Choe Ryong Hae Arrives in Beijing for 3 Day Visit

VMar Choe Ryong, Director of the KPA General Political Department and Member of the KWP Political Bureau Presidium, poses for a commemorative photograph at Pyongyang Airport on 22 May 2013, prior to his departure to Beijing as a “special envoy” of DPRK leader Kim Jong Un. Members of Choe’s delegation to China are: Kim Hyong Jun (2) of the DPRK Foreign Ministry, Col. Gen. Ri Yong Gil (3) of the KPA General Staff, Kim Song Nam (4) of the KWP International Affairs Department and Lt. Gen. Kim Su Gil of the KPA (Photo: KCNA).

DPRK state media reported that a senior delegation led by VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department,  departed Pyongyang and arrived in Beijing on 22 May (Wednesday).  VMar Choe, acting as a “special envoy for Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n),” was joined on the trip by Col. Gen. Ri Yong Gil (Chief of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau), Kim Song Nam (Deputy Director of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] International Affairs Department with the portfolio for Chinese relations), Kim Hyong Jun (Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs) and  Lt. Gen. Kim Su Gil (KPA/Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces).  Citing unnamed diplomatic sources in Beijing, Yonhap News Agency reported that after arriving in Beijing at around 10:30 AM, Choe and the delegation were driven to Diaoyutai Guest House.  At the airport the DPRK delegation was received by DPRK Ambassador to the PRC Ji Jae Ryong and Deputy Director of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China [CPC] Central Committee.

VMar Choe Ryong Hae (1) shakes hands with Liu Jieyi (2), deputy director of the Communist Party of China Central Committee International Liaison Department, after arriving in Beijing on 22 May 2013. Also seen in attendance are Kim Song Nam (3) and Col. Gen. Ri Yong Gil (4) (Photo: KCNA).

Wang Jiarui (R), vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Choe Ryong Hae, special envoy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) top leader Kim Jong Un, and a member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, in Beijing, capital of China, May 22, 2013. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Shortly after his arrival in Beijing, Choe Ryong Hae  met with Wang Jiarui, head of the CPC Central Committee International Liaison Department.  Details of the meeting were not disclosed in Chinese media.

During his visit, VMar Choe will most likely meet with senior Chinese officials including PRC President Xi Jinping.  This is the first reported visit by a senior DPRK official acting as a representative for Kim Jong Un, since KJU formally became supreme leader in January 2012.  Choe Ryong Hae and the members of the delegation are the most high level DPRK officials to publicly visit China since August 2012 when Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission and Director of the KWP Administration Department) led a large delegation on a weeklong visit in his capacity as the DPRK’s Chairman of the DPRK-China Joint Guidance Committee.  Choe’s arrival in Beijing was the first publicized visit by the head of the KPA General Political Department since November 2009, when then-Gen. Kim Jong Gak led a KPA delegation on a visit to Beijing and to Jilin Province.

The visit to China by Choe Ryong Hae and the senior delegation occurred after a close adviser to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the DPRK.  Isao Ijima, an adviser to Abe with ties to the DPRK leadership, visited Pyongyang during 14 to 17 May.  Ijima was unofficially accompanied on his DPRK visit by members of Chosen Soren (Chongryon), the pro-DPRK association of Korean residents in Japan.  During his stay, Ijima met with KWP Secretary for International Affairs Kim Yong Il, Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium President Kim Yong Nam (the DPRK’s nominal head of state and #2 leading official) and DPRK Ambassador-at-Large (with the portfolio for DPRK-Japan interactions) Song Il Ho.  Ijima’s visit to Pyongyang was criticized as “unhelpful” by the South Korean government and viewed with some ambivalence by the United States, however Ijima’s trip was supported by China with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei saying, “We hope tensions on the Korean Peninsula will be eased, and regional peace and stability will be secured through the contact (between Iijima and North Korea)We hope (the latest visit) will be beneficial for resolving problems, including the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”

