Kim Jong Un Visits Pyongyang Construction Sites and Amusement Park

Kim Jong Un (3rd L) is briefed while touring Kaeso’n Amusement Park in central Pyongyang. Also seen in attendance are his uncle and Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission, Jang Song Taek (L), and Director of the KPA General Political Department (bureau) and Vice Chairman of the Party Central Military Commission, Choe Ryong Hae (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 25 May (Friday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited three ongoing construction projects and an amusement park in Pyongyang.  Kim Jong Un’s last reported public appearance was his inspection of Korean People’s Army [KPA] Unit #1501.  At all of his visits, KJU was accompanied by Jang Song Taek.

Kim Jong Un (L) tours the Ryugyong Health Complex in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

KCNA reports on his visit to the Ryugyong Health Complex and the People’s Outdoor Ice Rink:

After being briefed on the health complex before a large map showing its panoramic view, he went round it.

Making the rounds of the exterior and interior of the complex, he learned in detail about its construction.

Entering a pine tree sauna emitting strong smell of resin, he was pleased with the successful construction of its floor and walls.

Rest halls of bathhouses look spacious and nice, he said, adding visitors will like if TV sets are available there so that they may enjoy an emotional life, having good rest there.

Going up to the last fourth story, he stressed the need to use space effectively and efficiently.

The complex is an object to which leader Kim Jong Il paid special attention, he said, adding that if it is completed, this will amount to implementing another behest of Kim Jong Il.

Noting that the complex is not only fresh and peculiar in its architectural style and contents but also on a high level from designing to building, he underlined the need for soldier-builders to finish its project till the war victory day and provide it to the people.

The next leg of his field guidance was the People’s Outdoor Ice Rink.

Noting that sporting and service facilities such as the ice rink could be built thanks to the heroic struggle of soldier-builders, he highly praised their merits.

There should be good places for providing skates and sharpening skate edges as it is a mass skating ground, he said.

He called for successfully completing the ice rink as a sports center for the country’s ice sports development and physical training of working people, youth and students.

It is also a gift the WPK will present to the people, he noted, adding it should be finished till the war victory day along with the above-said health complex.

He was accompanied by Jang Song Thaek, member of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee and vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission, and Ryang Chong Song and Ma Won Chun, vice department directors of the WPK Central Committee.

Kim Jong Un tours an ongoing apartment complex construction project in central Pyongyang. Also seen in attendance are Jang Song Taek (2nd L), Ryang Chong Song (L) and Ma Wo’n-ch’un (3rd R, behind KJU) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

KJU was also reported to have visited the construction of apartment buildings, restaurants and other facilities near Mansudae Assembly Hall in central Pyongyang:

There are in Changjon Street 5 to 45-storeyed apartment houses for thousands of families, each of which having several living rooms and tens of buildings for nurseries and kindergartens, secondary school, pharmacies, educational and healthcare institutions, commercial and catering networks and various welfare and service facilities standing in good harmony.

After being briefed on the street in front of a huge map showing the panoramic view of the Mansudae Area, Kim Jong Un went round various restaurants, shops and stalls and parking lot in the basement, etc. to acquaint himself in detail with the construction of the street.

He looked round various parts of Haemaji Restaurant built in a peculiar style and was satisfied with it.

He made the rounds of various other restaurants including the combined restaurant of the Jung District and Unjong Teahouse built in diverse styles to learn in detail about their size, furnishings, decorations, ventilation, etc.

He personally sat on a chair of the restaurant and underscored the need to thoroughly abide by the principle of guaranteeing convenience first and architectural beauty next when designing and manufacturing any furniture so that it may be convenient for use and look nice.

Learning in detail about the quality and colors of the paving blocks on the passages linking the ground and the underground and the greenery outside, he indicated detailed orientation and ways to build the street into a more magnificent and fashionable one.

He also viewed the signboard designs of various catering networks in the street and indicated ways of rounding them off better.

He enjoyed a bird’s-eye view of the street and said the scenery of the street is really fantastic and its appearance has changed beyond recognition.

He said with pride that the successful construction of the modern street by the efforts of Koreans as required by the new century is a demonstration of the validity of the WPK’s idea of architectural aesthetics and the potential of the Juche-based self-supporting economy.

Changjon Street is excellent in designing and high in the level of construction, he appreciated again, stressing the need to enable residents to move to new houses in mid-June.

He indicated important tasks to serve as guidelines for building Pyongyang into a more magnificent city as required by the Songun era.

Pyongyang should be built into a city for people where the revolutionary outlook on the leader is thoroughly embodied both in name and reality, he said, and went on:

As required by the developing reality it is necessary to lay out streets, build roads, distribute various buildings and ensure their styles, interior decorations, etc. in a peculiar manner under a long-term plan.

It is also necessary to distribute well educational, healthcare, sports, cultural and welfare facilities and welfare service bases on the principle of ensuring popular character, national identity and modernity.

The field of construction should steadily and thoroughly implement the WPK’s policy of applying formative art in architecture and pay deep attention to creating cultural environment including the greening of the city, in particular.

He was accompanied by Jang Song Thaek, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WPK and vice-chairman of the NDC of the DPRK, and Ryang Chong Song, Pak Chun Hong and Ma Won Chun, vice department directors of the C.C., WPK.

Kim Jong Un (R) talks with KPA construction officials during a tour of an apartment complex in central Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un and other members of the DPRK central leadership watch an amusement park ride during a tour of the Kaeso’n Amusement Park (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un (2nd row, 6th L) and Jang Song Taek (2nd row, 5th R) poses for a commemorative photograph with restaurant employees during a tour of Kaeso’n Amusement Park (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un also visited the Kaeso’n Fun Fair.  The amusement park was one of the locales Kim Jong Il visited during the week that he died.

Learning in detail about the operation of the amusement equipment personally watched by leader Kim Jong Il, he noted with appreciation that the funfair is kept neat and tidy and managed regularly.

Before the merry-go-round swing, he said it is most popular, adding when he accompanied Kim Jong Il visiting the funfair last year, he had a chance to ride it.

At the electronic amusement hall he kindly asked which apparatus do visitors like more, underlining the need to set up a merry-go-round swing and electronic amusement hall at the Rungna People’s Recreation Ground now under construction.

Standing before a kiosk where wheat cake stuffed with roast chicken is served, he learned about the quality of mineral water bottle inside it.

