Kim Jong Un Visits People’s Security Ministry and Watches Workers’ Sports Competition on May Day

Kim Jong Un (1) on the plaza in front of the Ministry of People’s Security headquarters in Pyongyang, prior to commemorative photo-ops on May Day (1 May) in Pyongyang. Also in attendance are Minister of People’s Security, Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (3) and Director of the KPSIF Political Bureau, Col. Gen. Ri Pyong Sam (2) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 1 May (Wednesday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) inspected the Ministry of People’s Security and watched a sports contest between DPRK public health workers, on International Labor Day (May Day).  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance at the DPRK premier league men’s football (soccer) finals for the Mangyo’ngdae Prize at Kim Il Sung Stadium.  First, Kim Jong Un visited the Ministry of People’s Security [MPS] and inspected Korean People’s Internal Security Forces [KPISF] Unit #2219.  Attending his visit to the MPS was VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department) and Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission [NDC] and Director of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Administration Department).

After arriving at MPS headquarters in Pyongyang, Kim Jong Un posed for commemorative photographs with MPS and KPISF personnel.  He also paid his respects to statues of Kim Il Sung, the late DPRK President and founder, and Kim Jong Il, the country’s late leader.  According to KCNA, KJU said “the erection of their statues at the ministry strikingly demonstrates the unshakable will of all people’s security persons and service personnel of KPISF to eternally hold the peerlessly great men in high esteem and devotedly defend the socialist system, a precious legacy bequeathed by the Generalissimos.”  He also “underscored the need for them to eternally hold the Generalissimos in high esteem as the sun of Chuch’e, firmly defend and glorify their undying revolutionary exploits with pure revolutionary conscience and strong sense of obligation.”  Kim Jong Un “gave important instructions to tighten people’s security and bolster up the combat capabilities of KPISF in every way” and remarked that “the Ministry of People’s Security and KPISF play a very important role for defending the socialist system, he said, adding that the people’s security persons and service personnel of KPISF should be deeply aware of their heavy yet honorable combat missions.”  

Kim Jong Un poses for commemorative photographs in front of the Ministry of People’s Security headquarters in Pyongyang on 1 May 2013 (Photos: Rodong Sinmun)

KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un “underlined the need to strengthen the people’s security organ and the internal security forces as units defending the policies of the party, strong guardians of socialism, merciless striking forces and reliable protectors of the lives and properties of the people” and said that “the enemies are now afraid of our single-minded unity around the party more than anything else and running the whole gamut of desperate and base moves to destabilize and bring down our society.”  KJU said “now that the enemies are working hard to bar our people from trusting and following the party with pure conscience and fixed will and alienate the masses from it, it is important to intensify the struggle to frustrate their moves,” “called for devotedly defending the party, social system and people, decisively foiling the ideological and cultural poisoning and psychological warfare of the enemies and mercilessly wiping out the undesirable and hostile elements who have foolish day dreams” and he “underlined the need for the ministry and the internal security forces to make full combat preparations to annihilate the U.S. imperialists and south Korean puppet group keen to stifle the DPRK and to creditably fulfill their missions and duties in the sacred struggle to provide a firm guarantee by dint of arms and law for the implementation of the party’s line on simultaneously pushing forward the economic construction and the building of nuclear force.”  He also noted that “our Chuch’e-oriented socialist country is invincible as the Korean People’s Army and KPISF, the two revolutionary armed forces of the WPK, are firmly defending the security of the country and people.”

Kim Jong Un poses for a commemorative photograph with officers and service members of Korean People’s Internal Security Forces Unit #2219 on 1 May 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un then inspected KPISF Unit #2219.  After his arrival, he presented the unit with a pair of binoculars and an automatic rifle during a short ceremony.  He then posed for commemorative photographs with officers and service members of the unit.  KJU toured the political education facilities, visited a mess hall, a dormitory, a cultural education classroom and a washroom.  KCNA reported that KJU was “satisfied to see good conditions in the bed room, praising the unit for keeping the wash-cum-bath room with a sauna attached neat and clean.”  During a visit to a classroom he “he underscored the need to train the soldiers to be strong in idea and faith by intensifying politico-ideological education among them.”

After his tour, he supervised a drill by the unit.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “highly appreciated their success in the drill and indicated tasks for bolstering up the combat capabilities of the unit” and “expressed belief that just as the service personnel of KPISF have always did, the soldiers of the unit would display a do-or-die will and matchless courage and thus become iron shields and fierce tigers devotedly defending the party, social system and people in their struggle to decisively foil the enemies’ moves to stifle the DPRK.”

