK in the past” and “called for making great innovations and leap forward in producing consumer goods, steadily pushing forward the modernization of equipment and production processes and producing consumer goods as an all-people movement.”

Choe was followed by other speakers from the party, government and the country’s light industrial sector.  Kim Jong Un then delivered his speech in which he said “that the light industrial front along with the agricultural front are the main fronts on which efforts should be focused in the drive for building an economic power and improving the people’s living standard.  To rapidly develop the nation’s light industry is as worthwhile work not only for improving the people’s material and cultural living standards but an important political work for demonstrating the advantages and vitality of the socialist system in the DPRK, consolidating the single-minded unity of the Party and people as firm as a rock and bringing earlier the revolutionary great event of national reunification,” and KJU “set forth main tasks and ways to be held fast to by the field of light industry at present.”

Kim Jong Un (L) speaks at the national meeting of light industry workers in Pyongyang on 18 March 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un addresses the national meeting of light industry workers in Pyongyang on 18 March 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

According to a gist published by KCNA, Kim Jong Un also remarked:

It is necessary to make the most effective use of the existing production potential to radically increase the production of consumer goods and push forward the modernization and scientification of light industry and thus put it on the world’s advanced level.

The light industry should keep production going at a high rate to massively produce varieties of quality consumer goods.

The industrial establishments in the field of light industry should wage a widespread campaign to improve the quality of consumer goods in order to produce daily necessities favored by people and ones symbolic of their units and impeccable on foreign markets.

In order to solve the issue of raw and other materials for light industry the units tasked to provide funds for the people’s living should increase their roles for the present.

A basic way of solving the issue is to locally produce raw and other materials.

The chemical industry has a big role to play for locally producing those materials.

It is very important to develop the local industry for boosting the production of consumer goods.

The field of light industry should regard it as important task to put light industry on a modern and scientific basis and dynamically push forward it at a high level.

The industrial establishments should have scientists and technicians positively involved in production as required by the trend of developing modern light industry so that they may scientifically analyze all the issues arising in producing goods, improving quality, managing equipment and conducting business activities and solve them by dint of science and technology.

It is important to wage the drive for radically increasing the production of consumer goods through a movement involving all masses and the whole society.

It is necessary to boost the production of varieties of quality consumer goods by waging a widespread August 3 Consumer Goods Production Movement as it was done in the 1980s.

If the field of light industry makes rapid progress ahead of other fields, displaying its vitality, and the whole country intensifies the drive for the production of consumer goods, keeping pace with it, the Party’s plan to radically improve the people’s living standard in near future will be translated into a reality.

Great efforts should be channeled into improving public service while increasing the production of consumer goods.

In order to quickly improve the people’s living standard by bringing about a new turn in the development of light industry the officials in the field of light industry should increase their responsibility and role.

Officials of the ministries and national institutions in the field of light industry should learn about and grasp in detail the overall situation of light industry and actual conditions of the units under them. On this basis they should command in a responsible manner the operations for solving knotty problems and bringing about a new turn in the development of light industry.

The officials in the field of light industry should reject stiffness, schema, stagnation and depression, work in a unique and resilient manner and shape reasonable management and business strategies to ensure expanded reproduction and reenergize production by their own efforts.

The officials should have ardent patriotism, value their own things and make positive efforts to develop them to be better than others’.

Scientists and technicians should solve scientific and technological issues arising in the on-going production in good time and, at the same time, study and round off innovative plans for producing raw materials for light industry locally and putting machines and equipment and production processes on a CNC and automation basis and develop more new varieties of light industrial products and functional goods.

The whole state should attach importance to light industry and channel great efforts into its development.

Various sectors and units of national economy should render positive help to the field of light industry, bearing in mind the Party’s intention to effect a turn in the people’s living in the shortest possible span of time.

The Party organizations should increase their roles in order to rapidly develop light industry.

We have not a few difficulties and bottlenecks at present but light industry has a bright prospect of its development.