Visiting the Kaeson Bread Restaurant in the compound of the funfair, he said he was also told that visitors liked food there and it is serving good food.

He recollected with deep emotion that Kim Jong Il promised to visit it without fail in his lifetime but he could not keep his promise.

He was greatly satisfied with the fact that the workers of the funfair are operating amusement facilities regularly and successfully operating several catering networks.

He set forth the tasks to be fulfilled to manage and operate the funfair.

He underlined the need to improve the management of equipment and technical control of them and operate the funfair in such a way as not to give even the slightest inconvenience to the visitors.

He underscored the need to provide a sufficient quantity of foodstuff to the catering networks in the compound of the funfair so that they may operate more effectively.

He stressed the need to pay deep attention to dresses of operators and service persons of the funfair and make service garments fit for seasons so that they may match the scenic beauty of the funfair.

He asked them to manage and operate the funfair well so as to bring into bloom Kim Jong Il’s love for the people for all ages and always please them.

He had a photo session with the workers of the funfair and the relevant field, expressing expectation and conviction that they would fulfill their honorable mission and duty as the true servants of the people.

He was accompanied by Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee and director of the General Political Bureau of the KPA, Jang Song Thaek, member of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee and vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission, and Hwang Pyong So and Pak Chun Hong, vice department directors of the WPK Central Committee.

Kim Jong Un Visits Mangyongdae Amusement Park as Land Management Conference Held

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) tours Mangyongdae Fun Fair. Also in attendance is VMar Choe Ryong Hae (L), director of the KPA General Political Department. (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

DPRK state media reported on 9 May (Wednesday) that Kim  Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited Mangyo’ngdae Fun Fair (amusement park).  The amusement park has occasionally been featured in tourist photographs.  Some images have shown DPRK citizens using the park, however other pictures have shown the areas of the park, constructed in the 1980s, shuttered.  In its report on KJU’s visit, KCNA noted that he expressed his displeasure about the condition of the amusement park.  In undated images his visit, KJU is wearing a fedora of similar style to his grandfather, Kim Il Sung.

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) pulls weeds during his tour of Mangyongdae Fun Fair (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) appears to be complaining about cracked pavement during his tour of the Mangyongdae Fun Fair (Photo: KCNA)

KCNA reports :

Covering 70 hectares, the funfair has the first-phase funfair built in Kalmaeji Field and the second-phase one and a wading pool built on an expansion basis in Songsan Field.

The funfair has made positive contribution to the entertainment of people and school youth and children for decades.

He looked round various places of the funfair to acquaint himself in detail with its management and operation.

In front of the swingboat in the second-phase funfair, he, pointing at the seriously broken pavement in the compound of the funfair, asked officials when the road was last re-paved. It is regretful that the road has not been managed well, he said.

Putting his finger on the faulty arrangement of the bases of Oriental arborvitae and Sabina Chinensis, he said it would be good to have gravel stones planted in various shapes around the trees.

Seeing the weeds grown in between pavement blocks in the compound of the funfair, he, with an irritated look, plucked them up one by one. He said in an excited tone that he has never thought that the funfair is under such a bad state and a proverb that the darkest place is under the candlestick fits the funfair. He scolded officials, saying why such things do not come in their sight and querying could the officials of the funfair work like this, had they had the attitude befitting master, affection for their work sites and conscience to serve the people. Plucking up weeds can be done easily with hands as it is different from updating facilities, he added.

Saying that the amusement facilities have been put into operation with the paint scraped off, he noted that the officials and care-takers of the funfair have below-zero spirit of serving the people. This is not just a business issue but an issue concerning ideological viewpoint, he said in a serious tone.

He dropped in at the fountain pool where he stressed the need to tidy up the place even though it may not go operational for this or that reason.

Officials should draw a serious lesson from the tour of Mangyongdae Funfair, he said, adding that this occasion should be taken to issue a serious warning to the officials so that they can have proper spirit of serving the people.

He called for sprucing up the Mangyongdae Funfair as required by the Songun era. This process should be made an occasion of removing outdated ideological point of view from the heads of officials and ending their old work-style, he added.

He set forth the tasks for sprucing up the funfair.

He gave Choe Ryong Hae, director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People’s Army, the task for sprucing up the funfair as required by the new century by dispatching strong construction forces of the KPA.

The officials of the relevant fields including the Pyongyang City Committee of the WPK, ministries and national institutions should fulfill their duties and responsibilities in sprucing up the funfair to implement the WPK’s intention of serving people in practice.

He was accompanied by Choe Ryong Hae and Ma Won Chun, vice- department director of the WPK Central Committee.

Kim Jong Un and members of the DPRK central leadership pose for a commemorative photograph with participants in a meeting on land management (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un was also reported to have attended a photo op with participants in a land management conference held in Pyongyang.  KCNA reports:

He waved back to their enthusiastic cheers, giving a warm encouragement to them.

He expressed expectation and belief that all the service personnel and people including the participants in the meeting would carry out leader Kim Jong Il’s idea of land management and his last instructions without any slight deviation and concession so as to drastically change the appearance of the land to suit the features of a thriving socialist nation.

He was accompanied by leading officials of party, state and military organs Choe Yong Rim, Kim Jong Gak, Jang Song Thaek, Kim Ki Nam, Ri Myong Su, Mun Kyong Dok, Ro Tu Chol, Ri Ryong Ha and chief secretaries of the provincial committees of the WPK.

Photo op at Kumsusan Memorial Palace for participants in a meeting on land management held in Pyongyang on 8 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

View of rostrum at a meeting of land management activists held at the People’s Palace of Culture in Pyongyang on Tuesday, 8 May 2012. During the meeting a speech on land management by Kim Jong Un was publicized. (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK Vice Premier Kim In Sik delivers a report during a meeting of land management activists on 8 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

The land management meeting was held at the People’s Palace of Culture on 8 May (Tuesday).  It is not clear if this was the large “homeland” meeting which was reported by Good Friends to take place in early May.  The meeting included the release of a speech on land management Kim Jong Un delivered on 27 April 2012.  KCNA reports:

The meeting discussed the tasks and practical measures to turn the country into a land of bliss for the people by highly displaying the validity and vitality of the movement initiated and led by leader Kim Jong Il under the guidance of the dear respected Kim Jong Un.