Kim Jong Un (1) watches a sports competition of public health workers on 1 May 2013 with his wife Ri Sol Ju (2). Also in attendance are: Jang Song Taek (3), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (4), Pak Pong Ju (5), Kim Kyong Hui (6), Kim Ki Nam (7) and Kim Yang Gon (8). (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un’s next visit was his attendance at a sports contest between public health workers.  He was joined by his wife Ri Sol Ju (Ri So’l-chu) along with Pak Pong Ju (DPRK Cabinet Premier), VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Taek, Kim Kyong Hui (KWP Secretary, KJU’s aunt and head of the Kim Family), Kim Ki Nam (KWP Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department), Choe Tae Bok (KWP Secretary and Supreme People’s Assembly Chairman), Pak To Chun (KWP Secretary), Kim Yang Gon (KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department) along with “other senior officials of the party, the state and the army and workers in the field of public health.”  Also in attendance from the central leadership were: Gen. Kim Won Hong (Minister of State Security) Mun Kyong Dok (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang City [municipal] KWP Committee), Jo Yon Jun (Senior Deputy [1st Vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department), Col. Gen. Kim Chang Sop (Director of the Ministry of State Security Political Bureau), Col. Gen. Ri Pyong Sam (Director of the KPISF Political Bureau), Kim Kyong Ok (Senior Deputy [1st Vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department), Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol (Chief of the Military Security Command), Gen. Yun Jong Rin (Chief of the Guard Command) and Gen. Kim Yong Chol (Vice Chief of the KPA General Staff and Chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau).

The public health workers were divided into two teams–the Pot’onggang and Taedonggang teams.  KCNA reported of the sports competitions:

Male and female volleyball matches took place first.

The Pothonggang Team defeated its rival in the breath-taking male volleyball match and the Taedonggang Team trounced its rival in the female volleyball match.

Then followed table-tennis matches.

Men’s and women’s singles and doubles and singles of leading officials of the relevant units were played, drawing the attention of the spectators.

The Pothonggang Team won the men’s and women’s singles and men’s doubles while the Taedonggang Team emerged a winner in the women’s doubles.

The Pothonggang Team won the singles of leading officials of the relevant units.

The Pothonggang Team beat its rival 4:1 in the table-tennis matches.

A tug of war took place between the two teams.

The Pothonggang Team won the game.

According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “clapped his hands whenever the players displayed high technique.”  The results of the competitions were announced and prizes given to the participants.  At the end of the event, KJU “waved back to the enthusiastic cheers of the players and spectators and congratulated them on the successful games.”

KJU Visits Health Complex

Kim Jong Un (2nd R) and his wife Ri Sol Ju (R) visit a teppanyaki griddle in the restaurant of the Haedanghwa Health Complex in east Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 27 April (Saturday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the recently constructed Haedanghwa Health Complex in Pyongyang.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance at a banquet commemorating the 81st anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People’s Army [KPA].  He was joined by his wife, Ri Sol Ju (Ri So’l-chu).  Madame Ri’s last reported public appearance was in late February, when she watched a basketball game and attended a banquet with Dennis Rodman.

Also attending the visit were DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju,  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 Kyong Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Kyong Hui (KWP Secretary and KJU’s aunt), Kim Ki Nam (KWP Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department), Choe Tae Bok (KWP Secretary and SPA Chairman), Kang Sok Ju (DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier), Kim Yong Il (KWP Secretary and Director of the International Affairs Department),  Kim Yang Gon (KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front 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), Col. Gen. O Il Jong (Director of the KWP Military Affairs Department), Han Kwang Sang (Deputy Director of the KWP Finance and Accounting Department) Paek Kye Ryong (Director of the KWP Light Industry Department), Kim Kyong Ok (Senior Deputy [first vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department), Gen. Kim Yong Chol (Chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau and Vice Chief of the KPA General Staff) and Jon Il Chun (Deputy Director of the KWP Finance and Accounting Department), among others.