Choe and the delegation also arrived in Beijing one day after the DPRK released a Chinese fishing trawler and its 16 crew members.  The Dalian-based trawler “Liaoning Generic Fishing No. 2522″ and the crew members were captured in Chinese waters by an unknown group of DPRK pirates on 5 May 2013 and held until 21 May 2013.  The captured fisherman were held for a $75,000 ransom that was not paid   The Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese border security forces informed the DPRK about the trawler’s capture and demanded that DPRK authorities investigate the ship’s seizure.  The incident was not publicized until the fishing boat’s owner wrote about it on his microblog.  After the incident was publicized, the Chinese government requested that the DPRK release the trawler and its crew.

Choe Ryong Hae and the delegation’s visit to Beijing also occurs one month before Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to hold a meeting with US President Barack Obama and a possible summit in Beijing in June with South Korean President Park Geun-hye.  The Xi-Obama meeting has been scheduled for 7 June and 8 June at the former estate of Walter and Lee Annenberg, Sunnylands, in Rancho Mirage, California.  The South Korean government has yet to finalize a date and itinerary for Park Geun-hye’s visit to China in June.  Park initially wanted a visit to China to be her first trip as ROK President, but instead she traveled to the United States on a six-day working visit in early May.

Choe Ryong Hae’s arrival in Beijing incited a round of speculation by Pyongyang watchers.  Professor Lee Nam-joo told Yonhap “It may be the start of policies that can ease tensions and lead to dialogue.  The envoy should be able to help reduce tensions which have reached unprecedented levels recently”  and Professor Yang Moo-jin said that “Pyongyang may seek to highlight the close ‘blood alliance’ that existed between the two countries and seek an outlet for inter-Korea talks as well as dialogue with the United States.”  Professor Yang also said that  ”with Washington and Beijing expected to touch on North Korea at an upcoming summit meeting, the envoy can explain to China the North’s position, which may open new dialogue channels not only between Pyongyang and Washington but between South and North Korea.”

Talks between the DPRK delegation and senior Chinese officials will likely touch on strategic issues including the DPRK’s launch of a rocket/ballistic missile on 12 December 2013 and the 12 February 2013 test of a nuclear device.  If China was hoping that a senior-level interaction would cause the DPRK to return to the Six Party Talks on denuclearization they are likely to find that Choe Ryong Hae’s visit may not bear the fruit that they seek.  DPRK Ambassador to the Russian Federation Kim Yong Jae gave an interview with Russia’s Interfax news service, published on 21 May, in which he said, “The army and the people of North Korea, who are living in the conditions of permanent nuclear threats, sanctions and a blockade, will in every possible way reinforce nuclear deterrence forces that are destined to protect the sovereignty of the country and a right for the nation to exist, safeguard peace and promote stability in the region.”

Kim Yong Jae also said “The essence of the US strategy in Korea is to strangle North Korea. It is North Korea that is the first object in implementation of the [USA's] strategy in the Asia-Pacific region.  The US global strategy is a strategy of domination of the whole planet and to implement it, a strategy of reorienting [the USA] to the Asia-Pacific region has been launched. In accordance with it, pressure is also being built up on China and Russia in the Northeast Asia and a special geopolitical role is assigned to the Korean peninsula” and that ”the people of this region, like other world peaceloving forces, not only failed to exert pressure on the USA to disrupt its large-scale military exercises, but also succumbed to the influence of a sophisticated information war to dishonour North Korea on the part of the USA and South Korea.”

