New 1st Vice Defense Minister Appointed

Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok (annotated) poses for a commemorative photograph with Kim Jong Un after a visit to the 20 February Factory of the KPA. DPRK state media’s report on this KJU visit revealed that Col. Gen. Jon had been appointed 1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

“Despite the fact that after I am gone, it will still not be too late to use your people, why are you in such a rush to try to handle things your way?”–Kim Jong Il, December 2011

Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok has been appointed as the DPRK’s senior vice minister of defense.  Col. Gen. Jon, the former director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Logistics Department, was identified as 1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces when he attended Kim Jong Un’s (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visit to the 20 February Foodstuffs Factory of the KPA.  Jon Chang Bok is a member of the Party Central Committee and was a member of the National Funeral Committee for Kim Jong Il.  His last observed public appearance was his attendance with KJU at a May Day-themed concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra in early May 2013.  Jon also visited Ku’msusan Memorial Palace with KJU and other members of the central leadership on the anniversary of late leader Kim Jong Il’s birth in February 2013.  In March 2013, Jon delivered the keynote speech at the opening of the Taeso’ngsan General Hospital in Pyongyang.  He also joined members of the core leadership when they escorted the Moranbong Band on a visit and performance at KPA Large Combined Unit (taeyonhap pudae) #630.  In August 2011, Col. Gen. Jon led a KPA delegation on an official visit to China.

Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok (L) shakes hands with former Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie (R) in Beijing on 26 August 2011. At the time Col. Jon was leading a KPA logistics delegation on a visit to China. Jon was appointed 1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces in May 2013. (Photo: Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

A graphic illustrating key departments within the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces (Graphic: Michael Madden/NK Leadership Watch)

Hyon Chol Hae visits the Taedonggang Tile Factory with late leader Kim Jong Il in July 2009 (Photo: KCNA)

VMar Hyon Chol Hae talks with a Changjon Street resident while visiting the man’s apartment on 6 July 2012 (Photo: KCNA/KCTV still)

Jon replaces VMar Hyon Chol Hae, a former close military aide to Kim Jong Il.  VMar Hyon was appointed 1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces in April 2012 and was also elected a full member of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Political Bureau and a member of the Party Central Military Commission.  From 2007 to 2012, VMar Hyon was director of the National Defense Commission [NDC] Standing Bureau, which was responsible for logistical and security arrangements for Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un field inspections of KPA units.  During the 3rd Party Conference in September 2010, Hyon sat in the gallery to Kim Jong Un’s left.  From 1995 to 2007 VMar Hyon was a deputy director of the KPA General Political Department, with responsibility for organization.  From 1986 to 1995, Hyon served as Director of the KPA General Logistics Department (under the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces).  He was reappointed Director of the GLD in April 2012, replacing Jon Chang Bok.  It is not clear if Hyon has been removed from his GLD position, which may have been reclaimed by Jon Chang Bok.  It is not clear if Hyon’s removal from office is an actual “purge” or if it is tied to the last week’s dismissal of Gen. Kim Kyok Sik as Minister of the People’s Armed Forces.

Hyon is the latest DPRK elite affected by a series of personnel changes in the party, the government and security organizations.  In February 2013, Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il replaced Gen. Ri Myong Su as Minister of the People’s Security.  Col. Gen. Ri Yong Gil replace Choe Pu Il as Chief of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau  In March 2013, Paek Kye Ryong replaced Pak Pong Ju as Director of the KWP Light Industry Department and Yun U Chol replaced Kim Ki Ryong as editor of the KWP’s daily newspaper Rodong Sinmun.  In April 2013, Pak Pong Ju was re-appointed DPRK Cabinet Premier, replacing Choe Yong Rim, who was elected Honorary Vice President of the Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA].  Former President of the State Academy of Social Sciences Tae Hyong Chol was appointed President of Kim Il Sung University, replace Song Ja Rip.  Tae vacated his position as SPA Secetary-General and was replaced by Hong Son Ok.   April 2013 also found Ri Yong Yong appointed Minister of Coal Industry, replacing Kim Hyong Sik.  In May 2013 Choe Hwi appere to have replaced Ri Jae Il as the Senior Deputy of the KWP Propaganda and Agitation [publicity and information] Department.

