Choe Yong Rim Visits Iron and Steel Complex, Attends Trade Fair

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim (4th R) visits the Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex in Songrim, North Hwanghae Province, on 15 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on Wednesday (16 May) that DPRK Cabinet Premier Choe Yong Rim inspected the Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex on Tuesday (15 May).  KCNA reports:

The workers of the complex are making achievements in updating it and producing heavy-duty rails true to the behests of leader Kim Jong Il.

Going round gas generation and high temperature air combustion heating process and various other places, the premier learned in detail about the progress made in updating the complex and held a consultative meeting.

The meeting discussed the issues of implementing the WPK’s policy on modernizing railways and replacing the existing rails with heavy-duty ones, pushing forward the updating of the complex and keeping rail production going at a high rate. It took measures to ensure that relevant units satisfactorily ensure the supply of raw and other materials needed for production.

The premier got familiar with the management and operation of the hostel and supply service.

Stressing the need for the officials to provide the workers with convenience on a priority basis and take good care of their living, by learning from the dear respected Kim Jong Un’s noble outlook on the people. He took measures to complete the construction of dwelling houses as early as possible.

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim (3rd L) talks to a vendor at the 15th Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair, during a 15 May 2012 tour (Photo: KCNA)

Later in the day, Choe visited the the 15th Spring International Trade Fair being held at the Three Revolutions’ Exhibition in Pyongyang.

The premier also visited the 15th Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair on the same day. He underlined the need to positively develop the bilateral and multilateral cooperation among countries and regions in the economic and trade fields.

View of opening ceremony of the 15th Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair. The ceremony was held on 14 May (Monday) (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK Vice Premier and KWP Political Bureau Member, Kang Sok Ju (2nd L) is briefed on products displayed at the spring trade fair on 14 May (Photo: KCNA)

Pyongyang’s 15th Spring International Trade Fair, scheduled from 14 thru 17 May, displays the products of companies from 14 different countries.  On Monday (14 May) the trade fair had its opening ceremony.  KCNA reports:

Present at the opening ceremony were Kang Sok Ju, vice-premier of the DPRK, Ri Ryong Nam, minister of Foreign Trade, and others, delegations of different countries and regions and diplomatic envoys of various countries and staff members of foreign embassies here.

A congratulatory speech by O Ryong Chol, vice-minister of Foreign Trade, followed an inaugural speech made by Kim Mun Jong, president of the Korean International Exhibition Corporation.

Speakers welcomed delegations of different countries and regions participating in the fair.

They said that the fair is a prestigious international economic gathering which reflects the desire and wish of mankind to establish a new international economic order based on independence and achieve the common prosperity and development.

He hoped that they would make good achievements through broad contacts and positive trade dealings.

They declared the DPRK would in the future, too, further expand and develop bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the fields of economy and trade with all countries and regions on the principle of equality and mutual benefit.

At the end of the ceremony, the participants looked round products from companies of the DPRK, Netherlands, Germany, Bulgaria, Switzerland, the UK, Austria, Italy, Finland, Poland, Australia, Malaysia, Mongolia, China and Taipei of China.

The fair will last till May 17.

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.”

Kim Jong Un Attends Shop Opening and Photo-Op

Kim Jong Un (2nd R) applauds after members of the central leadership cut a ceremonial ribbon opening the Mansugyo Meat and Fish shop. Also in this image are VMar Ri Yong Ho (2nd L) and Gen. Kim Yong Chol (C) (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported that Kim Jong Un and other members of the DPRK central leadership attended the opening of a butcher-cum-fish monger called the Mansugyo Meat and Fish Shop on Wednesday (25 April).  Also in attendance with Kim Jong Un were Kim Kyong Hui, Jang Song Taek, VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Mun Kyong Dok, Kim Yong Nam,  VMar Kim Jong Gak, Choe Yong Rim, VMar Ri Yong Ho, Kim Yang Gon, Kang Sok Ju, Yang Hyong Sop, Choe Tae Bok, Kim Ki Nam, Gen. Kim Kyong Ok and Gen. Kim Yong Chol.