As long as there are a solid foundation of light industry provided by President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il through all their lives’ dedication and the people intensely loyal to the Party’s leadership, a turn is sure to be effected in the development of the light industry and our people will fully enjoy wealth and glory under socialism without fail.

The Party Central Committee firmly believes that the officials and workers in the field of light industry will turn out with confidence of victory and bring about a new turn in its development.

DPRK Internet Access Blocked

(KCTV file screengrab)

Russian news agency ITAR-TASS reported on 13 March (Wednesday) that the DPRK was blocked from accessing the Internet.  The several thousand DPRK citizens with dedicated connections experienced trouble accessing the Internet and a number of DPRK websites (such as KCNA the Korea Sports Foundation)  on the (.kp) top-level domain [IDNccTLD] could be neither be accessed nor viewed.  For several hours on 13 March, some state media sites on the (.kp) domain were viewable.  On 11 March (Monday) the website for the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] daily newspaper Rodong Sinmun had provided a message in Korean that said there were problems with its server.  ITAR-TASS, which maintains a correspondent in Pyongyang, reported: “Access to the Internet was blocked in North Korea on Wednesday. According to an informed source, Internet resources of the country have come under a powerful hacker attack from abroad.”

DPRK Premier Visits Sports Village and Pyongyang Vegetable Science Institute

DPRK Cabinet Premier Choe Yong Rim (4th L) tours the Basketball Gymnasium at the Chongchun Sports Village in Mangyongdae, Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 11 March (Monday) that DPRK Cabinet Premier Choe Yong Rim visited the Pyongyang Vegetable Science Institute and the reconstruction of the Chongchun Street Sports Village.  Choe’s first visit was a tour of the Water Culture Greenhouse at the Pyongyang Vegetable Science Institute where learned about vegetable farming during the winter and “underscored the need to put the cultivation of vegetables on a scientific basis.”  Choe convened a meeting with officials and according to KCNA “discussed there were measures for relevant units to positively supply raw materials needed for normal operation of the institute and to raise the performance of geotherm pumps and rationalize manpower management.”

Choe Yong Rim also toured the reconstruction work at the Chongchun Sports Village in Mangyo’ngdae, Pyongyang, a project recently initiated by Kim Jong Un.  He visited the Basketball Gymnasium, Table Tennis Gymnasium.  According to KCNA Choe “underscored the need to successfully remodel the village as required by the new century” and “stressed that to successfully remodel the village into a comprehensive sports and cultural center is an important work to carry out the behests of the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and instruction of Kim Jong Un and discussed the measures for relevant sectors to rise up in this work.”

 

Kim Jong Un Watches Basketball Game with Dennis Rodman (updated 1 March)

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) talks with Dennis Rodman (3rd R) during a basketball game of US and DPRK players at the Ryugyong Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium on 28 February 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 28 February (Thursday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) watched a basketball with former NBA player and Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman at Ryugyong Jong Yu Jong Indoor Stadium in Pyongyang.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance at a commemorative photo session with personnel involved in the 12 February 2013 nuclear test.  Also in attendance, among others, were KJU’s wife Ri Sol Ju, Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission and Chairman of the State Physical Culture Sports Commission Jang Song Taek, Director of the Korean People’s Army General Political Department VMar Choe Ryong Hae, and Senior Deputy (1st Vice) Director of the Korean Workers’ Party Propaganda and Agitation Department Ri Jae Il, among others.

The game took place between two teams consisting of four members of the Harlem Globetrotters and 12 players from the DPRK and ended in a tie (110-110).  According to the Associated Press and VICE Media during the game KJU talked with Rodman in English, but KJU occasionally spoke to Rodman in Korean using an interpreter.  According to Xinhua, after the game, Rodman remarked “although relations between the two countries are regrettable, personally I am a friend of Marshal Kim Jong Un and the DPRK people.”  Xinhua reported that “college students and Pyongyang citizens, as well as foreign diplomats and representatives from international organizations were invited to watch the game” and that “DPRK cheerleaders wearing traditional clothes and miniskirts performed during the intermission of the game. After the game, a DPRK university presented a banner to the Harlem Globetrotters.”

