Kim Jong Un Visits Sports Bullet Factory and Missile Command Post

Kim Jong Un fires a rifle during his visit to Meari Shooting Gallery. (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

As DPRK 1st Deputy (Vice) Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan settled into his Beijing accommodation, DPRK media reported on 22 February  that Kim Jong Un and Jang Song Taek visited a bullet factory and the Meari Shooting Gallery.

Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army Kim Jong Un, supreme leader of the Workers’ Party of Korea and people of the DPRK, provided field guidance to the Sporting Bullet Factory.

The factory, built in February of 1996 on the direct initiative of leader Kim Jong Il, produces sporting bullets for developing the defence sports.

There is in its compound the Meari Shooting Gallery conducive to the cultural and emotional life of the people.

Kim Jong Un first went round the sporting bullet production processes.

Going round chemical, physical and other laboratories and bullet production processes ranging from bullet material production to bullet assembling, he acquainted himself in detail with bullet production and technical specifications and performance of equipment.

In order to make good successes in shooting game, one of the defence sports events in which marksmen compete in hitting targets in different distances by use of various types of sporting guns, it is necessary to let marksmen shoot a lot, he said, adding that to this end the factory should mass-produce sporting bullets for marksmen.

In order to increase the production of sporting bullets and improve their quality, it is imperative to modernize the factory as required by the new century, he said, taking steps to do so.

Then he went round various places of the Meari Shooting Gallery including the indoor and outdoor shooting ranges to learn about its management and operation and service there.

He looked at the sporting gun which Kim Jong Il personally used when providing field guidance and viewed with deep attention the shooting platform, target board, viewing seats and others.

Personally firing a gun, he learned in detail about the concentration of the sporting bullets produced at the factory, luminous intensity and soundproofing at the shooting range.

He said that the good management and operation of the gallery constitute an important work for thoroughly carrying out the behests of Kim Jong Il on improving the cultural and emotional life of the people.

He underscored the need to update the factory in a short span of time and successfully rebuild the gallery as required by the songun era, setting forth specific tasks and ways to do so.

He was accompanied by Jang Song Thaek, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK and vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission.

The phrases “gun barrel” and particularly “gun barrel youth” were utilized in political essays and editorials promoting Kim Jong Un’s succession, prior to his major public debut in September 2010.  The training and practice of “defense sports” is routinely promoted in DPRK media to both civilians and Korean People’s Army [KPA] personnel.  The DPRK received several medals in shooting at the World Military Games in Brazil during July 2011.

Kim Jong Un (C) is briefed about bullet production during his inspection of the Sporting Bullet Factory and Meari Shooting Gallery. Also in attendance is his uncle and NDC Vice Chairman Jang Song Taek (2nd R) (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

Kim Jong Un (R) looks at bullets during his visit to Sporting Bullet Factory (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

This was Kim Jong Un’s second reported public appearance since the Political Bureau announced on 20 February that the 4th Party Conference (Meeting of Party Representatives) would convocate in the middle of April.  On 21 February KCNA reported that KJU inspected KPA Unit #842, which according to Yonhap is a missile command element in South P’yo’ngan Province.

He gave soldiers of the unit a pair of binoculars and an automatic rifle as gifts before having a photo session with its service personnel.

He first went round the room dedicated to the history of the unit.

After hearing detailed explanation about the organization and development of the unit, he saw photos of successive commanding officers of the unit and recollected with deep emotion the dedications and tireless efforts of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il recorded in its history.

The unit could grow to be a-match-for-a hundred combat unit capable of beating back the enemy’s surprise attack at one blow under the wise leadership and deep care of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, he said.

Praising the unit for conducting effective education through the room dedicated to its history, he stressed the need for its service personnel to perform feats in the efforts to round off the preparations for combat and bolster its fighting capability, always keeping in mind the glorious history of the unit.

He went round military study rooms to acquaint himself with the combat preparations of the unit.

He was satisfied to learn that all the commanding officers and soldiers are preparing themselves as a-match-for-a hundred stalwart fighters capable of performing any difficult duties in modern warfare.

Looking with deep attention at combat operation plans and sand tables, he clearly indicated important tasks for exerting efforts for combat preparations in the light of the enemy’s scenarios for aggression, methods of combat actions and characteristics of arms equipment.

He set forth the tasks to be implemented by the unit, hearing a detailed report on the terrain of the area where it is stationed, defence theatre, combat and technical equipment and the deployment of forces.

Then he went round a service personnel’s hall, library and other facilities for ideological and cultural education to learn in detail how politico-ideological education is conducted among soldiers.