Kim Jong Un Visits Mansudae Art Studio and Attends KPISF Concert

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kim Jong Un Attends KPA Event at Kumsusan

Kim Jong Un (2nd R) points to something at an event held at the plaza in front of Ku’msusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang on 25 April 2013 to mark the KPA’s official 81st anniversary. KJU is seen talking to his uncle, Jang Song Taek (R), Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission and Director of the KWP Administration Department. Also in the image are Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (L) and VMar Choe Ryong Hae (2nd L) (Photo: KCTV-Yonhap)

DPRK state media reported on 25 April (Thursday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) attended a rally and “march-past” at Ku’msusan Plaza in Pyongyang to mark the official 81st anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People’s Army [KPA].  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance at a concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra, given on Sun’s Day (Day of the Sun; Kim Il Sung’s birth anniversary).  Joining Kim Jong Un on one platform were VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the KPA General Political Department), Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission [NDC]), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Pak To Chun (Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary), VMar Kim Yong Chun (Vice Chairman of the NDC and Director of the KWP Civil Defense Department),VMar Ri Yong Mu (Vice Chairman of the NDC), Gen. O Kuk Ryol (Vice Chairman of the NDC), VMar Hyon Chol Hae (1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces and Director of the KPA General Logistics Department), Gen. Kim Wo’n-hong (Minister of State Security [MSS]), Ju Kyu Chang (Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department), Col. Gen. Kim Chang Sop (Director of the MSS Political Bureau), Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (Minister of People’s Security [MPS]), Col Gen. Ri Pyong Sam (Director of the MPS Political Bureau), Gen. Ri Pyong Chol (Commander of the KPA Air and Anti-Air Command), Col. Gen. Kim Myong Sik (Commander of the KPA Navy) and Lt. Gen. Kim Rak Gyom (Commander of the KPA Strategic Rocket Force Command).

Watching the rally and demonstration from another platform were Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam, DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju, KWP Secretary and Kim Family head Kim Kyong Hui, KWP Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department Kim Ki Nam, KWP Secretary and SPA Chairman Choe Tae Bok, SPA Presidium Vice President Yang Hyong Sop, DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier Kang Sok Ju, KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department Kim Yang Gon, KWP Secretary and Director of the International Affairs Department Kim Yong Il, KWP Secretary and Director of Cadres’ Affairs Kim P’yo’ng-hae, KWP Secretary and Director of Planning and Finance Kwak Pom Gi, 1st Vice (senior deputy) Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department Jo Yon Jun, along with “vice-premiers of the Cabinet, diplomatic envoys of foreign countries and members of the military attaches corps here.”  Watching the event were “officials of the party central leadership organ in Pyongyang, officials of the party and armed forces organs, working people’s organizations, ministries and national institutions, officers and men of the KPA and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces, people from all walks of life, the chief of the Pyongyang mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front and overseas Koreans.”

The anniversary event began with speakers, led off by VMar Choe Ryong Hae.  According to KCNA, Choe said “the 80 odd year-long history of the KPA is one of glory in which it has steadily grown stronger as the main force for accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e under the care of the peerlessly great men of Mt. Paektu and one of victory and feats in which it met every vicious challenge and shattered war provocation moves of the enemies and reliably defended the party, the leader, country and people” and he “expressed the pledge of all the service personnel to carry to completion the revolutionary cause of Juche that was started with arms in the forests of Mt. Paektu by taking the lead in upholding the leadership of the Supreme Commander as instructed by the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.”  KPA Navy Commander Kim Myong Sik said in his speech “even though the U.S. imperialist aggressors try to browbeat the DPRK with super-large carriers and nuclear-powered submarines, they will never evade the fate of the U.S. heavy cruiser Baltimore, which was buried at sea in waters off Jumunjin during the last Korean War, by the revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK equipped ultra-modern strike means” and that “seamen waiting for the time of a dueling battle will send to the bottom of the sea all the pirate ships of aggressors, once ordered, and turn the South Sea of Korea into the burial sea of the enemies.”

KPA Air and Anti-Air Force Commander Ri Pyong Chol said “the men of his force are waiting for a final attack order to put an end to the enemies, with firm determination to devotedly safeguard the Party Central Committee headed by Kim Jong Un and the Ku’msusan Palace of the Sun” and that “the flying corps of a-match-for-a hundred stalwart pilots, once given a sortie order, will load nuclear bombs, instead of fuel for return, and storm enemy strongholds to blow them up.”  Strategic Rocket Force Commander Kim Rak Gyom said “the DPRK’s inter-continental ballistic missiles have already set the dens of the brigandish U.S. imperialists as their first target and officers and men of the Strategic Rocket Force are one click away from pushing the launch button.  If the U.S. imperialists and their followers dare make a preemptive attack, they will be made to keenly realize what a real nuclear war and real retaliatory blows are like and their stooges be made to feel the taste of horrible nuclear holocaust.”