Overview of a basketball games played by US and DPRK basketball players at Ryuyong Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium in Pyongyang on 28 February 2013. (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

KCNA reported that:

A mixed basketball game of the visiting American basketball players of Harlem Globetrotters and Korean players belonging to the Hwaebul basketball team of Korean University of Physical Education took place at Ryugyong Jong Ju Yong Gymnasium on Thursday. Among the American players was ex-player of NBA Dennis Rodman.

Sports fans and other Pyongyang citizens packed the gymnasium to watch the game with great interest.

Among the audience were foreign diplomatic envoys, representatives of international bodies, military attaches and other foreign guests here with their families.

The dear respected Marshal Kim Jong Un, together with his wife Ri Sol Ju, came to the gymnasium to watch the game.

The players and audience broke into thunderous cheers, greatly excited to see the game together with Kim Jong Un.

Dennis Rodman went up to the auditorium to bow to Kim Jong Un.

Warmly welcoming him, Kim Jong Un let him sit next to him.

Brett Dennis Meister and Jeffrey Raymond Munn also sat near him.

American basketball players first played a demonstration game amid great attention of the audience.

They showed a variety of special basketball skills to be highly acclaimed.

Then a mixed game of DPRK and American players took place amid elated atmosphere.

Divided into red and white teams, the players carried out fierce seesaw battle.

In the first and second rounds, the red team players won 60:47 with long-distance shooting, dunk shot and other skills.

The audience enthusiastically cheered the players as they showed amazing skills.

During breaks, women’s brass band presented glamorous rhythmic formations.

National dances by Korean women artistes and a demonstration performance of Taekwon-Do players added to the cheerful mood.

Korean basketball players played the game well with American players of their teams in a coordinated way by fully displaying their techniques. American players made a good job of the game to give good impressions to the audience.

The white team combined man-to-man defence and fast break. The game ended in a draw 110:110.

Kim Jong Un and Dennis Rodman talk (L)during a banquet hosted by the DPRK Olympic Committee at a banquet hall (possibly Mokran House) in the central party complex in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Rodman and members of the basketball delegation attended a banquet in the central party complex, hosted by the DPRK Olympic Committee..  According to one the US attendees at the banquet, they dined on a 10-course meal, including sushi and turkey (a fairly common menu when the DPRK elite host receptions for major international visitors and delegations).  One US attendee at the banquet tweeted “Um…so Kim Jong Un just got the whole…crew wasted, no really that happened.”  According to KCNA Kim Jong said that he “ was pleased they visited Pyongyang to provide young people of the DPRK who are fond of basketball with an opportunity of enjoying the nice game” and “expressed his expectation that such sports exchange would be activated, contributing to promoting mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.”  Kim Jong Un “welcomed their visit to the DPRK, hoping that through the visit they would become familiar with the DPRK people, especially with basketball fans.”  According to KCNA Dennis Rodman said that “it was the greatest pleasure for him to meet with Kim Jong Un and his wife for the first time for Americans,” “hoped the sports exchange would continue between the two countries” and ”wished Kim Jong Un good health, heartily thanking him for warm hospitality.”

VICE provided several images of the game and the KJU-Rodman interaction.

During the 1 March 2013 Korean Central Television [KCTV] news broadcast  Kim Jong Un’s attendance at the basketball game and banquet with Dennis Rodman and the US basketball delegation was reported by senior anchorwoman Ri Chun Hui. Later into the broadcast, there were news items which showed Rodman and members of the Globetrotters visiting the Rungra Dolphinarum, the Globetrotters visiting sites in Pyongyang and Dennis Rodman departing the DPRK from Pyongyang Sunan Airport.