He once again noted with appreciation that the unit is conducting political education in a unique manner after successfully building facilities for ideological and cultural education as required by the characteristic features of its soldiers and all of them are leading an ample cultural and emotional life. He called for paying primary attention to the politico-ideological education at all times.

He took deep care of the living of the service personnel, making the rounds of a mess hall, kitchen, non-staple foodstuff store and other logistic facilities.

He was pleased to hear the resolution made by the commanding officers to successfully conduct combat and political training and make thorough preparations and thus turn the unit into today’s O Jung Hup-led 7th Regiment.

He took hands of commanding officers one by one, reluctant to part from him, and told them to visit the unit often, wishing them good health and success in their trainings.

He was accompanied by KPA General Pak Jae Gyong and KPA Lieut. General Ri Tu Song.

Kim Jong Un (R) speaks to Gen. Pak Jae Gyong (seated, 2nd R) during an inspection of KPA Unit #842. Also in attendance is Lt. Gen. Ri Tu Song (2nd L) (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

KJI Statue Unveiled as Birthday Events Begin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are also various stamps presented by Korean philatelists.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The annual exhibition of Kimjongilia flowers (Photo: KCNA)

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

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

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

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

Speeches were made there.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Kim Jong Un Attends Performance and Visits PY Construction Projects

DPRK media reported on 15 January that Kim Jong Un attended a concert with members of the central leadership.  Yonhap reports:

Kim, who was promoted to Supreme Commander of the North’s all-powerful Korean People’s Army (KPA), attended the performance titled “We Will Hold Our Supreme Commander in High Esteem for All Ages” in a national music hall, the North’s Korean Central News Agency said in a report.

The media did not, however, report when the performance took place.

Accompanying Kim to the show were top-tier military officers including Ri Yong-ho, the chief of the General Staff of the (North) Korean People’s Army; Jang Song-thaek, vice chairman of the powerful National Defense Commission; and Kim Yong-chun, the People’s Armed Forces Minister, as well as other key military figures, according to the state news agency.

The show was composed of solos, a chorus and dance performances dedicated to and extolling Kim Jong-un and his father and late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

The show highly praised the immortal achievement of the general (Kim Jong-il) who led our country to become the world’s military power and a dignified nuclear holder, the report noted.

The media also quoted Kim as saying after watching the show that “It was a performance that powerfully demonstrated the true revolutionary characteristics of the KPA.”

The latest outing is Kim’s second reported public attendance to a musical event after he inherited the country from Kim Jong-il, who the north said died of heart failure on Dec. 17.

The reporting of Kim’s visit to the culture event, designed to extol the leader family, is seen as a key move to highlight the legitimacy of the power transfer.

Kim Jong Un visits a miniaturized replica of Pyongyang, which was reported by DPRK media in January 2012. In the background is a model of the Ryugyong Hotel (Photo: KCNA)

On 11 January it was reported that Kim Jong Un visited several ongoing construction projects.  It was his first reported public appearance since his attendance of a concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra with members of the central leadership on 1 January; it was his third reported public appearance since funeral events for Kim Jong Il were held at the end of December 2011.  KCNA English did not report the names of any of the officials who accompanied him on the visit.  Based on available images of his visit, KJU was accompanied by Gen. Kim Won Hong, chief functionary of the Military Security Command [MSC].

Kim Jong Un (R) talking to KPA service members on a construction project. Seen in the center, facing the camera, is Gen. Kim Won Hong (Photo: KCNA)

Members of the Korean People's Army attending a ceremony at Ku'msusan Memorial Hall on Monday, 9 January 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

KJU’s visit to Pyongyang was reported not long after the Korean People’s Army [KPA] conducted a loyalty oath ceremony at Ku’msusan Memorial Palace.  Speakers at the ceremony included VMar Ri Yong Ho, chief of the KPA General Staff, and Gen. Pak Jae Gyong, deputy director of the KPA General Political Department.  Also among those in attendance were National Defense Commission [NDC] Vice-chairman and Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Kim Yong Chun, NDC Member and KPA General Political Department senior deputy (vice) director, Gen. Kim Jong Gak and commanding officers of the KPA’s service branches.  KCNA reports:

A message of pledge to Kim Jong Un, supreme leader of the WPK and the Korean people, was read out by Ri Yong Ho at the rally.

All the service personnel of the KPA more keenly felt the mission of the arms of Mt. Paektu through the unswerving Songun will of Kim Jong Un who solemnly declared that he would accomplish the revolutionary cause of Juche the way Kim Jong Il did with a firm hold on the party and the army during the mourning in December in bitter tears, the message said.