Kim Jong Un began his visit at Haedanghwa Health Complex’s basement garage.  According to KCNA, KJU “was pleased to see the completed complex, adding that he appreciated its design and construction after examining the information on it presented to him by the relevant field.”  He also visited the store and dining rooms on the complex’s first two levels.  He “highly praised the builders for constructing not only the shop but the dining rooms to suit their nature and meet the requirements of formative art,” according to KCNA.  KJU visited the restaurant where he remarked that “cooking is a science and art, [he urged] the cookers to steadily improve their skills and display creative ingenuity to serve customers with varieties of tasty and highly nutritive dishes” and had a commemorative photograph taken with the chefs.  KJU then went to the second and third levels of the Haedanghwa Health Complex where he visited the public baths, saunas a barber shop, hair salon skin treatment center, workout room, billiard room and other recreational facilities.  KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un “personally checked the temperature of water at the bath and learnt about service provided at a face treatment room” and “was pleased to see the wading pool. He was also pleased to go round various saunas built with peculiar building materials such as halite, agate and yellow earth.”  KJU also “learnt in detail about what kinds of sports apparatuses are there in the fitness hall and table-tennis hall” and whilst “watching the clock in the shape of billiard balls and billiard table on a wall of the billiard room, he praised the builders for having constructed the room in such a perfect manner that everything there is impeccable.”

KJU then visited the health complex’s e-library and, according to KCNA, said “a relevant field should systematically send various data and videos on cooking to the e-reading room” and he “stressed the need to supply a sufficient quantity of foodstuff necessary for cooking practice so that apprentices may acquire workable knowledge, saying that theory is not enough to acquire cooking skill.”  He also visited a coffee shop on the complex’s fifth floor.  According to KCNA Kim Jong Un said that “it is the firm resolution of the WPK to enable the Korean people, the best in the world, to fully enjoy wealth and glory under socialism, without tightening their belts again, he noted, underlining the need to build more modern service centers such as the Haedanghwa Health Complex impeccable in any aspect.”

Kim Jong Un Visits Ku’msusan and Attends Banquet to Mark KPA Anniversary

Kim Jong Un (8th L) and senior members of the DPRK’s national security community pay their respects to statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il at the Ku’msusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang on 25 April 2013, the official 81st anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People’s Army.(Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Ku’msusan Memorial Palace of the Sun and attended a banquet on 25 April (Thursday), to mark the official 81st anniversary of the foundation Korean People’s Army [KPA].  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance at a rally and military “march-past” on Ku’msusan Plaza.  KJU first visited the preserved remains of his grandfather, late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung, and his father, late leader Kim Jong Il, at the Ku’msusan Memorial Palace.

Floral baskets (C) and honor guards representing (L, R) the KPA’s three conventional service branches at Kumsusan on 25 April 2013 (Photos: KCNA)

He was accompanied by Kim Yong Nam (Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President), Pak Pong Ju (DPRK Cabinet Premier), 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), Kim Kyong Hui (KWP Secretary and KJU’s aunt), Pak To Chun (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), VMar Hyon Chol Hae (1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces and Director of the KPA General Logistics Department), Gen. Kim Won Hong (Minister of State Security), Gen. O Kuk Ryol (Vice Chairman of the NDC), Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (Minister of the People’s Security), Ju Kyu Chang (Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department), Col. Gen. Kim Chang Sop (Director of the Ministry of State Security’s Political Bureau), Col. Gen. Ri Pyong Sam (Director of the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces Political Bureau) and “commanding officers of the WPK Central Military Commission, the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and the KPA.”

KJU and the KPA’s high command first visited a room containing statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.  Floral baskets from Kim Jong Un, the Party Central Committee the Party Central Military Commission and the NDC were placed in front of the statues.  KJU then visited the rooms containing the preserved remains of his grandfather and father where he “made bows. . .in the humblest reverence,” according to KCNA.

A banquet hosted by the DPRK National Defense Commission at Mokran House in central Pyongyang on 25 April 2013, to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People’s Army. (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un also attended a banquet hosted by the NDC at Mokran (Moknan) House in central Pyongyang.  Attending the banquet were “senior party, army and state officials, members of the WPK Central Military Commission and the NDC of the DPRK, commanding officers of the KPA, officials of the party and armed forces organs, ministries and national institutions and service personnel of the KPA and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces” and “diplomatic envoys of foreign countries and military attaches of foreign embassies here and their spouses.”  Before the banquet, the Moranbong Band gave a performance.