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim (4th L), KWP Secretary Kim Kyong Hui (2nd R) and KWP Secretary Mun Kyong Dok (2nd R) cut a ceremonial ribbon. Kim Jong Un can be seen watching the ceremony in the background (Photo: KCNA)

KCNA reports:

The Mansugyo Meat and Fish Shop built on the bank of picturesque Pothong River in Pyongyang started its business on Wednesday.

The 3-storey shop covers 5 000 plus square meters.

Its ground floor has counters of fresh and frozen fish and processed fish while the first floor counters of meat including beef, pork, goose, turkey and quail and processed foodstuff.

The second floor has a restaurant serving steak.

The opening ceremony was held on Wednesday.

The dear respected Kim Jong Un appeared at the shop to congratulate its opening.

Attended there were Kim Yong Nam, Choe Yong Rim, Choe Ryong Hae, Ri Yong Ho and other senior party, state and army officials and officials concerned.

Looking round the interior of the shop, Kim Jong Un expressed great satisfaction with the solider builders having built the shop to be loved by the people.

He ardently said leader Kim Jong Il would have seen the shop with the highest service level.

He advanced tasks to manage and operate the shop.

He visited the shop construction site in January and indicated the orientation and ways for construction, underlining the need to provide the best convenience to the consumers.

Kim Jong Un inspects a refrigerator case. Also in attendance are VMar Choe Ryong Hae (R) and Gen. Kim Kyong Ok (2nd R), who is a member of the Party Central Military Commission and deputy director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un’s presence at the ribbon cutting and tour of the premises established the shop’s opening as a #1 event.  However, KJU was not observed cutting the ceremonial ribbon in front of the shop’s entrance; instead the ribbon was cut by his aunt, Kim Kyong Hui (party secretary for light industry) and Mun Kyong Dok, Pyongyang KWP Secretary, among others.  This activity (or lack thereof) contrasts with his cutting the ceremonial ribbon to open the KPA Arms and Equipment Exhibition.  This indicates that Kim Jong Un still has a passive public role on economic affairs, while retaining an active role in security and military matters.

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) gestures at a fish tank. Gen. Kim Yong Chol is at the left (Photo: KCNA)

With recent statements by the KPA Supreme Command excoriating and threatening South Korean political leaders, the prominent position of Gen. Kim Yong Chol at KJU’s side may incite queasiness in some Pyongyang watchers.  Gen. Kim heads the Reconnaissance General Bureau, whose mission is anti-ROK military and intelligence operations.

Kim Jong Un was also reported as having attended a commemorative photo session with the personnel involved in the construction of the KPA Arms and Equipment Exhibition.  The photo-op was KJU’s last reported public appearance.  KCNA reports:

Kim Jong Un waved back to the soldier-builders enthusiastically cheering him, overcome with excitement, and extended a warm salute to them.

He warmly congratulated them and had a photo taken with them.

He repeatedly praised them for their laudable exploits, noting that they successfully built the exhibition as a gift to leader Kim Jong Il, greatly contributing to adding shine to the Songun revolutionary exploits performed by the great persons of Mt. Paektu, helping the service personnel of the KPA and people deeply grasp the history of the army of the WPK and thus encouraging them in their efforts to build a thriving socialist nation.

Kim Jong Un expressed belief that the solider-builders would make a positive contribution to the cause of building a thriving nation by fully displaying patriotic devotion and popular heroism in the defence of the country and socialist construction in the future, too.

Present at the photo session were senior officials of party and armed forces organs Choe Ryong Hae, Ri Yong Ho, Kim Jong Gak, Jang Song Thaek, Kim Yong Chun, Kim Ki Nam, Pak To Chun, Hyon Chol Hae, Kim Won Hong, Ri Myong Su, Ju Kyu Chang, Kim Chang Sop, Ri Pyong Sam, Choe Pu Il, Son Chol Ju, Pak Jae Gyong, Kim Yong Chol, Jo Kyong Chol, Yun Tong Hyon, Kim Su Hak and Ri Jae Il.

