Kim Jong Un Visits Mansudae Art Studio and Attends KPISF Concert

Kim Jong Un (R) issues instructions during a visit to the Mansudae Art Studio in Pyongyang where he viewed works slated for display in the city’s war museum when it reopens in July (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 13 May (Monday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Mansudae Art Studio and watched a performance by the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces [KPISF] Song and Dance Ensemble.  KJU’s last observed public appearance was his attendance at rehearsal and a meeting with members of the U’nhasu Orchestra.  KJU first visited the Mansudae Art Studio.  He was accompanied by Choe Hwi, Senior Deputy (1st vice) Director of the KWP Propaganda and Agitation Department, and Kim Ui Sun, a deputy director of the KWP Propaganda and Agitation Department.

At the art studio Kim Jong Un reviewed paintings and other art works which will be installed in the renovated Victorious Fatherland Liberation War (Korean War) Museum when it reopens in July 2013.  According to KCNA, KJU “noted that creators have truthfully portrayed the personality of the President as an invincible and iron-willed commander, a peerless strategist and tender-hearted father of the service personnel and the people, adding he felt as if he were watching his photos” and “watched again and again such works portraying the President in the period of the Fatherland Liberation War as ‘The great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung planning an operation’, ‘The great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung teaching a new combat method’ and ‘The great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung laying down a policy of using tanks to commanding officers of the KPA.’  He praised the creators for having successfully dealt with the principle of historicism and the phases of those times.”  KJU remarked that “watching photos of the President and the works depicting him in the war period to be displayed in the museum would help the visitors keenly realize how a great victory was won in the war and where was the source of the indomitable mental strength displayed by the service personnel and the people of the DPRK” and “told the creators to consider this principle as a rule in creating such works.”  KJU also “specified the orientation and ways which would serve as guidelines for creating such works and further developing the Chuch’e-based fine art,” according to KCNA.

Kim Jong Un (1) watches a performance of the KPISF Song and Dance Ensemble with his wife Ri Sol Ju (5). Also in attendance are Col. Gen Choe Pu Il (2), Kim Kyong Hui (3), Kim Kim Ki Nam (4), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (6), Jang Song Taek (7) and Gen. Jang Jong Nam (8). Gen. Jang Jong Nam was recently appointed Minister of the People’s Armed Forces and this was his first observed public appearance since his appointment. (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un later watched a concert given by the KPISF Song And Dance Ensemble.  He was joined by 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] and Director of the KWP Administration Department), Gen. Jang Jong Nam (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Kyong Hui (KWP Secretary, head of the Kim Family and KJU’s aunt), Kim Ki Nam (KWP Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department), Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (Minister of the People’s Security) and “other senior party and army officials, DPRK hero Ri Kyong Sim, woman traffic controller, who is well known to the service personnel and people for fully displaying the spirit of devotedly protecting the leader, and other people’s security persons and service personnel of the KPISF.”  KCNA reported that “put on the stage were colorful numbers of various genres including narration and chorus ‘Eternal Smile’, female solo and chorus ‘General Kim Il Sung Is Our Sun’ and dance ‘At the Lake Samjiyon.’”

After the concert, Kim Jong Un “highly praised the creators and artistes of the ensemble for giving the best performance, dynamic and appealing, by creating works of great cognitive and instructive significance providing good answers to social issues in the era of Military First (So’ngun) politics through the sensitive reflection of the party’s policies” and “gave thanks of the Supreme Commander of the KPA to them.”  According to KCNA, KJU “appreciated the performance as one which fully represented the will of the people’s security persons and service personnel of the KPISF to devotedly safeguard the socialist system with arms and law, a presentation instilling great strength and courage into the audience and the one, highest in artistry and flawless in its ideological contents and appeal” and said that “it is the great honor and pride of the WPK to have such art troupe as the song and dance ensemble of the KPISF.”  Kim Jong Un also said “he enjoyed the performance very much, noting that it was good to decorate the stage with colorful and diverse numbers through the presentation of national music, squad performance and light music. He once again highly appreciated the unique and enterprising creative work style of the creators and artistes of the ensemble” and “set forth important tasks to be fulfilled by the ensemble, expressing expectation and belief that its creators and artistes would energetically conduct the creation and performing activities to educate the people’s security persons, the service personnel of the KPISF in a revolutionary manner and people and powerfully encourage them in their struggle.”