After the performance, a toast speech was delivered by Jang Song Taek (Chang So’ng-t’aek; Jang Song Thaek), Vice Chairman of the NDC, Director of the KWP Administration Department and Kim Jong Un’s uncle.  According to KCNA, during his speech, Mr. Jang “paid highest tribute to the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il who strengthened the KPA into the matchless revolutionary army and led it to the road of victory and glory, breathing with arms all their lives” and that “upon the authorization of Marshal Kim Jong Un, supreme leader of our party and people and supreme commander of the KPA, he warmly congratulated the service personnel defending the sky, land and seas of the country as firm as a rock and all the people dynamically struggling to build a thriving nation.”  Mr. Jang “noted that the revolutionary armed forces are ushering in the greatest heyday of their development as they are holding Kim Jong Un, who is identical to the Generalissimos, in high esteem as supreme commander” and he “stressed the need to steadily bolster nuclear force for self-defence both in quality and quantity and perform new miracles and feats in building a thriving socialist nation in the spirit of the historic March, 2013 Plenary Meeting of the Central Committee of the WPK.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kim Jong Un Visits Kumsusan Memorial Palace of the Sun

Kim Jong Un (7th L) and members of the Party Central Military Commission and DPRK National Defense Commission visit Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyong at midnight on 15 April 2013 on the 101st anniversary of the birth of his paternal grandfather the late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Ku’msusan Palace of the Sun at midnight on 15 April (Monday), the 101st anniversary of the birth of the DPRK President and founder, Kim Il Sung. KJU’s last reported public appearance was at the 7th session of the 12th Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] on 1 April.

Attending KJU’s visit to Ku’msusan were 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 Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Administration Department), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Pak To Chun (KWP Secretary), VMar Kim Yong Chun (Vice Chairman of the NDC and Director of the KWP Civil Defense Department), VMar Hyon Chol Hae (1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces and Director of the KPA General Logistics Department), Gen. Kim Won Hong (Minister of State Security), Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (Minister of People’s Security), Ju Kyu Chang (Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department), Kim Kyong Ok (Senior Deputy [1st Vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department), Col. Gen. Ri Yong Gil (Chief of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau), Gen. Kim Yong Chol (Chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau and Vice Chief of the KPA General Staff), Col. Gen. Son Chol Ju (Staff member, KPA Supreme Command), Lt. Gen. Ryom Chol Song, Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol (Chief of the Military Security Command), Gen. Yun Tong Hyon (Deputy [vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department), Col. Gen. Kang P’yo Yong (Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon, Gen. Ri Pyong Chol (Commander of the KPA Air and Anti-Forces), Col. Gen. Kim Myong Sik (Commander of the KPA Navy), Lt. Gen. Kim Rak Gyom (Commander of the KPA Strategic Rocket Forces) and Yun Jong Rin (Chief and Director of the Guard Command).

Kim Jong Un arrived at Ku’msusan’s chamber containing the statues of his paternal grandfather, Kim Il Sung, and his father, late leader Kim Jong Il.  Floral baskets were placed in front of the statues, sent by KJU, the Party Central Military Commission and the DPRK National Defense Commission.  According to KCNA, the floral baskets’ ribbons contained the message “‘The great Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il will always be with us’.”  Kim Jong Un and the other members of the KPA high command bowed to the KIS and and KJI statues.  They visited the chamber where Kim Il Sung’s preserved remains lie in state and paid their respects, then visited the chamber where the preserved remains of Kim Jong Il lie in state and also paid their respects with the “humblest reverence,” according to KCNA.

Kim Jong Un Attends National Meeting of KPA Information Officers and Commemorative Photo-Op

Kim Jong Un (2nd L, front row) attends a meeting of KPA information officers at the 25 April House of Culture in Pyongyang on 28 March 2013. Also seen in attendance in the front row are Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (L), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (3rd L) and Kim Kyong Ok (4th L) (Photo KCTV-Yonhap)

View from the platform (rostrum) at the 25 April House of Culture the venue of a meeting of KPA information personnel on 28 March 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported that Kim Jong Un attended a national meeting of Korean People’s Army [KPA] information personnel at the 25 April House of Culture on 28 March, and a commemorative photograph session with meeting participants the same day.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his observation and guidance of joint live fire military exercises on the DPRK’s east coast on 25 March.  Attending the national meeting with KJU was VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the KPA General Political Department), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Kyong Ok (Senior Deputy [1st Vice] Director of the Korean Workers’ Party Organization Guidance Department), Col. Gen. Son Chol Ju, Lt. Gen. Ryom Chol Song and Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol (Chief of the Military Security Command) along with “other KPA commanding officers. . . political commissars of services and army corps and information workers of ground, naval, air and anti-air forces of the KPA, strategic rocket forces and military academies.”   KPA information personnel are technically subordinate to the KPA General Political Department.