Present there were Choe Yong Rim, Kim Jong Gak, Kim Ki Nam, Ri Myong Su, Mun Kyong Dok and Ro Tu Chol, and officials of party and power organs, working people’s organizations, armed forces, economic institutions and the relevant field in Pyongyang and all provinces, cities and counties and activists of the movement.

The participants of the meeting heard “On Effecting a Drastic Turn in Land Management to Meet the Requirements for Building a Thriving Socialist Nation,” the work of Kim Jong Un published on the occasion of the meeting.

The work, published on April 27, 2012, said that President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il paid deep attention to the land management and worked heart and soul to turn the country beautiful.

It clearly indicates the tasks and ways for the officials and other working people in the field of land management to preserve and glorify the party’s idea and leadership feats performed in the land management and face-lift the appearance of the land to befit the land of a thriving socialist nation.

Kim In Sik, vice-premier of the DPRK Cabinet, in his report referred to the undying feats the peerlessly great persons performed in the work for improving the land construction and management.

He also touched on the successes made in the land construction and management since the policy on general mobilization for land management was put forth.

He underscored the need for all officials, party members and working people to dynamically wage a general offensive to successfully realize the far-reaching plan of the Party for land construction true to the leadership of Kim Jong Un and thus turn the country into a fairyland of socialism.

Speeches were made at the meeting.

The speakers expressed their determination to fully uphold the work of Kim Jong Un as their important guidelines for land management and to dynamically step up the worthwhile effort forturning the country more beautiful in hearty response to the call “Forward for Final Victory!” made by the supreme commander of the Korean People’s Army to all the people of the country.

A view of the venue and participants in a land management meeting in Pyongyang on 8 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

Central Leadership Figures Visit Projects

Choe Ryong Hae is briefed about the construction of the Pyongyang Folk Park (L) on 4 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

Choe Ryong Hae (3rd R) tours ongoing construction at Rungra Islet in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 5 May (Saturday) that VMar Choe Ryong Hae, director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department (bureau) inspected ongoing construction work at Nungra Island and the Pyongyang Folk Park on 4 May (Friday).  It was Choe’s second reported solo public appearance since his elevation to the National Defense Commission and the Political Bureau Presidium.  KCNA reports:

The project is a giant undertaking to protect from flood the Rungra Pleasure Ground for People whose appearance is changing with each passing day according to the far-reaching plan of the WPK.

When the project is completed, it will help add beauty to the landscape of Rungra Islet and Panwol Islet and provide the people with a centre for a safer and highly civilized cultural and emotional life.

Having received the order of Supreme Commander Kim Jong Un, the solder-builders have made great achievements in carrying out every process of the project in a matter of just 40 odd days since the ground-breaking by displaying popular heroism and matchless devotion.

Going round different sections of the project, the director acquainted himself in detail with the progress made in the construction and the operation of vehicles. He also dropped in at bedrooms of soldier-builders and kitchens to learn about their living.

A consultative meeting took place at the work site.

Cranes at Tanchon Commerical Port (Photo: KCNA)

Crowd assembled for opening ceremony of Tanchon Port (Photo: KCNA)

Meanwhile, DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim spent several days in South Hamgyo’ng Province.  On Thursday (3 May) Choe attended the opening of Tanchon Port.  Among those who traveled out from Pyongyang for the port’s opening were Vice Premier and Chairman of the State Planning Commission Ro Tu Chol and KWP Secretary and Director of the Finance and Planning Department Kwak Pom Gi.  During the 4th Party Conference in April, Ro and Kwak were elected alternate (candidate) members of the Political Bureau.  Kwak was also elected the KWP Secretary and Director of the Finance and Planning Department.  From June 2010 to April 2011, Kwak was chief party secretary for South Hamgyo’ng Province.  KCNA reports:

The construction of the port with a cargo traffic capacity of millions of tons provides a guarantee for greatly contributing to developing the nation’s foreign trade and improving the people’s living standard.

A ceremony for the completion of the construction was held on the spot Thursday.

Present there were Choe Yong Rim, Kwak Pom Gi, Ro Tu Chol and other officials concerned, officials of the Ministry of Land and Marine Transport, builders and working people of industrial establishments in Tanchon City.

Read out there was a joint congratulatory message sent by the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the Cabinet of the DPRK to the officials and members of shock brigades who performed labor feats in the construction of the port.

The message highly praised them for successfully building another giant structure in the era of Songun greatly conducive to building an economic power true to the life-time desires and last instructions of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.

It expressed belief that they would perform greater feats in the efforts for the country’s prosperity united close around the WPK Central Committee headed by the dear respected Kim Jong Un.

Minister of Land and Marine Transport Kang Jong Gwan, in his speech made for the occasion, said the construction of the port was a brilliant fruition of the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il who initiated the construction of the port and worked heart and soul to translate the desire of the President into a reality till the last moments of his revolutionary life and the clear-sighted guidance and meticulous care of Kim Jong Un.

Speakers at the ceremony pledged themselves to carry out their tasks including dredging in a short span of time in the same spirit as displayed in the construction of the port.

At the end of the ceremony the participants looked round different places of the port.

On the same day, Choe Yong Rim, Ro Tu Chol and other Cabinet officials visited Tanch’o'n Smeltery and the Tanch’o'n Magnesia Factory.  KCNA reports:

He went round the newly built cultural and welfare facilities and construction site of combined fire-proof materials production process.

Looking round the facilities he said that the officials should serve the convenience of the workers on a priority basis and look after their life with care, keeping deep in their minds the dear respected Kim Jong Un’s maxim of loving the people.

He also stressed the need to finish the construction of the fire-proof materials production process in a short period of time and keep the production going successfully by putting the production processes on a modern and scientific basis.

The premier went to the Tanchon Smeltery, which Kim Jong Il gave field guidance in his lifetime.

Touring various places of the Smeltery, he mentioned the need to increase the production of processed goods by introducing advanced technologies, setting up new processes, further heightening the level of technical skills and laying material and technical foundations for the timely and successful dressing of concentrated ores.

At a consultation meeting the premier stressed the need for everyone to turn out in the building of an economic power to register higher production records, remaining true to the noble intention of Kim Jong Il.