National Report Meeting Held for KJI’s Birthday

A view of the rostrum of a national meeting held for Kim Jong Il's birthday on 15 February 2012 at the 25 April House of Culture in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Kyong Hui (front row, center) sitting on the rostrum during the meeting

The DPRK’s central leadership gathered at the 25 April House of Culture on Wednesday (15 February) for a national meeting to commemorate the official 70th birthday of the late Kim Jong Il.  It was the first reported public appearance of KJI’s sister, Kim Kyong Hui, since early January.  KCNA reports:

A national meeting took place here on Wednesday to commemorate the 70th birth anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il.

The dear respected Kim Jong Un, supreme leader of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the army and the state, was present at the meeting.

Present there were Kim Yong Nam, Choe Yong Rim, Ri Yong Ho and other senior party, state and army officials, officials of the party, armed forces, power bodies, social organizations, ministries and national institutions, servicepersons of the Korean People’s Army and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces, officials in the fields of science, education, culture and arts, public health and media, bereaved families of revolutionary martyrs, persons of distinguished service, working people in the city, delegations of overseas compatriots, compatriots and the chief of the Pyongyang mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front.

All the participants observed a moment’s silence in the humblest reverence in memory ofKim Jong Il, the father of the nation and peerless Songun brilliant commander,

Kim Yong Nam, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People’s Assembly, made a report.

Kim Jong Il’s nearly 70 year-long revolutionary life was the most brilliant life of the peerlessly great man who adorned the protracted course of the Juche revolution, the Songun revolution with shining victory and glory, with boundless loyalty to the idea and cause of PresidentKim Il Sung, the reporter said, adding:

He, who was born as son of guerrillas in Mt. Paektu and grew up to be a great revolutionary, led the Korean revolution and the human cause of independence to victory with his distinguished idea, rare leadership and noble virtues, thus performing immortal feats on behalf of the country and the nation, the times and the history.

He formulated the President’s revolutionary idea as an integral system of ideas and theories and methods of Juche.

He comprehensively developed and enriched the Juche idea, Songun idea with original and profound principles and contents as required by the times and the revolutionary development.

He turned the WPK into an ideologically unblemished organization, organizational integral whole and an entity united in action firmly based on the party’s monolithic ideological system and the monolithic guidance system and successfully laid down the party’s foundation to carry forward the cause of Juche.

He built the WPK into a true mother party which takes care of the destiny of the people in a highly responsible manner, its roots struck among the popular masses.

He clarified from a new angle the philosophy on single-minded unity based on the revolutionary comradeship, built up the revolutionary ranks into invincible ranks united close in ideology and purpose and sense of moral obligation centered on the leader and rallied broad masses around the party with benevolent and all-embracing politics.

While providing the Songun revolutionary leadership, he made sure that the Kim Il SungConstitution was adopted and the state machinery with main emphasis on national defence was set up.

He formulated the three charters for national reunification true to the last instructions of the President for the country’s reunification, and provided the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration and the October 4 declaration with his immensely broad magnanimity and attraction, bringing about a landmark phase in the movement for reunification advancing in the idea of “By our nation itself”.

Kim Jong Il’s idea and cause are being steadfastly carried forward by the dear respectedKim Jong Un, the only successor to the revolutionary cause of Juche, the reporter noted, and continued:

All the party members, servicepersons and people should protect Kim Jong Un politically and ideologically with their lives and get united around him, cherishing the spirit of single-minded unity to invariably defend the center of the unity and the center of the leadership no matter how much water may flow under the bridge.

It is necessary to make sustained great efforts to bolster the country’s defence capability to the maximum, true to the unshakable Songun will of Kim Jong Un, supreme commander of the KPA, and thus firmly defend the socialist system and gains of the revolution with the might of arms of Mt. Paektu.

It is imperative to carry out the historic tasks for laying the firm foundation for an economic power so as to open the gate to a thriving nation this significant year without fail and enter into a new high stage of comprehensively building a thriving nation.

It is necessary to make a breakthrough towards independent reunification under the uplifted slogan “Let all the compatriots open the gates of national reunification full of fresh confidence!” and resolutely foil all sorts of anti-reunification moves of the separatist forces at home and abroad and accomplish the historic cause of the country’s reunification, the greatest desire of the nation, without fail.

The DPRK will, in the future, too, hold fast to the idea of independence, friendship and peace and boost the relations of friendship with all the countries that respect its sovereignty.