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)

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.

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.”

Kim Jong Un Attends Performance by KPISF, Visits Health Complex & Outdoor Ice Rink

Kim Jong Un waves to the audience of a concert by the KPISF Song and Dance Ensemble at the Ponghwa Art Theater in Pyongyang on 26 July 2012. Also seen in attendance his wife Ri Sol Ju (3rd R) (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 26 July (Thursday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) attended an art performance given by the song and dance ensemble of the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces [KPISF] at Ponghwa Art Theater in Pyongyang on 26 July (Thursday).  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance at a completion ceremony of the pleasure ground on Nu’ngna Island in Pyongyang on 25 July (Thursday).  At the performance, according to KCNA, KJU was joined by his wife Ri Sol Ju (Ri So’l-chu).  DPRK state media reporting also used KJU’s attendance of the concert to indicate that Chief of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Staff, VMar Hyon Yong Chol, has taken another of his predecessor VMar Ri Yong Ho’s previous positions; VMar Hyon was identified as Vice Chairman of the Party Central Military Commission.

Kim Jong Un (2nd R) applaud during a KPISF Song and Dance Ensemble concert in Pyongyang on 26 July 2012. Also seen in attendance are his wife Ri Sol Ju (L), his aunt KWP Secretary Kim Kyong Hui (R) and KWP Secretary and Department Director of Propaganda and Agitation Kim Ki Nam (2nd R) (Photo: KCNA)

KCNA reports:

A performance of the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces (KPISF) was given with splendor at Ponghwa Art Theatre in Pyongyang on Thursday to celebrate the 59th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War.

Marshal Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, first chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and supreme commander of the Korean People’s Army, enjoyed the performance.

When Kim Jong Un, together with his wife Ri Sol Ju, appeared at the auditorium, stormy cheers of “Hurrah!” burst forth.

He waved back to the audience and warmly congratulated them on the war victory day.

Appreciating the performance were Korean People’s Army Vice Marshal Hyon Yong Chol, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea and chief of the General Staff of the KPA; Kim Kyong Hui, secretary of the WPK Central Committee, Jang Song Thaek, vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission, Department Director Kim Yong Chun and Secretary Kim Ki Nam of the WPK Central Committee, who are Politburo members of the WPK Central Committee; Secretaries Kim Yang Gon, Kim Yong Il, Kim Phyong Hae and Mun Kyong Dok who are alternate Politburo members of the WPK Central Committee; Ri Pyong Sam, director of the KPISF Political Department who is an alternate Politburo member of the WPK Central Committee; party and army officials and KPISF service personnel.

The performance began with narration and music “Our Victory Day July 27″.

Put on the stage were colorful numbers including chorus “Long Live Generalissimo Kim Il Sung,” male duet and chorus “Victors,” male guitar quartet ensemble “Song of Soldier,” female sextet “My Dear Has Become Hero” and accordion quartet “We Will As Ever Defend Seas of the Country”.

The performers sang of the undying feats of Kim Il Sung who wrought miracles of history by defeating the most atrocious U.S. imperialists in the war.

Oral narration “Promise,” female solo “He Has Come with President’s Love” and other pieces represent boundless reverence for Generalissimo Kim Jong Il, who developed the Korean People’s Army into an elite army and turned the DPRK into an invincible politico-ideological and military power with his unique Songun politics in the worst adversity to glorify the July 27 victory day.

Dialogue poem “Smile a Broad Smile” and mixed duet and chorus “For Posterity” and other numbers dealing with honor and pride of holding in high esteem Marshal Kim Jong Un, a peerlessly illustrious commander of Songun, who is bringing earlier the final victory of a thriving Korea with noble outlook on posterity and future were acclaimed by the audience.

He expressed great satisfaction over the excellent performance vibrant with the revolutionary zeal and stamina of the vanguard of the Songun revolution.

He mounted the stage to give congratulations on the successful performance, waving back to the enthusiastically cheering performers and audience.