Platform (rostrum) at 25 April House of Culture during the national meeting of KPA information personnel on 28 March 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

VMar Choe Ryong Hae led the speaking program, delivering the meeting’s official report.  According to KCNA Choe said that the “80-odd year long history of the Korean revolutionary armed forces is associated with the undying revolutionary feats of the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il who, brought up the KPA to be the strongest in ideology by successfully embodying the Chuch’e-based ideas and theories in the army building and activities.  Thanks to the dear respected Supreme Commander, who regards it as his life-long mission to accomplish the Military-First (So’ngun) revolutionary cause and the cause of army-building, the cause of building the army of Juche has made dynamic advance to a new, higher stage.”  VMar Choe “called for conducting dynamic information and agitation work with an emphasis on instilling absolute trust in the party, the spirit of devotedly defending the leader, the spirit of red flag, the spirit of devotedly defending the country and Kim Jong Il’s patriotism into the hearts of service personnel as required by the new situation.”  Choe’s meeting report was followed by speeches from KPA service members and officers and other GPD personnel.

Kim Jong Un addresses the national meeting of KPA information personnel at the 25 April House of Culture in Pyongyang on 28 March 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un also addressed the meeting.  In his speech, KJU said that “the organization of the meeting of information workers of the whole army including those of subunits, not military operational meeting, at a time when there created a touch-and-go situation due to the enemies’ reckless saber-rattling is a demonstration of the steadfast faith and will of the WPK to win a decisive victory in the all-out action with the U.S. imperialists and their followers with the might of ideology” and that the “KPA should conduct ideological work in field to suit the specific features of the army,” according to KCNA and KJU was “stressing the need for information workers to conduct it without ceremony and pattern by going among soldiers and arousing them to make pledge of loyalty in heights and trenches and turn out in the final decisive battle.”  Kim Jong Un “set forth tasks for conducting all the ideological work in the KPA as in wartime to meet the requirement of the situation in which the Korean Armistice Agreement is completely nullified and a fuse of a war is kindled as time has come to end the half a century-long all-out action with the U.S. imperialists.”  He also said “attaching importance to ideology is the consistent line of the building of the revolutionary armed forces” and “that arms fully charged with ideology and faith will always win a victory.”  KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un “expressed the belief that all information workers of the KPA will creditably discharge their noble mission and duty before the times and revolution and surely live up to the deep trust and high expectation of the party. “

Kim Jong Un later participated in a commemorative photo session with the meeting’s participants.  KCNA reported described Kim Jong Un as “leading the all-out action for defending the sovereignty of the country and the dignity of the nation to victory after making a final decision to demonstrate the resolute will of the KPA with practical military actions to cope with the grave situation where the U.S. anti-DPRK hostile acts have reached the brink of a nuclear war” when meeting participants greeted his arrival.  KCNA described the meeting participants as “registering great achievements in improving and strengthening the ideological work in the KPA, bearing deep in mind the noble mission and duty they assumed before the times and the revolution.”

Commemorative photograph of Kim Jong Un and senior KPA officials with participants at a national meeting of KPA information officers on 28 March 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

According to KCNA, KJU said “The meeting marked a historic occasion in providing a new landmark for bringing about a great turn in the ideological work of the KPA as required by the modeling of the whole army on Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism” and “that at the meeting the enthusiasm of information workers to remain loyal to the WPK’s line on turning the KPA into the army strong in ideology was fully manifested.”  Kim Jong Un congratulated the meeting participants and “expressed expectation and conviction that all the information workers of the KPA would conduct more dynamic frontline-style information and agitation activities to make the hearts of the KPA soldiers burn with the towering resentment at the brigandish U.S. imperialists and the south Korean puppet group of traitors, the will to annihilate enemies and ardent desire for national reunification.”