DPRK Choe Yong Rim (3rd L) is briefed about production at the Ryongsong Machine Complex in Hamhu’ng, South Hamgyo’ng Province on 4 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim tours the Hu’ngnam Fertilizer Complex in South Hamgyo’ng Province on 4 May 2012. Also seen in attendance is Vice Premier Ro Tu Chol (L) (Photo: KCNA)

On Friday (4 May), the same group visited factories in Hamhu’ng.  KCNA reports:

He looked round the February 8 Vinalon Complex, the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex, the Ryongsong Machine Complex, the Hungnam Pharmaceutical Factory and renovated Sinhung Restaurant associated with footprints of leader Kim Jong Il.

Workers in Hamhung City are bringing about a great surge in the drive to build an economic power, true to the behests of Kim Jong Il.

He acquainted himself with the production at the complexes and factory and convened consultative meetings.

The meetings discussed the issues of increasing and stepping up the production of carbide and vinalon as well as fertilizers.

The meetings also took measures for pushing ahead with the production of custom-built equipment including high-performance compressor needed for various fields of national economy, increasing the production of medicines and finishing the renovation project at an early date.

Then, he went round Sinhung Restaurant.

He called on the employees of the Restaurant to perform their mission and role as servants for people, true to the Party’s slogan “We Serve the People!”

Choe Yong Rim tours the 8 February Vinalon Complex (Photo: KCNA)

Choe Yong Rim visits Sinhung Restaurant (Photo: KCNA)

Workers’ Orgs to Hold Conferences in May and June

National headquarters of the Kim Il Sung Youth League (L) and the Korea Democratic Women’s Union (R) in Pyongyang (Photo: Google image)

DPRK state media reported on 4 May (Friday) that the four major Workers’ Organizations will hold membership conferences “from late May to early June.”  KCNA reports:

Conferences of the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League, the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea, the Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea and the Democratic Women’s Union of Korea are to be held here from late May to early June.

Discussed there will be the tasks of the working people’s organisations to hold in high esteem President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il as eternal leaders of the Party and revolution, carry through the decision of the Fourth Conference of the Workers’ Party of Korea and build a thriving socialist nation under the guidance of the dear respected Kim Jong Un.

It is not clear if the Workers’ Organizations’ conferences are linked to another large gathering in Pyongyang connected to boosting the country’s food supply.  Good Friends reported on its website on 2 May (Wednesday) that “the new leadership decided to hold a homeland meeting in Pyongyang early in May with the intent of preparing measures to resolve the problem of food shortages.  Three to four functionaries of related fields from each county, and even larger numbers from each city are continuing to gather in Pyongyang. . .the scale is second only to the party representatives’ conference held on 11 April.”  Good Friends also reported that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n), “personally ordered the meeting to be held, saying that good methods of food production should be sought fundamentally.”

AFP reports:

North Korean officials from across the country will meet in Pyongyang this month to discuss ways to boost agriculture in the food-scarce nation, a Seoul aid group said on Thursday.

The ‘Homeland Conference’ will focus on ways to expand farmland in the mountainous nation by cultivating rugged areas and inactive land, Good Friends said on its website.

The meeting will draw hundreds of people including central and local government officials, ruling communist party officials and other state agencies, making it as large as a party meeting last month, the aid group said.

Seoul’s unification ministry could not immediately confirm the reported meeting, for which the aid group gave no date.

The North suffered a famine which killed hundreds of thousands in the 1990s and severe food shortages continue. UN agencies said last November that three million people would need food aid this year and child malnutrition was rising.

Good Friends said the Pyongyang meeting would also consider a chronic workforce shortage in agriculture.

Many collectivised farms suffer high rates of absenteeism as farmers roam in search of roots and wild greens to compensate for grain shortages, it said.

May Day Celebrated

Kim Jong Un visits an e-library during a tour of factories in North P’yo’ngan Province (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 2 May (Wednesday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) and other members of the central leadership participated in events commemorating International Labor Day (May Day).  KJU was reported as having visited Taegwan Glass Factory in North P’yo’ngan Province, as well as a machine factory managed by Ho Chol Yong.  KJU was reported to have visited the same machine plant in January 2012.  KCNA reports:

He was accompanied by senior officials of the party and army including Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Thaek, Hyon Chol Hae, Pak To Chun, Kim Phyong Hae, Ri Jae Il, Kim Myong Guk, Son Chol Ju, Yun Tong Hyon, Hwang Pyong So, Kang Kwan Il and Pak Jong Chon.

The first leg of his visit was the Taegwan Glass Factory.

As he arrived at the factory, he extended warm congratulations and salute to its workers significantly marking the international holiday of the workers all over the world that demonstrates their might and revolutionary solidarity.

He, to begin with, saw modern optical measuring instruments developed by the factory.

He praised its workers for developing modern optical measuring instruments and working hard to raise their utility rate after acquainting himself with the principle of their operation and performance.

He went round various places of the factory including its designing room, automation room, e-library and sample room to learn in detail about the technological updating and production at the factory.

Making the rounds of various rooms at the comprehensive electronic service center which looks like a scientific research institute, he was pleased with the great progress made by the workers there in their efforts to put all the processes of production on a modern and scientific basis ranging from designing of products to processing and assembling.

He set forth the tasks to serve as guidelines for management and production at the factory, noting that the demand for modern glass products and optical instruments is on the daily increase.

The next leg of his guidance was the Machine Plant Managed by Ho Chol Yong.

Making the rounds of the general assembling shop, sheet metal processing shop and various other production processes, he acquainted himself in detail with production, mechanism, performance and technical specifications of machines.

He praised the officials, workers, scientists and technicians of the plant for manufacturing modern machines of Korean style, noting that the machines produced by the plant are very good in their performance and paying off in reality.

After seeing machines, he put forth important tasks facing the plant.

Then he went round the Kangsong Health Complex newly built at the plant.

The complex covering a total plottage of more than 10 000 square meters consists of a swimming pool, wading pool, shower rooms, public baths and private baths, dining hall, kitchen and photo studio on the first floor and a gymnasium, table tennis room, e-library, barber’s, beauty parlor and amusement room on the second floor.

At the swimming pool and wading pool, he was pleased to see swimming and wading workers. He expressed great satisfaction over the fact that they have come to have good rest at the wonderful place.

He had a photo session with the servants of the Kangsong Health Complex, expressing expectation that they would devotedly serve the workers.

Telling the officials that he would like to spread a carpet in the compound for the workers of the plant, he wished them steady success in production.

He had a photo session with the soldier-builders who creditably discharged the duty of the KPA in building the health complex for the workers of the plant.