He expressed expectation and conviction that they would share the idea, will, breath and destiny with the leader and take the lead in the defence of the leader, social system and people. He had a photo session with all the participants.

Kim Jong Un (2nd R) waves to performers of the KPISF Song and Dance Ensemble on 26 July 2012. Also seen in attendance is VMar Hyon Yong Chol (2nd L), who was recently appointed Chief of the KPA General Staff and Vice Chairman of the Party Central Military Commission (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un (seated) inspects a bathing facility at Ryugyong Health Complex in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un was also reported on 26 July to have inspected the Ryugyong Health Complex and an outdoor ice skating rink.  Ri Sol Ju was not reported to have attended this visit.  Instead KJU was accompanied by his aunt Kim Kyong Hui, his uncle Jang Song Taek and KWP deputy (vice) director Ryang Chong Sang.  KJU last visited both the health complex and skating rink in May 2012.  KCNA reports:

He went to the Ryugyong Health Complex first.

Examining the exterior of the health complex, he said that recently appearing buildings including the complex are diverse and peculiar in shape.

At the nice and clean hall he said it seemed that he was briefed on the project in front of the panoramic map a few days ago, but the complex has changed beyond recognition.

Walking along the corridor he said the wall decorated with stone pieces was good just as he said before. The contents of the structure hinge on the building materials used at the final phase of the construction, he added.

He personally opened a dressing box of mass bathroom and dropped in at hot dry, wet and pine tree saunas to learn in detail about the construction. It is important to take thorough-going measure for disinfection of bathrooms including saunas and sanitation is most important, he said.

Going around a barber’s, massage room, family bathroom and other places, he corrected shortcomings one by one. He underscored the need to give finishing touches with an idea that there is no satisfaction in working for the people.

At the popular restaurant on the fourth floor he learned about the service program there. He said that people want to drink refreshing drinks after bathing. It will be good to serve soft drinks, noodle and other foods, he said, adding that the Ryugyong Health Complex should be well known to the people for its tasty noodle.

He then went to the People’s Open-Air Ice Rink.

He went round various places of the ice rink including skating hall, skate service room, lounges for players, clinic, broadcasting room and observation room to learn in detail about the construction.

On the spacious icy ground he was satisfied to see people skating, saying that it is nice to see people skating even in the hottest period of summer.

He said the architectural style and content are fresh and peculiar and everything of the ice rink ranging from its design to construction is on a high level. He set forth the tasks for completion of the construction.

Looking at the space in front the ice rink, he said that the ice rink would be perfect in all aspects as a multi-functional skating ground if a roller-skating ground was added to it.

He said as the Ryugyong Health Complex and People’s Open-Air Ice Rink were presents of the Workers’ Party to the people it is important to keep the content ahead of the style. He stressed the need not to care for bringing earlier the day of the completion but make the projects impeccable in a more responsible manner.

Moranbong Band’s Encore

A KCNA/KCTV still (top) shows a performance of the Moranbong Band that used scenes from Disney animated films and costumed characters. A KCNA/KCTV still (below) shows Kim Jong Il visiting performers’ apartments in Pyongyang in October 2010. Perched in a bedroom was a plush figure that resembles Minnie Mouse (Photo: KCNA/KCTV still)

Last week, Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) attended a concert by the newly formed Moranbong Band.  Since initial DPRK state media reporting about the concert, two details about the concert and who attended it have surfaced.  Part of the performance included scenes from several Disney animated films, while performers dressed as Disney characters danced.  The Associated Press reports:

Performers dressed as Minnie Mouse, Tigger and others danced and pranced as footage from “Snow White,” ”Dumbo,” ”Beauty and the Beast” and other Disney movies played on a massive backdrop, according to still photos shown on state TV.

The inclusion of characters popular in the West — particularly from the United States, North Korea’s wartime enemy — is a notable change in direction for performances in Pyongyang. Actors and actresses also showed off new wardrobes, including strapless gowns and little black dresses.

Kim himself established the group that performed, and the changes may be a sign that he is seeking to carve out a different image from his father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, by easing restrictions on Western culture, said Koh Yu-hwan, a North Korean studies professor based in Seoul, South Korea.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency said Kim has a “grandiose plan to bring about a dramatic turn in the field of literature and arts this year.”