Kim Jong Un Inspects KPA Unit #1501, Visits Restaurant Ship Building and Reviews Products Produced by KPA

Kim Jong Un stands on a combat vehicle during an inspection of KPA Unit #1501 on 24 March 2013. Also in attendance is Gen. Kim Yong Chol (2nd L), Chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau and spokesman of the KPA Supreme Command (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported that on 24 March (Sunday) Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) conducted a field inspection of Korean People’s Army [KPA] Unit #1501, visited the building of a restaurant boat and reviewed and provided instructions on products produced by the KPA.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his field inspection of the 2nd Battalion subordinate to KPA Unit #1973.  Kim Jong Un’s first stop was a field inspection of KPA Unit #1501.  He last visited the command element of KPA Unit #1501 in May 2012.  At his inspection of the unit he was accompanied by Chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau and spokesman of the KPA Supreme Command, Gen. Kim Yong Chol.  At the beginning of his inspection he observed and was briefed upon equipment produced by the unit and was “ greatly pleased that the unit manufactured latest equipment badly needed for combat preparations by pooling wisdom and enthusiasm” and according to KCNA said “that they look nice and they are successful products, a result of profound inquiry.”

Kim Jong Un examines products produced by KPA Unit #1501 on 24 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un tours a production site of KPA Unit #1501 on 24 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un inspects an armored combat vehicle produced by KPA Unit #1501 on 24 March 2013. DPRK state media imagery did not show the type of vehicle or its chassis that KJU inspects in these photos (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un also said, “The latest equipment were manufactured in such a way to be convenient for using during battles and they looked efficient as they are fully ready to go into action and make a charge towards enemy positions, hitting targets.  What pleased [me] most was that the latest combat and technical equipment developed by the unit ensured very high mobility in combat circumstances and they became intellectual and lighter” and “expressed satisfaction over the fact that different devices that help combat equipment fully display their efficiency in difficult circumstances were manufactured and introduced.”  KJU also watched the vehicles and equipment conduct drills and “indicated superb and preeminent operational and tactical plans to wipe out the enemies at a lightning speed by use of those equipment in actual battles.”

Kim Jong Un inspects a playground slide produced by KPA Unit #1501 on 25 March 2013 (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Kim Jong Un also was briefed on and looked at playground equipment produced by KPA Unit #1501 and “highly praised them for doing good things for children.”  According to KCNA KJU “repeatedly praised the service personnel of the unit for having performed their duties in a responsible manner by sharply watching the moves of the enemies for aggression” and “expressed expectation and belief that they would creditably perform their missions and roles as a stand-bearer and shock brigade in upholding the Military-First (So’ngun) politics of the party.”

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) tours a Taedonggang restaurant boat on 24 March 2013. Also seen in attendance is Gen. Kim Yong Chol (L) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

The recently built Taedonggang Restaurant Boat (L) and Kim Jong Un examining a guideline of the the boat’s design and construction during a 24 March 2013 tour of the boat (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un tours the Taedonggang Restaurant Boat under construction by KPA personnel on 24 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

KJU’s next visit was to the building  by KPA service members of a Taedonggang restaurant boat, accompanied by Gen. Kim Yong Chol.  KCNA reported that the two-story boat will have banquet halls which will acommodate 300 people and measures “ 68.98 meters (226 feet) in length, 26 meters (85 feet) in width and 820 tons in displacement.”  Kim Jong Un toured the restaurant boat and “was greatly satisfied to learn that KPA service personnel are working hard to complete the building of the state-of-the-art restaurant boat in a brief span of time, true to the party’s policy of love for the people.”  Kim Jong Un toured the deck and enquired as to what building materials were used in the boat’s construction.  Whilst touring the dining rooms, KJU said “as the quality of structure depends on what finishing building materials are used, the boat can be successfully built only when good materials are used” and “ the boat should be fitted out with high-quality furniture not only good in use but attractive.”  KJU also enquired about the restaurant boat’s air conditioning system.  According to KCNA he said “When completed, the boat would draw many visitors, underscoring the need to make good arrangements for its successful operation from now.  It was the lifetime desire of leader Kim Jong Il to let people visit a modern restaurant boat on the Taedong River, pride of Pyongyang.  The appearance of the boat cruising on the river to serve visitors would make Pyongyang more beautiful and spectacular.”  KJU also instructed that the restaurant boat be finished for 15 April 2013, the 101st birth anniversary of his grandfather, DPRK founder and president Kim Il Sung.