Similar meetings took place in all provinces, cities, counties and at complexes on the same day.

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Pyongyang Restaurant Opened in Amsterdam

The Pyongyang Restaurant in Amsterdam (Yonhap)

Pyongyang Restaurant in western Amsterdam (Photo: Google image)

After a small delay, the Netherlands branch of Pyongyang Restaurant opened in the Osdorp area of western Amsterdam in mid-January 2012.  The grand opening is scheduled to occur on 17 February 2012, and may be attended by the DPRK Ambassador to Switzerland So Se-p’yo’ng, the country’s nonresident ambassador to the Netherlands.  One of the Dutch partners in the joint venture is Remco van Daal, who has traveled to the DPRK on several occasions and was involved in several NL-DPRK organizations.

Yonhap reports:

The “Pyongyang Restaurant” was launched late last month under a joint venture between North Korea and two Dutch businessmen. While North Korea is known to operate dozens of restaurants across Asia, it is the first time a North Korean restaurant has opened in Europe, with the exception of a canteen that briefly operated near the North Korean Embassy in Vienna in the mid-1990′s, according to a local source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The restaurant is staffed by nine North Koreans, including the director and manager, Han Myong-hee, who worked for 15 years at a North Korean restaurant in Beijing operated by the North’s ruling Workers’ Party.

Pyongyang Restaurant, which seats 24 people, has its walls covered with pictures of Pyongyang and North Korean nature, while its menu consists solely of a nine-course meal priced at 79 euros (US$104).

Han said there are plans to offer more affordable dishes such as Korean noodles and dumplings after the restaurant’s official opening on Feb. 17.

“After our official launch, we plan to gradually serve a variety of dishes and during lunch hours as well,” she said. The restaurant currently serves only dinner.

The opening ceremony is expected to be attended by the North Korean ambassador to Switzerland, other North Koreans, and key figures from the Netherlands and different European nations, Han said.

Analysts said the restaurant is likely to serve not only as a source of much-needed cash but also as a bridge to Europe for the isolated North.

“North Korea has been putting a lot of effort into normalizing relations with European nations since 2000,” said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. “The opening of North Korea’s first restaurant in Europe can be seen as the North’s attempt to improve ties with the West through exchanges at the civilian level.”

Curtis has a comprehensive survey on DPRK restaurants abroad.

Kwangbok Supermarket Opens

Kwangbok Area Supermarket in Mangyo'ngdae District in west Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

The Kwangpok Area Supermarket in west Pyongyang opened on Thursday, 5 January.  One of the largest shopping centers in the DPRK, the Kwangpok market is a joint venture between the DPRK T’aesong General Trading Corporation and the PRC’s Feihaimengxin Trading Company.  A grand opening event was held on 5 January.  One of the participants at the opening ceremony was Jon Il Chun (Chon Il-chun), deputy director of the Korean Workers’ Party’s Finance and Accounting Department and section chief of Office #39.  Mr. Jon accompanied Kim Jong Il on a visit to the Kwangpok store in mid-December 2011, which was KJI’s last reported public appearance before his death.

Jon Il Chun (R) stands with DPRK and Chinese participants at an opening ceremony held in front of the main entrance to Kwangpok Area Supermarket on 5 January (Photo: KCNA)

KCNA reports:

All business service at the supermarket built as a commercial service center has been put on IT and digital basis. Customers can buy varieties of goods according to their taste and requirements in the sales rooms on each floor stacked with household appliances, electronic products, foodstuff, fibre, sundries and others.

Present there were officials concerned, officials of the Korea Taesong General Trading Corporation, officials and employees of the Kwangbok Area Supermarket, members of the Feihaimengxin Trading (Beijing) Co. Ltd. staying in the DPRK and the Chinese embassy here.

O Ryong Il, general president of the Corporation, said in his speech that the work to build the supermarket was successfully completed under the energetic leadership of leader Kim Jong Il and the dear respected Kim Jong Un and the positive efforts of the peoples of the two countries.

He expressed belief that the supermarket would help towards improving the people’s living standard and promoting the well-being of the two peoples through better service and management.