Under Kim Jong Il, who died in December, North Korea became well known for its massive Arirang shows, synchronized dance and gymnastics shows involving up to 100,000 people.

This appears to be the first time Disney characters have been included in a major performance in Pyongyang, though Winnie and Mickey have been popular among children for several years. Backpacks, pencil cases and pajamas imported from China often feature Disney characters, and stories such as “Dumbo” have been translated into Korean for North Korean schoolchildren. However, it is unusual to make such images a central part of a North Korean performance and publicize them on state TV.

Zenia Mucha, chief spokesperson for The Walt Disney Co., said the use of Disney characters in the North Korean performance was not authorized by the U.S. entertainment company.

During the performance, seated on Kim Jong Un’s right, was a young woman who appeared to be his younger sister and close aide, Kim Yo Jong (Kim Yo’-cho’ng).  A closer examination of photographs of Kim Yo Jong and the woman attending the concert show some differences in their physical characteristics.  The woman who attended the concert with KJU later joined him on his visit to Ku’msusan Memorial Palace to commemorate the 18th anniversary of Kim Il Sung’s death.  She also toured the historical exhibitions at Kum’susan with KJU and his entourage of senior Korean People’s Army [KPA] officials.

JoongAng Ilbo, citing anonymous sources, suggested that the woman is a former singer of Poch’o'nbo Electronic Music Ensemble, Hyon Song-wol, whom Kim Jong Un has reportedly known for years.  According to JoongAng, a pregnant Hyon performed with the U’nhasu Orchestra at an International Women’s Day concert in March.  KCNA reported the ”concert climaxed with a solo of a woman who was a vocalist at the Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble the emcee tenderly asked the pregnant woman if she could sing all three verses. . .”  Prior experience in the Poch’o'nbo Electronic Music Ensemble (which is similar to the Moranbong Band) and Hyon’s ties to Kim Jong Un would certainly explain her presence at the concert.  However, it does not account for a married woman with a small child, taking a prominent place next to the supreme leader along side the country’s military leadership on one of the DPRK’s most important days.  Also, the woman identified as Hyon did not appear in post-concert images of Kim Jong Un talking with DPRK officials.

Kim Jong Un (3rd R) pays tribute to statues of his deceased father and grandfather on 8 July 2012, joined by a woman (4th L) who appears to be the same person that sat next to him at the Moranbong Band concert (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

The other possibility is that the woman is Kim Jong Un’s wife.  According to various reports and sources, Kim Jong Un has been married since 2010 to a slightly older woman.  Kim Il Sung’s second wife, Kim Song Ae, appeared with him on several occasions during the 1970s, as well as during a visit by former US President Jimmy Carter in 1994.  This might be a continuation of KJU’s emulation of his grandfather by publicly appearing with his wife.  If KJU has appeared with his wife at the concert and Ku’msusan, it has occurred after a film of his mother Ko Yong Hui (Ko Yo’ng-hu’i) traveling with Kim Jong Il was allegedly screened to members of the DPRK leadership.  This would create political cultural conditions supporting KJU’s accession (and that of the KJI-Ko Yong Hui line) as well as a first lady’s position within the leadership.

The top image shows Kim Jong Un attending the Moranbong Band concert, with a woman who might be his sister, his wife or the head of the band. Middle images show a woman believed to be his younger sister and close aide Kim Yo Jong receiving mourners during Kim Jong Il’s funeral program in December 2011. The bottom image shows a woman who has been identified as Kim Jong Un’s wife (Photos: KCNA, Yonhap)