KCTV anchorwoman Ri Chun Hui broadcastingDPRK state media’s account of KJU’s attendance at a basketball game and a banquet hosted by the DPRK Olympic Committee, attended by Dennis Rodman, members of the Harlem Globetrotters and other members of the US delegation (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Kim Jong Un arriving at Ryugyong Jong Ju Yong Stadium for a 28 February 2013 exhibition basketball game and greeting those in attendance (Photos: KCTV screengrab)

Dennis Rodman arrives at Ryugyong Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium in Pyongyang on 28 February 2013. At the left in the images is Ri Sol Ju, Kim Jong Un’s wife (Photo: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un greets other members of the US basketball delegation (L) and talks to Dennis Rodman in Pyongyang on 28 February 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrab)

Kim Jong Un (4th R) and Dennis Rodman (3rd R) watch the Harlem Globetrotters demonstrate various techniques and tricks. Also in attendance are Jang Song Taek (3rd L) and Ri Sol Ju (4th L) (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Members of the Harlem Globetrotters demonstrate various tricks prior to a scrimmage between DPRK and US basketball players (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un and Dennis Rodman (C) watch a basketball game between teams of US and DPRK players at Ryugnyong Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium in Pyongyang on 28 February 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

View of basketball games of US and DPRK basketball players in Pyongyang on 28 February 2013 (Photos: KCTC screengrabs)

Basketball game between US and DPRK players (above) and officials at foreign embassies and non-governmental organizations (below) at Ryugyong Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium on 28 February 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Halftime show at a US-DPRK basketball game showing an ogum dance routine (L), a brass band ensemble (C) and taekwondo demonstration (R) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

A Korean dance routine featuring the ogum during halftime at a 28 February 2013 game of US and DPRK players (L). Kim Jong Un’s mother, Ko Yong Hui performed a similar routine when she was a member of the Mansudae Art Troupe in the 1970s (Photos: KCTV screengrab, KWP Propaganda and Agitation Department Culture Section)

Second half of a basketball game played between US and DPRK players in Pyongyang on 28 February 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Overview of Ryugyong Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium, the venue for a 28 February 2013 basktball game between DPRK and US players. Employees of foreign embassies and non-governmental organizations in the DPRK, watching the game (Photos: KCTV screengrab)

Dennis Rodman (arrow) speaks after an exhibition basketball game between DPRK and US players in Pyongyang on 28 February 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un receives a Harlem Globetrotters uniform after the game. Also seen in attendance is KJU’s uncle Jang Song Taek (R), Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission and Chairman of the DPRK Physical Culture and Sports Commission (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Overview of a banquet hall in the KWP Central Committee complex in central Pyongyang, the venue of a banquet hosted for the US basketball delegation by the DPRK Olympic Committee (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju dine with Dennis Rodman. Seated between KJU and Rodman is an English-language interpreter (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un converses with Dennis Rodman (L) then engages in a round of toasts with Rodman (C) and other guests (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un talks with a US citizen of the basketball delegation. Seen in the background R is Jang Song Taek (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Kim Jong Un greets members of the US basketball delegation at a banquet hosted by the DPRK Olympic Committee (top and middle) and KJU and Dennis Rodman bow (below) prior to Rodman’s departure from the banquet hall (Photos: KCTV screengrab)

Dennis Rodman (L) embraces Kim Jong Un (R) prior to departing a banquet hosted in the central party complex by the DPRK Olympic Committee. Seen in the background, L, is DPRK basketball star Ri Myong Hun (a.k.a. Michael Ri) (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Former NBA player and hall of famer Dennis Rodman (foreground) gives a double “thumbs-up” after arriving at the Rungra Dolphinarium on 1 March 2013 (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Dennis Rodman, Harlem Globetrotters and other members fo the US basketball delegation watch and participate in a show at the Rungra Dolphinarium in Pyongyang on 1 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Harlem Globetrotters and members of the US basketball delegation visit a health complex in Pyongyang on 1 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Members of the Harlem Globetrotters tour the Indoor Ice Rink and Pyongyang Skate Park on 1 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Dennis Rodman shakes hands with Son Kwang Ho (L) and other DPRK officials (R) prior to departing the DPRK on1 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)