Kim Jong Un examines accordions and brass instruments, produced by KPA factories and units (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un examines musical instruments produced by KPA factories and units on 24 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un watches an accordion and piano being played by KPA service members whilst examining musical instruments produced by KPA factories and units on 24 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un’s final appearance was in the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Central Committee Office Building #1 where he reviewed various products manufactured by KPA factories and units and watched a rehearsal by the KPA Song and Dance Ensemble.  He was accompanied by VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the KPA General Political Department), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Kyong Ok (Senior Deputy (vice) Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department) and Lt. Gen. Ryom Chol Song.  First, KJU inspected and listened to musicians play accordions, guitars, janggu drums and other musical instruments.  KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un “stressed the need for the KPA to produce more quality musical instruments and send them to soldiers so that they may always spend their worthwhile days in the army full of militant optimism and joy.”

Kim Jong Un (2nd L, front row) examines documents earmarked for display at the reconstructed Victorious Fatherland War (Korean War) Museum on 24 March 2013. Also in attendance is VMar Choe Ryong Hae (L, front) and Kim Kyong Ok (2nd L, rear) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un views a DPRK flag raised during the Fatherland Liberation (Korean) War (L) and other artifacts which will be displayed in the reconstructed war museum on 24 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un also looked at artifacts, photographs, documents and other items designated to be displayed in the reconstructed Victorious Fatherland Liberation War (Korean War) Museum.  KJU “underlined the need to ascertain them well and intensify their discovery on the principle of historicism.”  KJU then looked at outerwear and uniforms manufactured for students of the Mangyo’ngdae Revolutionary School and Kang Pan Sok Revolutionary School.  KCNA reported that he “asked the children in new overcoats which one they would like and if they would like better those having fur attached to the lapel of overcoats” and that “when he heard with laughter the children replying they liked overcoats with turndown collars, he underscored the need to make overcoats with turndown collars with fur as desired by them before giving a task to revise the dress code.”  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un said “there is nothing to spare for the children of Mangyo’ngdae Revolutionary School, reliable heirs to the Chuch’e revolutionary cause and backbones to steadfastly succeed to the revolution, and give them the best things in the world.”

Kim Jong Un (C) inspects a the color of an overcoat, part of the uniform for the student body of the Mangyo’ngdae and Kang Pak Sok Revolutionary Schools in Pyongyang on 24 March 2013. Also seen in attendance are VMar Choe Ryong Hae (L) and Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (2nd L) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un examines overcoats and other outerwear worn as part of the uniform by the students of Mangyo’ngdae and Kang Pan Sok Revolutionary Schools on 24 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un (C) talks with senior KPA officials and commanders after watching a rehearsal by the KPA Song and Dance Ensemble in Pyongyang on 24 March 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Finally Kim Jong Un attended and guided the rehearsal of the KPA Song and Dance Ensemble’s concert “We Will Achieve a Final Victory with the Arms of Mt. Paektu (Paektusan).”  KCNA reported that among the tunes performed were “mixed choruses ‘We Will Win Victory, Flying the Colours of the Supreme Commander’ and ‘Might of Korea’, dance ‘Our Arms’ and accordion and tap dance ‘The Naval Port in the Evening’ and mixed chorus ‘We Will Defend General Kim Jong Un at the Cost of Our Lives.’”  Following the rehearsal KJU issued instructions about the concert to “guidelines to be held fast to by the song and dance ensemble for the creation of art works and their representation.”  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un said “that the WPK has great expectation towards the KPA Song and Dance Ensemble” and he “expressed the belief that the officials, creators and artistes of the ensemble would pool their efforts and conduct dynamic creative and performing activities to powerfully arouse the service personnel and people to carry out the Military-First (So’ngun) revolutionary cause of the party.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kim Jong Un Commands Artillery Drill and Attends Performance by State Merited Chorus

Kim Jong Un watches live artillery exercises by an undisclosed KPA unit (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 25 February (Monday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) commanded live fire artillery drills and watched a performance by the State Merited Chorus.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his guidance of military exercises by Korean People’s Army [KPA] Large Combined Unit (taeyonhap pudae) #630 and elements of the KPA Air and Anti-Air Forces.  Kim Jong Un’s first visit was to an undisclosed KPA unit ordered, according to KCNA, “to conduct an artillery firing drill in order to examine the capability of artillery units to fight an actual war.”  Attending the exercises were VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the KPA General Political Department), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Kim Kyok Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), VMar Kim Yong Chun (Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission) Lt. Gen. Ri Yong Gil (Commander of V Army Corps), Col. Gen. Son Chol Ju, Lt. Gen. Ryom Chol Song, Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol, Gen. Yun Tong Hyon, Col. Gen. Kim Yong Chol (Chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau), Col. Gen. O Il Jong (Director of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Military Affairs Department), Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (Vice Chief of the KPA General Staff), Kim Kyong Ok (Senior Deputy (1st Vice) Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department), Ri Jae Il (Senior Deputy (1st Vice) Director of the KWP Propaganda and Agitation Department) along with Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon, Yun Tong Hui, Kim Taek Gu, Pak Tong Hak, Rim Kwang Il, Ra Chong Il and Hong Yong Chil.