Xue Rifei, executive managing director of the Feihaimengxin Trading (Beijing) Co. Ltd., said in his speech that Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un gave field guidance to the supermarket on December 15, 2011 and named it the Kwangbok Area Supermarket.

He expressed the expectation that an effort will be made to reenergize the supermarket to win high appreciation for its best management, service and credit.

People tour the aisles of the Kwangpok Area Supermarket after an opening ceremony on 5 January (Photo: KCNA)

Xinhua English reported:

The shopping center was the last place the leader paid a public visit to before he died in mid-December. It is jointly run by China and DPRK, with China holding 65 percent of its shares.

At the opening ceremony on Thursday, DPRK business representatives said they will try their best to provide quality service in order to contribute to the livelihood of people from the two countries.

Chinese delegates responded that the shopping center’s opening will give a new boost to DPRK trade and economy.

The shopping center is now selling a complete variety of items, ranging from food to clothes, and from household appliances to electronic products, most of which are imported from neighbouring China.

Kim Jong Un Visits 105 Tank Divison

Kim Jong Un (6th L) poses for a commemorative photograph in this image from KCTV after a visit to the 105th Tank Division. Also seen in attendance are Hwang Pyong So (2nd L) Jang Song Taek (3rd L), Ri Yong Ho (3rd L), Kim Jong Gak (3rd R), Pak Jae Gyong (2nd R) and Hyon Chole Hae (R)

DPRK media reported on 1 January that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) conducted an inspection of the Korean People’s Army’s [KPA] 105th Tank Division (also known as the 105th Armored Division).  Kim Jong Un visited the tank division’s barracks, historical exhibitions, education facilities and posed for a commemorative photograph with members of the unit.

He was accompanied by Ri Yong Ho, Jang Song Taek, Kim Jong Gak, Hwang Pyong So, Hyon Chol Hae and Pak Jae Gyong.  Kim Jong Un’s visit to the 105th Tank Division, also known as the Seoul Ryu Kyong Su 105 Guard Tank Division,  on the first day of the year continues a precedent set by Kim Jong Il, whose inspections of the division were reported on 1 January in 2009 and 2010.  KJI was not reported to have inspected the division during 2011, however he observed the division’s exercises in December 2010, his penultimate reported public appearance of 2010.

Kim Jong Un’s involvement in military affairs and KPA support for his succession were a significant aspect of the 2012 Joint New Year’s Editorial:

The officers and men of the KPA should cherish an unshakable faith that the great Comrade Kim Jong Il will always be with them and a noble moral obligation to him, and firmly defend his achievements for army-building and add eternal glory to them by force of arms.

The entire army should place absolute trust in and follow Kim Jong Un and become human rifles and bombs to defend him unto death, holding high the slogan “Let us defend with our very lives the Party Central Committee headed by the dear respected Comrade Kim Jong Un!”

At this juncture, when the Juche-oriented cause of army building has entered a new historic phase, the KPA should intensify the Party political work aimed at thoroughly establishing the unified command system of Kim Jong Un, Supreme Commander of our revolutionary armed forces. True to the lifetime intentions of Kim Jong Il, it should take the lead in supporting faithfully the Songun-based revolutionary leadership of Kim Jong Un, the brilliant commander born of Mt. Paektu, and establish throughout it the revolutionary climate of carrying out his orders and instructions to the letter, without reservation and even unto death.

The security of our country and people, heritage bequeathed by Kim Jong Il, and victory in the building of a thriving nation, rest on the arms of Songun. Under the slogan “Training is also a battle!” the KPA should conduct training in an atmosphere of actual battle as befits the revolutionary army of Mt. Paektu, so as to prepare all the officers and men to be a-match-for-a-hundred combatants who could implement independently and actively the operational combat tasks assigned to them, a death-defying corps for national reunification. They should be fully ready to deal prompt and merciless blows at the enemy and achieve national reunification, if they dare infringe upon our dignity and sovereignty.

Yonhap reported:

The lengthy editorial published by the North’s newspapers of the party, military and youth militia is closely scrutinized by officials and experts in South Korea, the United States and other regional powers as it offers clues on the North’s policy goals in the new year.

The North’s repeated appeal for allegiance comes as Kim, believed to be in his late 20s, appears to be consolidating his power he inherited upon the death of his father, the late leader Kim Jong-il, last month.