DPRK Premier Visits Steel Complex, Cement Plant Children’s Hosptial and Trade Fair

DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju (1) is briefed about the Ryonha Machinery Company’s exhibition at the 16th annual Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair at the Three Revolutions Exhibition in Pyongyang. (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 17 May (Friday) that DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju visited the Ch’o'llima Steel Complex, the Sunch’o'n Cement Complex, the construction of the Pyongyang Children’s Hospital and the 16th annual Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair.  Pak’s first visits were to the construction site of Pyongyang Children’s Hospital and to the international trade fair.  The trade fair, which includes exhibitions by 100 DPRK companies and 40 foreign companies, was held at the Three Revolutions’ Exhibition in Pyongyang from 13 to 16 May.  Pak later visited the Sunch’o'n Cement Complex in the city of Sunch’o'n, South P’yo’ngan Province.  At the cement complex, Pak Pong Ju held a meeting with local officials, factory managers and employees which addressed “issues on substantially supplying cement needed for implementing the new line of the Workers’ Party of Korea and stepping up the updating of production processes.”

Pak also visited the Posan Iron Works at the Ch’o'llima Steel Works, between Pyongyang and Namp’o, South P’yo’ngan Province, which was described as “waging a dynamic drive for increased iron production, the premier encouraged the officials, technicians and workers to work hard to implement the party’s policy.”  He convened a meeting of officials and factory managers at which Pak “he underscored the need for the officials and other workers of the complex to steadily increase the production capacity by stepping up Juche-orientation and modernization of the non-ferrous metal industry, with firm resolve to shatter the moves of the U.S. imperialists and their stooges to ignite a war in hearty response to the line advanced by the dear respected Marshal Kim Jong Un on pushing forward economic construction and the building of nuclear force.”  According to KCNA, Pak also said that “more iron and steel are required at the worksites for building a socialist economic power” and he called “for making great innovations in production.”

According to Minju Joson the first expanded meeting of the DPRK Cabinet in mid-April 2013, the Cabinet said that “the Ch’o'llima Steel Complex should normalize production at Posan Iron Works and should thereby solve the raw materials problem for steel production and should increase rolled steel production and should thereby pay back the trust of the party that wants the complex to become a standard-bearer and a shock brigade in implementing the party’s simultaneous line.”

DPRK Ambassador Presents Credentials to Heir Apparent of Qatar

Qatar’s Heir Apparent and Deputy Emir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (L) accepts a letter of credence from DPRK Ambassador So Chang Sik (R) at his Emiri Diwan office on 22 April 2013 (Photo: Emiri Diwan of HH Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent and Gulf Times)

DPRK state media reported on 4 May (Saturday) that DPRK Ambassador So Chang Sik presented his diplomatic letter of credence (credentials) to the heir apparent of Qatar and deputy emir, Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.  Ambassador So, who is is resident ambassador to Kuwait, was one of ten foreign ambassadors to present his letter of credence at the Emiri Diwan office on 22 April 2013.  According KCNA, the Crown Prince told So “I wish HE (His Excellency) Kim Jong Un, supreme leader of the DPRK, good health and big success in his work.”  The Crown Prince also remarked that “I am very pleased to see the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries developing on good terms, the heir apparent said, hoping that the relations would grow stronger in the future” and he “expressed belief that the DPRK would demonstrate its might as a stronger country, beating back all challenges against it despite the extremely acute situation on the Korean Peninsula.”

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.

Kim Jong Un Attends KPA Event at Kumsusan

Kim Jong Un (2nd R) points to something at an event held at the plaza in front of Ku’msusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang on 25 April 2013 to mark the KPA’s official 81st anniversary. KJU is seen talking to his uncle, Jang Song Taek (R), Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission and Director of the KWP Administration Department. Also in the image are Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (L) and VMar Choe Ryong Hae (2nd L) (Photo: KCTV-Yonhap)