View of artillery exercises ordered and observed by Kim Jong Un (Photos: KCNA)

KPA service members participate in live fire artillery exercises (L) and hit a target (R) (Photos: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un was briefed about the unnamed unit’s deployment and training, then ordered the exercises’ commencement.  According to KCNA “an endless barrage of shells were fired by artillery pieces on the “enemy’s positions,” their roar rocking heaven and earth, and all of them were enveloped in flames” and KJU “was satisfied with the shells accurately hitting the targets” and seeing “‘enemy positions’ in flames.”  Kim Jong Un “noted that if the drill leads to an actual battle, the enemies will be hit so hard by the retaliatory strikes of the infuriated powerful revolutionary army of Mt. Paektu that they would not be able to raise their heads again” and “highly praised the artillerymen for their successful drill.”  According to KCNA KJU said that “he was examining the preparedness of units for an actual battle after issuing an order all of a sudden, adding that the drill once again convinced him that all the officers and men of the army are waiting for an order of the supreme commander for a final attack, keeping themselves in maximum alert” and “ set forth important tasks to be carried out by the army to make thorough preparations to go into action.”  KJU also “clarified in detail issues of further modernizing the artillery force to cope with the escalating reckless maneuvers of the enemies for a war of aggression” and “emphasized that the artillerymen should always be ready to open fire to hit the targets anytime an order is issued and deal merciless blows at the enemies when they preempt firing.”

Kim Jong Un also inspected “military hardware newly developed by the army” before attending a commemorative photograph session with KPA service members and officers who participated in the exercises.

Kim Jong Un participates in a commemorative photo session after live fire artillery exercises (Photos: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un (1st row, 3rd R) attends a performance by the State Merited Chorus at the People’s Theater in Pyongyang. Also seen in the 1st row are: Kim Kyong Ok (L), VMar Kim Yong Chun (2nd L) VMar Choe Ryong Hae (3rd L) Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (2nd R) and Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (R) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un’s next reported public appearance was his attendance of a concert by the State Merited Chorus (Merited State Choir) at the People’s Theater in central Pyongyang.  Attending the concert with him was the same group of KPA senior commanders that observed the live fire artillery exercises, with the addition of VMar Kim Jong Gak.  The State Merited Chorus performed a concert title “Korea Does What It is Determined to Do” and KJU watched it with KPA service members and officers.  The chorus’ concert was also performed on 22 February (Friday) for participants in the 12 February 2013 nuclear test, as part of their ongoing visit to Pyongyang.  The concert began with an instrumental and chorus “Song of the Korean People’s Army.”  KCNA reported that other songs performed included “The Glorious Motherland,” “The General Will Live Forever as the Sun,” “We Will Defend Marshal Kim Jong Un with Our Lives,” “Korea Does What It is Determined to Do” and “Peace is Guaranteed by Our Arms” and that the “performers sang high praises of boundless reverence for the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, who built up the strong national power of Military-First (So’ngun) Korea, and matchless courage and grit and outstanding leadership art of Kim Jong Un, who is steering the all-out action of all service personnel and people to protect the sovereignty of the country.”

Kim Jong Un said, “The performance of the chorus makes everybody feel refreshed and reminds one of the volley firing by multiple rocket launch system, adding that it once again reinforced the belief that one should carry on the revolution, tightly holding arms,” according to KCNA and he “expressed his expectation and conviction that the creators and artistes of the State Merited Chorus would inspire the service personnel and people to wage a dynamic struggle for a final victory in the future, too through its revolutionary and militant performing activities.”

The same State Merited Chorus performance watched by personnel involved in the DPRK’s third nuclear test.

Concert by the State Merited Chorus entitled “Korea Does What It is Determined to Do” at the People’s Theater in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)