View of the performance of “Family of General” by the U’nhasu Orchestra on International Labor Day (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un waves to the audience attending the U’nhasu Orchestra concert “Family of General” on International Labor Day. Also in attendance are VMar Choe Ryong Hae (R), director of the KPA General Political Department (bureau), and Kim Kyong Hui (L), KJU’s aunt and a KWP Secretary who appears to have a bandaged finger on her right hand (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un also attended a concert entitled, “Family of General,” given by the U’nhasu Orchestra.  This was KJU’s last reported public appearance.  KCNA reports:

Put on the stage were mixed sextet and chorus “May, Month of Victory”, male duet “This Honor of Raftsmen Is Boundless”, female solo and pangchang “Family of the General”, male solo and pangchang “The 2 000-ri Amnok River”, orchestral music “Chollima Gallops Forward” and other colorful numbers.

Through famous songs the performers sang high praises of the feats of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.

Some of the audience were invited to the stage.

Conspicuously decorating the stage were solos of Han Yong Bin of the Jangsuwon Cooperative Farm in Samsok District and Kim Yong Suk, a worker of the Phyongsong Synthetic Leather Factory, who proved successful at the national contests of songs of working people several times, “Song of National Salvation Struggle” and “What Is Life?” of cinema stars who played at multi-part feature film “The Nation and Destiny” (workers), duet “We Are a Worker-Couple” of Ri Jong Son and Kim Pong Suk, a couple of demilitarized soldier-workers of Hungnam, comic chat and song “We Will Glorify the Honor of Coal Miners” of Ri Sun Hong, a merited artiste of the Mansudae Art Troupe loved by the people, song “Oh, My Favored Work Site” of a soloist of the Unhasu Orchestra and Kim Yong Suk, secretary of the party primary committee of the Kim Jong Suk Pyongyang Textile Mill, and male chorus and chorus “Push Back the Frontiers of Latest Science and Technology” of students of Kim Chaek University of Techno logy.

Kim Jong Un waved back to the cheering performers and audience and congratulated the performers on their successful performance.

Among the audience were Choe Ryong Hae, Kim Kyong Hui, Jang Song Thaek, Pak To Chun, Kim Ki Nam, Hyon Chol Hae, Kim Phyong Hae, Mun Kyong Dok and Kwak Pom Gi, officials of the party and armed forces organs and working people’s organizations, working people of industrial establishments of the major domains of the national economy and agricultural workers, scientists and researchers in the fields of science and education and students.

Invited to enjoy the concert were diplomatic envoys of different countries and representatives of international organizations here and other foreign guests.

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim starts a tug of war during a factory visit he made on International Labor Day (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported that other members of the central leadership visited factories on May Day, where they attended rallies and report meetings.  KCNA reports:

Among them were Choe Yong Rim, Kim Ki-nam, Choe Thae Bok, Yang Hyong, Kang Sok Ju, Mun Kyong Dok, Ro Tu Chol and officials of the cabinet, working people’s organizations, ministries, national institutions, local party and power bodies. They went to the Sangwon Cement Complex, Pyongyang 326 Electric Wire Factory, Pyongyang Thermal Power Plant, Taean Heavy Machine Complex, Chollima Steel Complex, Namhung Youth Chemical Complex, Chongsan Co-op Farm in Kangso District and other institutions, factories, enterprises and farms to congratulate workers, agricultural workers and intellectuals on the holiday.

They laid floral baskets and bouquets before the statues of President Kim Il Sung and his smiling portraits and mosaics depicting Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.

Touring the revolutionary museums, rooms devoted to the history of relevant units and other places they recalled the revolutionary careers and devoted efforts by the peerlessly great persons of Mt. Paektu.

The senior officials felt once again that the Korean working people could discharge their missions and duties as master of the country and the revolution thanks to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

They met and conversed with innovators and encouraged them to bring about fresh success in their work.

Together with working people they played colorful sports and amusement games including tug of war, chess and Yut games and enjoyed art performances.

They requested all the working people to become heroes of the times and performers of feats in the worthwhile struggle for fresh victory of the Juche revolution under the leadership of the dear respected Kim Jong Un.

KWP Secretary Kim Ki Nam presides over what appears to be a ssiru’m match, during visits made to factories and production facilities on International Labor Day (Photo: KCNA)

Science and Technology Festival Opened

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim (2nd R) tours the Science and Technology Festival on Friday, 27 April in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

On Friday (27 April) DPRK state media reported that the a Science and Technology Festival opened at the Three Revolutions Exhibition Hall.  DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim and KWP Secretary Choe Tae Bok, among other central leadership, attended the opening ceremony.  The festival was announced   KCNA reports:

The festival is divided into 13 panels of light industry, agriculture, foodstuff, railway transport, energy, construction and building materials, basic science, state of the art and others.

Presented to the festival are achievements of more than 200 units in the process of putting the production processes on a modern and scientific basis by pushing back the frontiers of latest science and technology together with many research findings of scientists, technicians and working people highly appreciated at local festivals.

Attending the ceremony were Choe Yong Rim, premier of the Cabinet, Choe Thae Bok, secretary of the C.C., the Workers’ Party of Korea, Ri Ja Bang, chairman of the State Science and Technology Commission, officials concerned, scientists, technicians and working people.

Meanwhile, 372 km (231 miles) northeast of the Three Revolutions Exhibition Hall, excavation and construction work proceeds.  The ongoing activity suggests that preparations are under way for the DPRK to conduct a third nuclear detonation at its test site in P’unggye-ri, Kilchu County, North Hamgyo’ng Province.  Kyodo reported on 25 April that Russia raised its alert level on the expectation that the DPRK’s nuclear test would be within the week.  38 North reports:

The latest imagery, taken April 18, 2012, documents continuing preparations for an upcoming nuclear test and shows a train of mining carts on top of the spoil pile and random unidentified structures or objects on or near the piles (see figure 3). Based on an examination of previous satellite photos, their position and number appear to vary on a day-to-day basis, indicating the continued movement of vehicles, structures and other objects on or near the spoil piles at the mouth of the test tunnel. According to one press report on April 21, the North had completed the removal of the large spoil pile near the test site, probably to seal the tunnel for the explosion. However, this imagery shows the size of the pile largely unchanged. Whether the test device has been emplaced in the chamber and stemming with other material has been completed, remains unclear.