Central Leadership Commemorates 18th Anniversary of Kim Il Sung’s Death

Kim Jong Un (6th L) pays tribute at statues of his father Kim Jong Il and grandfather Kim Il Sung at Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang on 8 July 2012, the 18th anniversary of Kim Il Sung’s death. Also seen in attendance are a visiting party of senior Korean People’s Army officers including VMar Kim Jong Gak (4th L), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (5th L), VMar Ri Yong Ho (6th R), VMar Hyon Chol Hae (5th R) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reports  that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) along with senior commanders of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] visited the Ku’msusan Memorial Palace of the Sun at midnight on 8 July (Sunday) to commemorate the 18th anniversary of Kim Il Sung’s death.  According to KCNA, “Kim Jong Un, together with KPA commanding officers paid high tribute to the statues.  Then he entered the hall where the President lies in state.  He, together with the KPA commanding officers, made a bow to him in humblest reverence.  He went round the room preserving the orders of the President, a train he used and a car he used during the last period of his life.”   Kim Jong Un’s visiting party to Ku’msusan consisted entirely of the KPA’s headquarters and field commanders, following the protocol of Kim Jong Il’s 8 July visits to Ku’msusan in 2008 and 2009.  KCNA reports:

He entered the hall where the statues of the President and leader Kim Jong Il are standing.

Laid before the statues were a floral basket in the name of Kim Jong Un, supreme commander of the KPA.

Also placed before the statues was a floral basket in the name of the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces.

Written on the ribbons of floral baskets were the letters “The great Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il will always be with us”.

Kim Jong Un, together with KPA commanding officers, paid high tribute to the statues.

Then he entered the hall where the President lies in state. He, together with KPA commanding officers, made a bow to him in humblest reverence.

He went round the room preserving the orders of the President, a train he used and a car he used during the last period of his life.

He, together with KPA commanding officers, entered the hall where the portraits of smiling Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are seen.

He, together with KPA commanding officers, made a bow to the portraits in profound reverence.

He was accompanied by KPA commanding officers including Choe Ryong Hae, Ri Yong Ho, Kim Jong Gak, Hyon Chol Hae, Choe Pu Il, Son Chol Ju, Pak Jae Gyong, Jo Kyong Chol, Kim Yong Chol and Ri Pyong Chol.

An honor guard stands next to statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il at Kumsusan Memorial Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang on 8 July 2012. In front of the the statues are floral baskets from Kim Jong Un (L) and the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces (R) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam and DPRK Cabinet Premier Choe Yong Rim led a separate visiting party of “senior party and state officials, the chairperson of a friendly party and officials of party, armed forces and power organs, working people’s organizations, ministries and national institutions” to pay tribute at Ku’msusan.     KCNA reports:

Seen standing before the statues of Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il was a floral basket in the name of Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and first chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK.

Also placed there was a floral basket in the name of the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces.

A floral basket was laid there in the joint name of the Central Committee and the Central Military Commission of the WPK, the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly and the Cabinet of the DPRK.

The visitors paid high tribute to the statues.

They made bows to Kim Il Sung in the humblest reverence.

Later Sunday, a memorial concert was held at the People’s Theater in central Pyongyang.  According to KCNA, “the concert impressively showed the faith and will of all the army and people to glorify the immortal revolutionary careers and feats of great persons of Mt. Paektu and wage a dynamic struggle to accomplish the revolutionary cause of chuch’e rallied close around Kim Jong Un.”  KCNA reports:

The concert began with the orchestral music “Song Devoted to Marshal Kim Il Sung.” The performers highly lauded the immortal revolutionary exploits the President performed by bringing bright rays to this land like the sun, ushering in a new era of national independence and laying an eternal foundation for the prosperity of the country.

Their repertoire included numbers such as immortal classic masterpiece “Nostalgia,” soprano “Our Happiness Blossoms out under the Leader’s Care,” women’s quartet “You are Mother,” orchestral music “Rich Harvest Has Visited the Chongsan Plain”.

Presented there also were orchestral music “Footstep” and the forth movement “We Pledge” of symphony “The Leader Is Always with Us”.

Listening to them, the audience was deeply convinced that the history of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il’s Korea will last forever under the leadership of the dear respected Kim Jong Un, another great man.

The concert impressively showed the faith and will of all the army and people to glorify the immortal revolutionary careers and feats of great persons of Mt. Paektu and wage a dynamic struggle to accomplish the revolutionary cause of Juche rallied close around Kim Jong Un.

Among the audience were Kim Yong Nam, Choe Yong Rim, Choe Ryong Hae, Ri Yong Ho and other senior party, state and army officials, the chairperson of a friendly party, officials of party, armed forces and power organs, working people’s organizations, ministries and national institutions, persons of merit, Pyongyang citizens, the chief of the mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front here and overseas compatriots.