Following the speeches, KPA units marched past Kim Jong Un.  According to KCNA KJU “saluted the columns marching past the tribune of honor in fine array.”  The event also included a fly-over by KPA Air and Anti-Air Forces jets.

 

National Meeting Commemorates Official KPA Anniversary

25 April House of Culture in Pyongyang, the venue for the 24 April 2013 national meeting marking the official foundation of the Korean People’s Army (Photo: Google image)

DPRK state media reported that a national meeting marking the official 81st anniversary (25 April) of the foundation of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] was held at the 25 April House of Culture in Pyongyang on 24 April (Wednesday).  Attending the meeting were Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam, DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju, Director of the KPA General Political Department VMar Choe Ryong Hae ,”other senior party, state and army officials, officials of the party and armed forces organs, ministries and national institutions, service personnel of the KPA and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces, officials of institutions, factories and enterprises, those of merits in aiding the army, families of service personnel and people in Pyongyang, the chief of the Pyongyang mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front and overseas Koreans” along with invited “foreign diplomatic envoys and representatives of international bodies and members of the military attaches corps here and foreign guests.”

Gen. Hyon Yong Chol, Chief of the KPA General Staff (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Chief of the KPA General Staff Gen. Hyon Yong Chol delivered the meeting report.  According to a gist provided by KCNA, Gen. Hyon said:

President Kim Il Sung founded the Korean People’s Revolutionary Army, the first revolutionary armed forces of Chuch’e type on April 25, Chuch’e 21 (1932). This made it possible for the Korean people to have their genuine army for the first time in history and since then there started a new history of the Korean revolution which was hewed out with arms and has won victory and advanced with arms.

He trained the KPRA into the powerful main force of the anti-Japanese national liberation struggle in the flames of the anti-Japanese revolution, defeated Japanese imperialism and liberated Korea. In the complicated situation of building a new country he realized the cause of building the regular armed forces without delay, led the Fatherland Liberation War to victory and developed the KPA into a heroic army which shattered to smithereens the myth of the U.S. imperialists’ “mightiness”.

The Chuch’e-based cause of army-building developed in depth onto a new higher stage thanks to the outstanding Military-First (So’ngun) revolutionary leadership and Military-First (So’ngun) politics of leader Kim Jong Il.

He established the Military-First (So’ngun) politics as the basic political mode under socialism as required by the changed reality and developing revolution in the 1990s. He put forward the KPA as the main force for accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e on the principle of giving priority to the army over the working class for the first time in history, and put its position and role on the highest level.

The Korean revolutionary armed forces have grown to be the army of the leader, the party and the people under the care of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, demonstrating its invincible might. They are the greatest patriotic legacy left by Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

Today the KPA is ushering in greatest heyday of its development as it is led by Supreme Commander Kim Jong Un.

He set forth the line on simultaneously pushing forward economic construction and building of nuclear force at the historic March, 2013 plenary meeting of the C.C., the Workers’ Party of Korea. This is a special great event which provided the immortal banner for final victory of the Military-First (So’ngun) revolution.

[Let us] conclude the nuclear showdown with the U.S. with the arms of Mt. Paektu (Paektusan), reunifying the country and winning a final victory in building a thriving socialist nation and accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e.

The U.S. and the puppet south Korea are bringing the dark clouds of a nuclear war to hang over the Korean Peninsula despite the repeated warnings of the DPRK, he said, stressing that if another undesired war breaks out due to the unpardonable behaviors of the U.S. imperialists and their followers, the army and people of the DPRK will put an end to the long-standing history of confrontation with the U.S. and bring a bright day of national reunification without fail.

Floral Wreath Laying Ceremony Held at Martyrs’ Cemeteries for KPA 81st Anniversary

A floral basket from Kim Jong Un sits in front of a monument and memorial stones at the Patriotic Martyrs Cemetery in Pyongyang on 24 April 2013. The floral wreath was delivered to mark the formal anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People’s Army, which is commemorated on 25 April. (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 24 April (Wednesday) that floral wreaths were placed during ceremonies at the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery in Pyongyang to commemorate the official 81st anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People’s Army [KPA].**  Attending the ceremonies were Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam, DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju, Director of the KPA General Political Department VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretaries Kim Ki Nam, Pak To Chun and Kim Yang Gon, DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier Kang Sok Ju, Director of the Ministry of State Security’s Political Bureau Col. Gen. Kim Chang Sop, DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier and State Planning Commission Chairman Ro Tu Chol along with “other senior party, state and army officials, officials of the party, armed forces and power bodies, the Cabinet, public organizations, ministries and national institutions, service personnel of the KPA and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces and Pyongyangites.”