Images of a tunnel entrance (top) and tunnel leading to the nuclear detonation site. These images appeared in episode 4 of the 2009 Korea Film Studios' feature The Country I Saw, which included a depiction of the 25 May 2009 nuclear test

The DPRK’s third nuclear test may not be as imminent as some in the neighborhood foresee.  Korea Herald reports:

Pollack was in Seoul last week to attend the 2012 Asan Plenum, a three-day international forum on global challenges that kicked off last Wednesday. The annual forum was organized by local think tank Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

Pyongyang may face a tougher response from its crucial patron China should it take another destabilizing action following the recent rocket launch, he pointed out. In an unusual move, Beijing agreed at the U.N. Security Council to condemn Pyongyang on April 16, three days after the botched launch.

“They may also be weighing the implications. This time, China would really impose some severe costs on them. We have the Chinese vice foreign minister in the forum, giving some very forceful remarks,” he said.

“They will test it at some point, but not now yet,” Jonathan Pollack of the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank, told The Korea Herald.

“The reason might not be technical, but political that another nuclear test would probably be damaging to North Korea from the point of view of seeing a future South Korean president more aligned with their interests.”

“He did not say a nuclear test, but you could see what he was talking about to make clear that China’s disapproval of any such third test would be very strong, potentially very harsh.”

Pollack paid particular attention to the fact that Pyongyang has not been explicit yet about its preparation for a nuclear test while it gave some explanation before their past nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009.

“There has been no explicit threat to test the nuclear weapon. The other thing I want to emphasize that in both 2006 and 2009, they developed almost what we would call an immediate campaign over a period of time,” he said.

“I don’t know, it was perhaps, weeks or months, but it was trying to build the case for why they would then proceed to a nuclear test.”

Although it would not be easy for Beijing to change its core policy toward its impoverished ally considering that it favors stability on the peninsula, China could make some adjustments in it to protect its national interests, he argued.

“The Chinese are not, in my own view, likely to discard North Korea, but under some circumstances, it is possible that they might really try to put limits on the relationship if North Korea is affecting their Chinese vital interests,” he said.

“China’s larger worries concern North Korea undertaking actions to which the ROK (Republic of Korea) would respond this time, and then, this triggers an environment that draws in both the U.S. and China on the peninsula.”

Rocket on Launch Pad

Officials of the Korea Committee for Space Technology [KCST] have placed the U’nha-3 carrier rocket on its launch pad at the Sohae Launch Facility in Tongch’ang-ri, Ch’o'lsan County, North P’yo’ngan Province.  U’nha-3 was unveiled to visiting foreign media, along with what was said to be the Kwangmyo’ngso’ng-3 satellite [KMS-3].  Xinhua reports:

The rocket for Pyongyang’s planned satellite launch later this month has been installed on the launch pad, Xinhua correspondents saw at the launch site Sunday.

A official said at the scene that the Unha-3 rocket, which is slated to blast off during the April 12-16 window and send an “earth observation” satellite into space, is yet to be fuelled.

Xinhua was among the foreign media invited to visit the launching station, control and command center and some other places.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) announced last month its plan to launch the Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite to mark the 100th birthday of late leader Kim Il Sung, which has triggered global concerns.

Daily Yomiuri reports:

The injection of liquid fuel will start after the second- and third-stage units are assembled, the sources said.

Despite strong opposition by Japan, the United States, South Korea and other countries to the plan, the latest development shows North Korea has entered the final stage of preparations for the launch.

The setting up of the first-stage booster was confirmed by analysis of data from a U.S. reconnaissance satellite.

According to the sources, the first-stage booster was assembled vertically on the launchpad, which is about 50 meters high, at the new missile base in Tongchang-ri completed last year.

U.S. and South Korean authorities believe the second- and third-stage units will be set up by early this week, followed by the injection of liquid fuel from an underground facility.

The liquid fuel used by North Korea is said to be highly corrosive, making it difficult to store in a fuel tank for a long time after its injection, according to military experts. For this reason, the fuel will be injected a few days before the launch.

“No delays have been seen thus far, from the transportation of the missile body to the base to its assembly. We believe the launch will be carried out as announced,” a source said.

North Korea announced it will launch the rocket in the period from April 12 to 16.

Starting Wednesday, North Korea is scheduled to hold a series of political events, including a representatives’ meeting of the Workers’ Party of Korea. During this meeting, the North’s new leader, Kim Jong Un, is expected to assume the hermetic country’s highest posts, such as the general secretary of the party.

Another diplomatic source said North Korea will “fire the missile by April 15, [to celebrate the] 100th [anniversary of the] birthday of late President Kim Il Sung…and the completion of the power succession.”

Meanwhile, the launch of the U’nha-3 and Kwangmyo’ngso’ng-3 satellite may not be the only test carried out by the Korean Workers’ Party (KWP) Central Committee’s Machine-Building Industry Department and its subordinate organizations, the Second Economy Commission and Second Natural Sciences Academy.  South Korean officials say that ongoing excavation and construction activities near P’unggye-ri, Kilchu County, North Hamgyo’ng Province suggest the DPRK may conduct a third underground nuclear detonation, likely HEU.  Yonhap reports:

Satellite images show the communist nation digging a new tunnel underground in the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in the country’s northeast, where it conducted two previous nuclear tests, first in 2006 and then in 2009.

The construction is believed to be in its final stage, the official said.

“North Korea is making clandestine preparations for a third nuclear test at Punggye-ri in North Hamkyong Province, where it conducted two nuclear tests in the past,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

Commercial satellite imagery showed piles of earth and sand at the entrance of a tunnel in the Punggye-ri site. The soil is believed to have been brought to the site to plug the tunnel, one of final steps before carrying out a nuclear test blast.

A nuclear test following a long-range missile test fits the pattern of North Korean behavior.

In 2006, the provocative regime carried out its first-ever nuclear test, three months after the test-firing of its long-range Taepodong-2 rocket. The second nuclear test in 2009 came just one month after a long-range rocket launch.

The North says it will fire off its Unha-3 long-range rocket between April 12-16 to put what it claims is a satellite into orbit. But regional powers believe the launch is a pretext to disguise a ballistic missile test banned under a U.N. Security Council resolution.

Sources said the North is believed to have put the rocket on a launch pad in the country’s northwest on Friday.

The North’s nuclear and missile programs have long been a regional security concern. The country is believed to have advanced ballistic missile technology, though it is still not clear whether it has mastered the technology to put a nuclear warhead on a missile.