The service personnel of the three services of the KPA see an immensely rosy future of Kim Il Sung’s nation and Kim Jong Il’s Korea and feel firmly convinced of a reunified thriving nation, when watching Kim Jong Un standing at the forefront commanding post of the revolution, shouldering upon himself the destiny of the country and the nation, it noted, and went on:

We will build a ten thousands-fold bulwark for protecting the supreme commander and become rifles and bombs to serve as Kim Jong Un first line lifeguards and Kim Jong Un first line death-defying corps by more dynamically conducting the movement for winning the title of the O Jung Hup-led Seventh Regiment, holding high the slogan “Let Us Defend the Party Central Committee Headed by the dear respected Comrade Kim Jong Un with Our Lives!” despite any storm and stress.

We will lead the whole country and all the people in the general offensive to carry out the tasks laid in the decision of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee, the joint calls of the C.C. and the Central Military Commission of the WPK and the joint New Year editorial and bring about uninterrupted innovations in combat training, arms and equipment mobilization preparations, the establishment of steel-like military discipline and noble moral traits and lifestyle and the bolstering of companies.

We will successfully play the role as a standard-bearer and shock brigade in the grand advance for this year to significantly commemorate the centenary of birth of President Kim Il Sung, the 70th birth anniversary of Kim Jong Il and the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the KPA.

The message stressed that the whole army would more sharply whet the bayonets of the revolution so that it may dash ahead like the wind and wipe out the enemies to the last one if they intrude into the inviolable sky, land and seas of the country even 0.001 mm and thus accomplish the historic cause of national reunification without fail.

Loudly shouting “Devoted Defence of Kim Jong Un!” and “National Reunification” in response to the message of pledge, all the participants made a solemn pledge to carry through the behests of Kim Jong Il and remain true to the leadership of Kim Jong Un.

Speeches were made at the rally to evince their resolutions on behalf of service personnel of the three services of the KPA.

Noting that all the officers and men of the KPA are the descendants of the President and soldiers and disciples of Kim Jong Il, who have grown up under the care of the great persons born of Mt. Paektu, the speakers pledged themselves to hold the President and Kim Jong Il in high esteem for all ages and firmly defend and glorify the Songun revolutionary feats of Kim Jong Il for all eternity.

Chief of the KPA General Staff, VMAR Ri Yo'ng-ho (6th R, front row), speaks at a "pledge" ceremony of KPA service members on 9 January 2012 in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

The KPA loyalty oath ceremony was one of several large scale events for which the party has mobilized numerous DPRK citizens.  Since the publication of the New Year’s editorial and the joint calls of the CC KWP and CMC, and the Political Bureau’s assenting to KJU’s appointment as KPA Supreme Commander, similar events have been held by the party in Pyongyang and Hamhu’ng as well as meetings of athletes, industrial workers, the Korean Democratic Women’s Union and agricultural workers.

Members of the DPRK's central leadership attend a concert at 25 April House of Culture in January 2012. Seen in attendance (L-R): Gen. Kim Jong Gak; Jang Song Taek; VMar Kim Yong Chun; VMar Ri Yong Ho; Kim Yong Nam; Choe Yong Rim; and Kim Ki Nam (Photo: KCNA)

On 9 January DPRK media reported that the country’s central political leadership attended a concert at “the wonderfully-renovated” 25 April House of Culture.  KCNA did not report when the performance occurred or what KPA-based troupe gave the concert.  Eight (8) paragraphs review the songs and the intensity of the performances and the item ends with a short paragraph on the songs about KJU:

There were also such songs as “Footstep” and “We Will Safeguard General Kim Jong Un with Our Lives” that reflect the firm pledge of the KPA to surely carry forward to completion the revolutionary cause of juche, the revolutionary cause of songun started in Mt. Paektu, with arms, holding the dear respected Kim Jong Un in high esteem as the supreme commander.

Party Secretary Choe Ryong Hae (2nd row L) is seen posing for a photo with Kim Jong Un (2nd R) at a visit to a KPA unit. (Photo: KCTV-Yonhap)

Kim Jong Un visits an education room in Chagang Province in October 2011. Kim Jong Il was also present, but the Kims' joint appearance does not appear in the film.

On 8 January 2012 DPRK media aired a 50-minute documentary film Succeeding to the Revolutionary Cause of Paektu which merges footage of Kim Jong Un with his father, Kim Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il Sung.  KJU is depicted as “forming a relationship with the gun barrel from early on.”  KJU is show visiting KPA units, being briefed about munitions production.  He is also shown attending KJI’s observation of the launch of the U’nha-2 rocket in April 2009, which DPRK media said was the launch of the Kwangmyo’so’ng-2 satellite.  At a commemorative photo session, KJU shakes hands with party director Ju Kyu Chang, who then formally introduces KJU to Jon Pyong Ho, the former long-time party manager of the ballistic missile program.  The film’s narrator claims that KJU “issued an order to proclaim…the will of military-first Korea to mercilessly crush even the stronghold of enemies should they intercept the missile and ruthlessly crush the enemies’ fleet and intercept system should they attack.”