Present there on invitation were diplomatic envoys of various countries and members of military attaches corps here and other foreign guests.

Kim Jong Un Attends Concert by Moranbong Band

A violin trio performs during a concert given by the Moranbong Band on 6 July 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un and members of the central leadership attend a 6 July 2012 concert by the 10-person Moranbong Band. Seen in attendance with KJU is Kim Ki Nam (L), Jang Song Taek (2nd L), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (2nd R) and VMar Hyon Chol Hae (R). The woman (3rd L) seated next to Kim Jong Un appears to be his younger sister Kim Yo Jong (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported that on 6 July (Friday) Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) attended a concert by “the newly organized Mornbong band.”  According to KCNA, the band was organized by KJU “as required by the new century, prompted by a grandiose plan to bring about a dramatic turn in the field of literature and arts this year in which a new century of Juche Korea begins.”  Kim Jong Un’s last reported public appearance was his visit to the Pyongyang Airport.  Attending the concert with him were VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Taek, Kim Ki Nam, VMar Hyon Chol Hae, Kim Yang Gon, Kim Yo’ng-il, Kim Pyong Hae, Gen. Choe Pu Il, Gen. Kim Myo’ng-kuk, Gen. Kim Yong Chol, Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol, Pak Pong Ju, Gen. Pak Jae Gyong, Hwang Pyong So, Jon Il Chun, Ri Jae Il and Kang Sok Ju.  Seated next to Kim Jong Un was a woman who might be his younger sister and close aide, Kim Yo Jong (Kim Yo’-cho’ng).  KCNA reports:

The band just several months old raised its curtain for its significant demonstration performance proclaiming its birth before the world.

The repertoire of the performance divided into two parts included colorful numbers such as light music “Arirang”, female vocal quintet “Let’s Learn”, light music “Yeppuni”, light music and song “Victors”, female trio “Silk Weaving Girl of Nyongbyon”, string quartet “We Can’t Live without his Care”, foreign light music “Chardash”, “Victory”, “Song of Gypsy”, female sextet “Fluttering Red Flag” and light music and song “Suite of World Fable Songs.”

The performers showed well the indomitable spirit and mental power of the servicepersons and people of the DPRK dashing ahead for the final victory in the drive to build a thriving nation under the guidance of Kim Jong Un.

The band staged a performance of strong individual character for being revolutionary and appealing in contents and unique, peculiar, modern and popular in style.

Just 10 odd musicians presented such sublime, rich and thrilling melodies as those of a grand orchestra with refined rendition while young singers sang songs in an emotional and cheerful manner as required by the music, making the audience seized with excitement and joy throughout the performance.

At the end of the performance Kim Jong Un waved back to the enthusiastically cheering performers and audience.

He expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the creators and artistes staged a performance high in ideological and artistic value by displaying revolutionary creative spirit. He congratulated them on their successful demonstration performance and extended thanks of the Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army.

He said repeatedly that the performance given by the band was the one spurring the revolution and construction, a stirring and unique one reflecting the breath of the times and the one which reached a new phase in its contents and style.

All of the musicians and singers of the band are promising, he noted, praising Sonu Hyang Hui, leader of the band, for her splendid directing.

He underscored the need to steadily develop the traditional music and popular music in a balanced manner to suit the thoughts and feelings of Koreans and their aesthetic taste while meeting the need of the times and the people’s desire.

He expressed the expectation and conviction that the creators and artistes of the band would creditably fulfill in the future, too, their mission as a dynamic bugler, engine and genuine companion of the army and people in the efforts to glorify the country, the patriotic legacy left by President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.

Among the audience were Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Thaek, Kim Ki Nam, Hyon Chol Hae, Kim Yang Gon, Kim Yong Il, Kim Phyong Hae, Choe Pu Il, Kim Myong Guk, Kim Yong Chol, Jo Kyong Chol, and officials, creators, artistes, writers and journalists of literary and art, media and art educational institutions.

Kim Jong Un (2nd R) and members of the DPRK central leadership applaud following the performance by the newly-formed Moranbong Orchestra on 6 July 2012 in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)