DPRK state media reported on 25 April (Thursday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) attended a rally and “march-past” at Ku’msusan Plaza in Pyongyang to mark the official 81st anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People’s Army [KPA].  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance at a concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra, given on Sun’s Day (Day of the Sun; Kim Il Sung’s birth anniversary).  Joining Kim Jong Un on one platform were VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the 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), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Pak To Chun (Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary), VMar Kim Yong Chun (Vice Chairman of the NDC and Director of the KWP Civil Defense Department),VMar Ri Yong Mu (Vice Chairman of the NDC), Gen. O Kuk Ryol (Vice Chairman of the NDC), VMar Hyon Chol Hae (1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces and Director of the KPA General Logistics Department), Gen. Kim Wo’n-hong (Minister of State Security [MSS]), Ju Kyu Chang (Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department), Col. Gen. Kim Chang Sop (Director of the MSS Political Bureau), Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (Minister of People’s Security [MPS]), Col Gen. Ri Pyong Sam (Director of the MPS Political Bureau), Gen. Ri Pyong Chol (Commander of the KPA Air and Anti-Air Command), Col. Gen. Kim Myong Sik (Commander of the KPA Navy) and Lt. Gen. Kim Rak Gyom (Commander of the KPA Strategic Rocket Force Command).

Watching the rally and demonstration from another platform were Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam, DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju, KWP Secretary and Kim Family head Kim Kyong Hui, KWP Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department Kim Ki Nam, KWP Secretary and SPA Chairman Choe Tae Bok, SPA Presidium Vice President Yang Hyong Sop, DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier Kang Sok Ju, KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department Kim Yang Gon, KWP Secretary and Director of the International Affairs Department Kim Yong Il, KWP Secretary and Director of Cadres’ Affairs Kim P’yo’ng-hae, KWP Secretary and Director of Planning and Finance Kwak Pom Gi, 1st Vice (senior deputy) Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department Jo Yon Jun, along with “vice-premiers of the Cabinet, diplomatic envoys of foreign countries and members of the military attaches corps here.”  Watching the event were “officials of the party central leadership organ in Pyongyang, officials of the party and armed forces organs, working people’s organizations, ministries and national institutions, officers and men of the KPA and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces, people from all walks of life, the chief of the Pyongyang mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front and overseas Koreans.”

The anniversary event began with speakers, led off by VMar Choe Ryong Hae.  According to KCNA, Choe said “the 80 odd year-long history of the KPA is one of glory in which it has steadily grown stronger as the main force for accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e under the care of the peerlessly great men of Mt. Paektu and one of victory and feats in which it met every vicious challenge and shattered war provocation moves of the enemies and reliably defended the party, the leader, country and people” and he “expressed the pledge of all the service personnel to carry to completion the revolutionary cause of Juche that was started with arms in the forests of Mt. Paektu by taking the lead in upholding the leadership of the Supreme Commander as instructed by the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.”  KPA Navy Commander Kim Myong Sik said in his speech “even though the U.S. imperialist aggressors try to browbeat the DPRK with super-large carriers and nuclear-powered submarines, they will never evade the fate of the U.S. heavy cruiser Baltimore, which was buried at sea in waters off Jumunjin during the last Korean War, by the revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK equipped ultra-modern strike means” and that “seamen waiting for the time of a dueling battle will send to the bottom of the sea all the pirate ships of aggressors, once ordered, and turn the South Sea of Korea into the burial sea of the enemies.”

KPA Air and Anti-Air Force Commander Ri Pyong Chol said “the men of his force are waiting for a final attack order to put an end to the enemies, with firm determination to devotedly safeguard the Party Central Committee headed by Kim Jong Un and the Ku’msusan Palace of the Sun” and that “the flying corps of a-match-for-a hundred stalwart pilots, once given a sortie order, will load nuclear bombs, instead of fuel for return, and storm enemy strongholds to blow them up.”  Strategic Rocket Force Commander Kim Rak Gyom said “the DPRK’s inter-continental ballistic missiles have already set the dens of the brigandish U.S. imperialists as their first target and officers and men of the Strategic Rocket Force are one click away from pushing the launch button.  If the U.S. imperialists and their followers dare make a preemptive attack, they will be made to keenly realize what a real nuclear war and real retaliatory blows are like and their stooges be made to feel the taste of horrible nuclear holocaust.”

Following the speeches, KPA units marched past Kim Jong Un.  According to KCNA KJU “saluted the columns marching past the tribune of honor in fine array.”  The event also included a fly-over by KPA Air and Anti-Air Forces jets.