Kim Jong Un talking during a joint military exercise. Seen in attendance are Col. Gen. Kim Yong Chol (2nd L), Gen. Kim Won Hong (3rd L) and VMar Kim Yong Chun (R)

Jang Song Taek (R) has only a few cameos in the KJU film

Kim Jong Il smokes a cigarette while being briefed on military exercises by Gen. Kim Myo'ng-kuk (center) in 2010 (Photo: KCTV-Yonhap)

Featured members of the leadership appearing in the film include Ri Yong Ho, Kim Jong Gak, Kim Yong Chol, Kim Won Hong, Gen. Ri Myong Su and Gen. Kim Myong Kuk.   Interestingly, Kim Myong Kuk was filmed both with three (sangjang) and four (taejang) stars on his shoulder which may indicate KJU’s role in Gen. Kim’s temporary demotion in early 2010  According to images from KJU’s visit to the 105th Tank Division in January 2012, this may have happened again at the corps-division level.  The image of a general-grade officer who was temporarily reduced in rank allows the leadership to portray itself as powerful, but also forgiving or benevolent.  This temporary purge of “revolutionization” was practiced by Kim Jong Il, particularly within the central party.  Nearly every current member of the central leadership has gone through the process (at least once).

In viewing the film Dong-a Ilbo finds KJU referring to his mother, Ko Yong Hui:

Airing a documentary on Kim called “Inheriting the Great Achievements of the Military-first Revolution of (Mount) Baekdu,” the North`s Korean Central TV contained the leader`s statements in which he mentioned his mother, Koh Young Hee. The mention appeared in a section of the program in which Kim Jong Un emphasizes loyalty to his father.

The program`s narrator quoted Kim Jong Un as saying, “Once on Feb. 16 (Kim Jong Il’s birthday), (Kim Jong Un) spent all night with his mother waiting for the General (Kim Jong Il), who had yet to return from an onsite inspection tour.” Since Kim Jong Un debuted as successor at a Workers` Party convention in September 2009, North Korean media has not mentioned his mother for nearly three years.

Ko Yong Hui “basked in” Kim Jong Il’s “special affections.”  She attended to him while he recuperated from a severe concussion and, later on, after Kim Il Sung died in July 1994.  Her actual political influence on KJI’s calculations remains open to interpretation by Pyongyang watchers.  Ko’s increasing power, or the perception thereof, in the 1990s frightened some members of the Kim Family and other DPRK elites.  The waxing influence of “the button nose” factored into Song Hye Rang’s decision to leave the country in 1996.

Kim Jong Nam

Song’s nephew and KJI’s eldest son, Kim Jong Nam, had a series of exchanges with a Japanese journalist beginning in January 2011.  The content of those exchanges will be released on 20 January (Friday).  Jong Nam told the journalist that “the existing power elite will probably take over my father’s authority, making Jong Un a symbol.”  AFP (via Korea Herald) reports:

The reporter interviewed Kim in Macao and Beijing last year for a total of around seven hours, the agency said.

Jong-Un was propelled to power by the death of his father, Kim Jong-Il, which was announced on December 19.

His half-brother Jong-Nam has lived in virtual exile, mainly in the Chinese territory of Macau, for many years after falling out of favour with his father, who in turn inherited the rule of the impoverished country from his own father.

Two years ago and with his health rapidly deteriorating, Kim Jong-Il moved Jong-Un — believed to be in his late 20s — into the position of designated successor, giving him military posts and raising his profile.

Jong-Nam last year gave an interview to the Tokyo Shimbun in which he said he opposed the idea of a power transfer within North Korea’s first family.

“Hereditary succession did not happen even under Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong,” he said at the time. “(Hereditary succession) does not fit socialism and my father was against it.”

Tokyo Shimbun said Jong-Nam did not directly respond to questions over whether he attended the elaborate funeral and memorial ceremony for his father in North Korea.

Earlier this month, Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported Jong-Nam secretly visited Pyongyang after learning about his father’s death, and before it was publicly announced two days later.

 Kim Jong Nam had spoken to his father in early summer in 2011 and concluded that KJI’s health was deteriorating.