Unha-3 Rocket in Place?

Technicians and other personnel of the Korea Committee for Space Technology and the Korean People’s Army [KPA] continue to finalize preparations for the launch of the U’nha-3 carrier rocket and Kwangmyo’ngso’ng-3 [KMS-3] satellite.  38 North reports:

Commercial satellite photographs taken on April 4 reveal the gantry’s work platform is now covered and closed around the mobile launch stand, indicating work is being conducted inside, but also making it impossible to determine whether the Unha-3 or any part of it is erected on the pad. Moreover, the platform is enclosed by canvas to protect it from weather but also to further ensure that activity inside is not visible. (Previous satellite imagery dating back to March 28 showed the platform open and no stages present.)

There are some indicators to suggest, however, that at least the first stage may be stacked in the gantry and the launch date is growing closer. First, the fueling activity observed for the past week seems to have been completed. Most of the empty fuel and oxidizer tanks appear to have been removed from the buildings that supply the first stage, indicating an end to the delivery of propellants.

Second, the North Koreans appear to have erected a barricade or security checkpoint for vehicles entering from the west, the only road to the pad from other main facilities at the range. This barrier or checkpoint, not present in March 28 satellite photos, indicates heightened security at the pad—something present.

Third, the launch pad itself has been cleaned up and objects seen near the gantry previously have been removed. The scraping of the area adjacent to the south side of the pad down to dirt has also been completed and the brush cut up to the fuel buildings to reduce the chance of a fire reaching them. It also appears that a layer of dirt has been spread into the concrete flame trench probably to reduce erosion by the rockets exhaust gases.

KBS World in Seoul reports that the launch is expected to occur on or around 14 April (Saturday):

A source related to North Korean affairs has said Pyongyang is likely to launch its long-range missile on April 14th and not April 12th, as was expected earlier.

The source said North Korea has invited reporters from foreign media to the launch event, telling them to enter Pyongyang on April 12th.

The source said considering the state of North Korean roadways, it will take at least a day to move from Pyongyang to the launch pad in Dongchang-ri in Northern Pyongan Province, and the invited reporters will likely observe the launch on the morning of the 14th.

Other North Korean experts also said it was highly likely the North would fire its rocket that day to commemorate the birth of North Korean founder Kim Il-Sung.

Japan’s Nippon Television Network said on Friday that North Korea has attached the first part of the Gwangmyongsong-3 rocket onto the launch pad.

South Korean military sources have said North Korea will probably start fueling its rocket on Sunday.

Foster Klug writes for the Associated Press:

The North Korean launch is meant as a showcase of national power and technology during celebrations of one of the country’s most important days — the centennial of the April 15 birth of national founder Kim Il Sung. North Korea says the rocket will carry a satellite into orbit to study crops and natural resources.

Washington and others call the launch a cover to test missile systems that could target parts of the United States. While North Korea has conducted two nuclear tests, analysts don’t believe it has yet mastered the technology needed to shrink a nuclear weapon and mount it onto a missile.

Launch preparation can also be seen in separate GeoEye satellite images from Saturday reviewed by Allison Puccioni, image analyst at IHS Jane’s Defense Weekly. The images show vehicles on the launch pad, nearby fuel and oxidizer containers and a crane above the launch tower that’s been placed “directly over the mobile launch platform, the position necessary to erect the rocket.”

Cloudy skies from Sunday through Tuesday obscured the launch site, but the U.S.-Korea Institute’s analysis says that if Pyongyang is following a timeline similar to 2006 and 2009 launches, workers should have put the rocket’s first stage on the launch stand Sunday or Monday, with the second and third stages coming during the next two days.

Image: Asahi Shimbun

Nanae Kurashige, Takashi Oshima and Akihiko Kaise reported for Asahi Japan Watch :

South Korea says Japan has overreacted, and the United States seems to be more concerned with what the missile can do, rather than what might happen if it malfunctions.

On April 6, Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka visited the Air Defense Command headquarters, located in the compound of U.S. Yokota Air Base in Fussa, western Tokyo. The ADC is under the jurisdiction of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.

There, he met with ADC Commander Harukazu Saito and U.S. Forces Japan Commander Burton Field, and expressed his hope that Japan and the United States would work closely to deal with the problem.

The ADC headquarters was transferred to the Yokota base in late March to facilitate coordination with the United States.

The office will analyze intelligence gathered by U.S. forces and Japan’s SDF, and command operations to intercept the North Korean missile if there is any chance of it landing on Japanese territory or its waters.

“I was reassured by Commander Field that U.S. forces will share information with Japan,” Tanaka told reporters after his visit.

On April 3, Tanaka spoke by telephone with U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, during which they both agreed that Japan and the United States would work together to deal with the threat.

However, a Japanese Defense Ministry official said Washington’s sense of crisis is more subdued than in 2009 when Pyongyang launched a long-range ballistic missile in the direction of the U.S. mainland.

This time, however, the missile will take a southern trajectory.

In both cases, North Korea asserted it was launching a satellite.

“The country that is feeling the biggest threat is Japan,” said an executive of the Japanese Defense Ministry.

Japan is deploying Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) surface-to-air guided missiles in three locations in the Tokyo metropolitan area and four locations in Okinawa Prefecture.

But there appears to be little chance of missile debris, or the missile itself, falling on the Tokyo metropolitan area, a Defense Ministry official said.

The United States has yet to disclose full details of its own measures to deal with the missile launch.

On April 5, U.S. Defense Department spokesman George Little told reporters that the United States is monitoring North Korean moves and is ready to track the missile if it is launched.

The United States is deploying Aegis destroyers equipped with missile defense capabilities. Reconnaissance aircraft will also take to the air.

CNN reported that sea-based X-band radar equipment, which is used to detect incoming missiles, left a U.S. Navy base in Hawaii in late March bound for the Japan-Korea region.

Washington is particularly interested in the range and capability of the North Korean missile.

In a congressional hearing held in late March, U.S. Forces Korea Commander James Thurman was asked if North Korea had the ability in the near future to fire a ballistic missile that could reach the continental United States.

Thurman said North Korea, at its current pace of development, would soon be able to build a missile that poses a serious threat to the United States.

Meanwhile, DPRK state media reports that 30-odd news reporters and journalists have begun arriving to observe the U’nha-3/KMS-3 launch.  Xinhua reports:

Some 30 foreign reporters from around the world are in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) capital to cover the country’s satellite launch, the official news agency KCNA reported Saturday.