 

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.

Central Leadership Visits Light Industry Exhibition

Senior members of the central leadership tour an exhibition of light industry goods in Pyongyang. Among the officials in this image are: Choe Tae Bok (5th R), Kim Yong Nam (4th R) Yang Hyong Sop (3rd R) and Pak To Chun (2nd R) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 22 March (Friday) that members of the DPRK’s central political leadership toured an exhibition of light industry goods being held at the Three Revolutions Exhibition in Pyongyang on 20 and 22 March.  Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam, DPRK Cabinet Premier Choe Yong Rim, Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary and SPA Chairman Choe Tae Bok, KWP Secretary Pak To Chun and SPA Presidium Vice President Yang Hyong Sop toured the exhibition of what KCNA reported were “142.000 items of consumer goods produced by light industrial establishments in Pyongyang and local areas,” saw “exhibition stands fully stacked with vinalon products, velvet cloth, shoes, seasonal clothes, sportswear, foodstuffs, cosmetics and household utensils” and “popular among visitors were products from provincial combined foodstuff factories and Ch’angso’ng County which made big contributions to producing consumer goods by developing local industry.”  According to KCNA “those consumer goods produced through the creative ingenuity of masses and the tapping of internal reserves clearly proved the validity and vitality of the August 3 Consumer Goods Production Movement. “

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim (foreground, R) tours an exhibition of light industry goods at the Three Revolutions Exhibition in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

The 3 August Consumer Goods Production Movement was initiated on 3 August 1984 when the late supreme leader Kim Jong Il inspected the Pyongyang City Light Industrial Goods Exhibition.  According to one of his official biographies, “this movement prvoed very viable because it sharply increased the production of various consumer goods and relied on the masses’ intelligence and creativity.  Comrade Kim Jong Il suggested party organizations push on powerfully with the movement.  In May 1986 he paid a high tribute to P’yo’ngchon District, Pyongyang, as an exemplary unit and its experience generalized across the country.”

KJU Sends Congratulatory Note to Xi Jinping After Election as Chinese President

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) sent a message congratulating Xi Jinping (R) on his election as Chinese President on 14 March 2013. Xi is seen shaking hands with his predecessor Hu Jintao (2nd R) at the National People’s Congres in Beijing) (Photos: KCNA file photo, Xinhua News Agency)

DPRK state media reported on 14 March (Thursday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) sent a congratulatory message to Xi Jinping, following Xi’s election as Chinese President after the PRC held its National People’s Congress.  According to KCNA the message from KJU to Xi said:

I would like to send warm congratulations to you on your election as president of the People’s Republic of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission of the PRC at the first session of the 12th National People’s Congress of the PRC.

Your assumption of the heavy responsibility as the state leader is an expression of the Chinese people and army’s deep respect and trust in you.

It is my hope that the Chinese people will register greater successes in building a comprehensively well-off socialist society in all fields under the leadership of the CPC with you as general secretary.

It is the consistent stand of our party and the DPRK government to value and consolidate and develop the DPRK-China friendship.

I wish you success in your responsible work in the belief that the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the DPRK and China will grow strong steadily and successfully thanks to the common efforts of the two sides.

The message was the first reported public communication between DPRK and Chinese officials since mid-December.  Some analysts have misinterpreted Chinese support for United Nations Security Council responses to the DPRK’s 12 December 2012 launch of the U’nha-3 rocket and 12 February 2013 nuclear, along with the cranky cries of various Chinese academics, as an insurmountable cleavage between the DPRK and China.  These analyses conveniently ignore that senior officials in Pyongyang and Beijing routinely communicate with one another sans public activity or media reporting.  When Xi Jinping was elected PRC Vice President in 2008 and designated successor to outgoing PRC President Hu Jintao in 2008, the DPRK was the first stop on Xi’s five-nation goodwill tour.  Xi met late leader Kim Jong Il, in a rather sunny mood that day, on 18 June 2008