Kim has risen to the post of the supreme commander of the communist nation’s massive armed forces, in the latest sign that the late Kim’s youngest son has been solidifying power.

The editorial pressed its military to intensify political efforts to thoroughly establish Kim’s “unified command system.”

Winning support from the country’s 1.1 million-strong military, which served as a key backbone of the late Kim’s totalitarian rule, is seen as key for the young leader in consolidating his power.

The editorial praised the untested leader as “the brilliant commander” and “another peerless patriot” who is “precisely the great Kim Jong-il,” in what could be the North’s latest attempt to ensure the second father-to-son power succession goes smoothly.

The late leader assumed power in 1994 when his father, the North’s founding leader Kim Il-sung, died of heart failure at the age of 82.

Despite Kim’s demise, North Korea said it will uphold the policies of its late leader to help achieve a thriving socialist country under the leadership of his son, Kim Jong-un.

“It is the steadfast determination of our party that it will make no slightest vacillation and concession in implementing the instructions and policies he had laid out in his lifetime and that it will allow no change in this process,” the editorial said.

The North’s message underscored its commitment to stabilizing Kim’s leadership by following his late father’s instructions, said a South Korean official handling inter-Korean affairs.

“It shows that internal stability is the North’s top priority,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity, citing policy.

Kim Jong Un was also reported to have visited Ku’msusan Memorial Palace on 1 January (Sunday) with members of the central leadership.             This visit was his first reported public appearance since the national memorial rally for KJI on 29 December and his first public activity since he was identified as KPA Supreme Commander during a Political Bureau meeting on 30 December.  KCNA reports:

Kim Jong Un, supreme commander of the Korean People’s Army and supreme leader of the Workers’ Party of Korea, state and army, together with senior officials of the party, state and armed forces organs, visited the Kumsusan Memorial Palace Sunday on the New Year to pay homage to President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.

He was accompanied by senior officials of the party, state and armed forces organs Kim Yong Nam, Choe Yong Rim, Ri Yong Ho, Kim Kyong Hui, Kim Yong Chun, Kim Ki Nam, Choe Thae Bok, Yang Hyong Sop, Kang Sok Ju, Jang Song Thaek, Kim Jong Gak, Kim Yang Gon, Kim Yong Il, Pak To Chun, Choe Ryong Hae, Thae Jong Su, Kim Phyong Hae, Mun Kyong Dok, Ju Kyu Chang, U Tong Chuk and Kim Chang Sop and members of the Central Military Commission of the WPK and the DPRK NDC and staff members of the KPA Supreme Command.

Kim Jong Un first paid tribute to Kim Il Sung.

He entered the hall where the statue of Kim Il Sung is standing.

Laid before the statue was a floral basket in the joint name of the Central Committee and the Central Military Commission of the WPK, the DPRK National Defence Commission and the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly and the Cabinet of the DPRK.

Kim Jong Un, together with senior officials of the party, state and armed forces organs, paid tribute to the statue of the President and then entered the hall where the President lies in state.

He, together with senior officials of the party, state and armed forces organs, made a bow to the President in humblest reverence.

Then he paid tribute to Kim Jong Il.

He entered the hall where the portrait of smiling Kim Jong Il is displayed.

Laid before the portrait was a floral basket in the joint name of the Central Committee and the Central Military Commission of the WPK, the DPRK National Defence Commission and the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly and the Cabinet of the DPRK.

Kim Jong Un, together with senior officials of the party, state and armed forces organs, made a bow in humblest reverence before the portrait of smiling Kim Jong Il, paying high tribute to him.

A couple of notes;  first, in reporting on Kim Jong Un’s public activities KCNA also reported the day the visits occurred.   DPRK media gradually phased out and then completely ceased during 2002-2003 when it reported on KJI’s public appearances, except for publicized visits by foreign government officials or if he attended national events such as SPA sessions, parades or report meetings.  Second, in reporting Kim Jong Un’s visit to Ku’msusan KCNA reported that KJU and other members of the central leadership visited KIS’ body (“the hall where the president lies in state”), but only visited the portrait of KJI.