According to the report, a total of 21 foreign media, including major world wire services and television broadcasters such as the AP, CNN and NBC of the United States, Channel One (the First Channel TV) of Russia, Kyodo News Agency and NHK of Japan, AFP of France, and Reuters and BBC of Britain, have sent reporters to Pyongyang.

Also on Saturday, Pyongyang bureaus of Xinhua and other foreign media received an invitation to attend authorities-organized activities relating to the launch on Sunday, but no further details were revealed.

The DPRK announced on March 16 it would launch the Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite between April 12 and 16 to mark the 100th birthday of late leader Kim Il-Sung.

The “earth observation” satellite, to be carried by a long-range Unha-3 rocket, will be launched south of Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province, the KCNA reported.

On March 17, the Korean Committee for Space Technology (KCST) extended invitations for foreign experts and journalists to visit the “Sohae” Satellite Launching Station, the General Satellite Control and Command Center and other places and observe the launch.

Huichon Power Station Opened

Photo released by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 6, 2012 shows the inauguration ceremony held at the Huichon power station in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on April 5, 2012. The DPRK said on April 6 that its Huichon power station has started operations, which will help ease electricity shortages in the capital. The power station, located in Jagang Province, will also help protect cultivated land and residential areas along the Chongchon River from flooding, and ensure an ample supply of water to the industrial establishments in Huichon and Namhung areas, according to official media reports. (Xinhua/KCNA)

The DPRK opened the Hu’ich’o'n Power Station in Chagang Province on Thursday (5 April).  Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam, DPRK Cabinet Premier Choe Yong Rim, National Defense Commission [NDC] Vice Chairman and Minister of the People’s Armed Forces VMar Kim Yong Chun, KWP Secretary Choe Tae Bok, KWP Secretary and Director of General Affairs Tae Jong Su, Gen. Yun Jong Rin and DPRK Vice Premier and State Planning Commission Chairman Ro Tu Chol were among the members of the central leadership to attend the opening ceremony.  Choe Yong Rim delivered the keynote address.  Choe was last reported to have visit the construction site of Huichon Power Station on 20 February 2012.  Xinhua reports:

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Friday that its Huichon power station has started operations, which will help ease electricity shortages in the capital.

Premier Choe Yong Rim told an inauguration ceremony on Thursday that the Huichon power station was “a brilliant fruition of the wise guidance of late leader Kim Jong Il,” official newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported.

The power station, located in Jagang Province, will also help protect cultivated land and residential areas along the Chongchon River from flooding, and ensure an ample supply of water to the industrial establishments in Huichon and Namhung areas, according to official media reports.

The Central Committee and Central Military Commissions of the Workers’ Party of Korea sent a joint congratulatory message to builders and members of shock brigades.

The party “will always remember the heroic feats performed by the builders who erected a gigantic structure for the country’s prosperity and its people’s happiness,” the message said.

The message said it took only three years to complete the construction of the power station, a project which normally needs more than 10 years to finish.

The Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly issued a decree on April 1 awarding the Kim Il Sung Prize for the design of the Huichon power station.

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim delivers the keynote address during an opening ceremony of Huichon Power Station in Jagang Province on Thursday, April 5 (Photo: KCNA)

Photo released by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 6, 2012 shows the Huichon power station in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The DPRK said on April 6 that its Huichon power station has started operations, which will help ease electricity shortages in the capital. The power station, located in Jagang Province, will also help protect cultivated land and residential areas along the Chongchon River from flooding, and ensure an ample supply of water to the industrial establishments in Huichon and Namhung areas, according to official media reports. (Xinhua/KCNA)

Yonhap reports:

North Korea said Friday that it has dedicated a new hydroelectric power plant in its central northern area bordering China, a project long touted as a symbol of its bid for the construction of a “strong and prosperous state.”

“The construction of the Huichon Power Station has been completed in the DPRK,” the North’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, adding that a dedication ceremony took place on Thursday.

DPRK is the acronym for the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

“The builders finished the construction of the power station in a matter of three years though it would have taken more than a decade at normal pace,” the KCNA said.

Chronic shortage of electricity and other energy has long been one of the problems beleaguering the North’s moribund economy, which has been under sanctions by the international community due to its nuclear and missile tests.

“The completion makes it possible to more satisfactorily settle the shortage of electricity in Pyongyang, protect cultivated land and residential areas along the River Chongchon from flooding and ensure an ample supply of industrial water to the industrial establishments in the Huichon and Namhung areas,” KCNA said.

The plant, which has a generating capacity of 300,000 kilowatts, was launched by late leader Kim Jong-il, who reportedly visited the construction site eight times before his death last December to order an early completion of the project.

North Korea has designated 2012 as a moment in its history to rise as “a great, powerful and prosperous nation” — a propaganda slogan that was spearheaded by Kim Jong-il.

New economic goals were announced in 2009 that called for undertaking major construction projects as well as modernizing farms and factories in time for the centennial birth of the communist country’s founder, Kim Il-Sung, on April 15.

Earlier, North Korea announced plans to launch a satellite on the back of a long-range rocket as part of the April celebrations. The international community has urged Pyongyang to cancel the launch, warning that it would be seen as a violation of a ban on missile activity.

The Associated Press reports:

The opening of the Huichon Power Station in Jagang Province, north of Pyongyang, was the first big ceremony in a month of celebrations timed for the April centenary of the birth of late President Kim Il Sung.

The power station on the Chongchon River, which had been under construction for more than three years, was a favored project of late leader Kim Jong Il. Kim had visited the project at least five times before his December death.

Son Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s new leader, visited the construction site with his father in August 2011.

The power station is North Korea’s largest, with two dams and a network of tunnels. The dams harness water from the Jangja and Chongchon Rivers. Construction on a second power station further down the Chongchon River is due to begin soon, said the top officials who spoke at Thursday’s ceremony.

North Korea suffers from an acute power shortage.

New economic goals announced in 2009 called for undertaking major construction projects such as the Huichon Power Station as well as modernizing farms and factories in time for the April 2012 festivities.

North Korea will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Kim Il Sung’s birth on April 15.

North Korea also has announced plans to launch a satellite on the back of a long-range rocket as part of the celebrations. The United States and other nations have urged Pyongyang to cancel the launch, warning that it would be seen as a violation of a ban on missile activity.