ROK-DPRK 2018 Winter Olympic Trial Balloon

Chang Ung (L), DPRK member on International Olympic Committee (Photo: Yonhap)

Jang Ung (Chang Ung), the DPRK’s representative on the International Olympic Committee, expressed interest in the country hosting some events as part of 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, Kangwo’n Province.  Jang later revised his comments, a reaction to a proposal by ROK elected official Sohn Hak-kyu.  Yonhap reports:

North Korea would like to co-host the 2018 Winter Olympics to be held in the South Korean alpine town of PyeongChang, a senior North Korean sports official said Wednesday.

Jang Ung, a North Korean member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said it was a “positive” for Asia to host its third Winter Games. When asked about the possibility of sharing some events with PyeongChang, Jang replied, “I hope so.”

“The political and military situations between the Koreas aren’t good, and they have to be improved,” Jang said. “Otherwise, they could influence the Olympics.”

Jang arrived in Tokyo to attend the general assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

Jang, however, backtracked on his words later in the day. He said it was “premature” to discuss whether the Koreas should co-host the Olympics or should at least split some events across the border.

“My point was that the current situations between South and North Korea must improve,” Jang explained. “It’s not yet time to talk about co-hosting.”

PyeongChang beat Munich of Germany and Annecy of France last week to win the bid for the 2018 Games. Rep. Sohn Hak-kyu, head of South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party, said earlier this week that he will explore ways for the two Koreas to co-host the Games.

The two Koreas remain technically at war with each other because the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. They have fielded joint teams in football and in table tennis in international events, but never at an Olympics or an Asian Games. They have marched in together for opening ceremonies, most recently at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Jang was one of several DPRK officials visiting Tokyo for the Olympic Council of Asia meeting, which will be held Thursday (14 July).  Hankyoreh reports:

Three North Korean officials entered Japan Tuesday following the Japanese government’s issuance Monday of visas for five officials hoping to attend a general meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Tokyo on Thursday. This marks the first time the Japanese government had admitted North Koreans since October 2006 measures barring their entry.

According to Japanese press reports Tuesday, three officials, including North Korean Olympic Committee vice chairman and vice minister of culture and sports, Son Kwang-ho, arrived at Japan’s Narita Airport via Beijing on Monday night. Two others, including International Olympic Committee member Chang Ung, are scheduled to arrive in Japan on Wednesday from Vienna, Austria.

This is the first Japan visit by North Korean officials since Japan barred the entry of people of North Korean nationality on Oct. 13, 2006, as an independent punishment North Korea’s nuclear test. Four years and nine months have passed since the measures were taken.

At a press conference Monday afternoon, Deputy Foreign Minister Yutaka Banno explained the reasoning behind permitting Chang and the other four officials’ entry by saying, “Refusing participation of a particular national council is in conflict with the Olympic Council of Asia charter and could be taken as international sanctions.”

The visas issued to the officials by Japan’s Foreign Ministry are valid through Friday. Observers are taking this to mean that they were issued solely for the purpose of attendance at the OCA meeting Thursday.

IOC Expresses Concern about doping by DPRK WWC Team

AFP reports that the head of the International Olympic Committee’s Medical Commission is “looking into” the DPRK’s internal control processes for its athletes who use anabolic steroids, after two players from the DPRK’s women’s soccer team tested positive for the performance enhancers during the 2011 Women’s World Cup.

Professor Arne Ljungqvist, chairman of the IOC’s Medical Commission, has said he will look into the matter after North Korean defenders Song Jong-Sun and Jong Pok-Sim failed doping tests at Germany 2011.

The pair were removed from the lineup for North Korea’s goalless draw with Colombia in Bochum on Wednesday and with their team eliminated, the squad left Germany early on Thursday morning to return home.

Ljungqvist says he wants to know more about testing in North Korea, but is realistic about finding out more about doping checks in the Asian totalitarian state.

“I understand the mistrust of others, but I do not really know much about doping controls in this country, which has a closed society like no other in the world,” said Ljungqvist at the 123rd IOC Session in Durban, South Africa.

Football’s governing body FIFA had the remaining 19 members of the North Korean team tested for banned substances after their final group game and have asked for Song and Jong’s B samples to be examined.

In total, there have now been three failed doping tests at the women’s World Cup after Colombian player Yineth Varon failed an out-of-competition test in Leverkusen on 25 June.

Chang Ung (Photo: ITF)

The news of Professor Ljungqvist’s concerns occurred after Japan exempted the DPRK’s IOC representative, Chang Ung, from an October 2006 ban on DPRK nationals traveling to that country.  According to Kyodo, Chang has been allowed to attend the 14 July (Thursday) Olympic Committee of Asia meeting and will remain in the country from 11 July (Monday) to 17 July (Sunday).