Members of the DPRK’s central leadership attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery in Pyongyang on 24 April 2013 to mark the official foundation of the KPA (Photo: KCNA)

Floral wreaths placed in front of a monument and memorial stones at the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery in Pyongyang to mark the official foundation of the country’s military (Photo: KCNA)

Floral wreaths were delivered on behalf of current leader Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n), the KWP Central Committee, the SPA, DPRK Cabinet, the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces, the Ministry of People’s Security as well as “public organizations, ministries and national institutions, units of the KPA and the KPISF [Korean People's Internal Security Forces], institutions of science, education, literature and arts, public health and media, and party and power organs, farms, etc. in Pyongyang.”  According to KCNA, ceremony “participants observed a moment’s silence in memory of the martyrs who dedicated themselves to the struggle for the liberation of the country, people’s freedom and happiness, the reunification of the country and the accomplishment of the revolutionary cause of Juche under the leadership of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il” and toured the cemeteries.

**Until 1978, the DPRK commemorated the KPA’s foundation on 8 February, when the KPA’s foundation was publicly announced on 8 February 1948.  After 1978, the DPRK revised the KPA’s foundation date to 25 April 1932 when, according to the official chronicles, Kim Il Sung founded the Korean People’s Revolutionary Army.

Wreath Laying Ceremonies Commemorate 121st anniversary of Kang Pan Sok’s Birth

A floral wreath-laying ceremony at the grave Kang Pan Sok (1892-1932) in Mangyo’ngdae, Pyongyang on 21 April 2013. The ceremony marked the 121st anniversary of Kang’s birth in 1892. (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Members of the DPRK’s central leadership attend a wreath-laying ceremony at Kang Pan Sok’s grave in Pyongyang on 22 April 2013 In attendance at the graveside ceremony are Mun Kyong Dok (L), VMar Kim Yong Chun (2nd L), Kim Ki Nam (3rd L), Yang Hyong Sop (4th L) and Ro Ru Chol (5th L) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

SPA Chairman and KWP Secretary Choe Tae Bok (3rd L) leads a group of senior DPRK officials participating in a floral wreath-laying ceremony at the Chilgol Revolutionary Site in Pyongyang on 21 April 2013 (Photo: KCTV screengrabs)

DPRK state media reported on 21 April (Sunday) that floral wreath laying ceremonies were held at the grave and birthplace of Kang Pan Sok (1892-1932) [Kang Pan-so'k], mother of the late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung.  Attending the wreath-laying ceremony at her grave were Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary Kim Ki Nam, National Defense Commission [NDC] Vice Chairman and Director of the KWP Civil Defense Department VMar Kim Yong Chun, Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium Vice President Yang Hyong Sop, Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang City [municipal] KWP Committee Mun Kyong Dok and DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier and State Planning Commission Chairman Ro Tu Chol.  Attending the ceremony at Chilgol Revolutionary Site, Kang Pan Sok’s birthplace, were SPA Chairman and KWP Secretary Choe Tae Bok and Lt. Gen. Ri Tong Su.  The wreath-laying ceremonies were also attended by “other senior officials, the chairman of a friendly party, and officials of party and power organs, working people’s organizations, ministries and national institutions, those in the field of education, service personnel and Pyongyangites.”

Participants in a wreath-laying ceremony bow in front of the grave of Kang Pan Sok in Pyongyang on 21 April 2013 (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Jon Il Chun (annotated), a principal of the Taesong Group, deputy director of the KWP Finance and Accounting Department and chief of Office #39, helps carry a floral wreath to the Kang Pan Sok statue in Chilgol Revolutionary Site in Pyongyang on 21 April 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Statue of Kang Pan Sok at Chilgol Revolutionary Site, her birthplace, a floral basket from Kim Jong Un and a KPA band play at a 21 April 2013 wreath laying ceremony for Kang on the 121st anniversary of her birth (Photo: KCTV screengrabs)

Wreath laying ceremony at Chilgol Revolutionary Site in Pyongyang on 21 April 2013. (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Floral wreaths from Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n), the KWP Central Committee, the SPA Presidium, the DPRK Cabinet and “working people’s organizations, ministries and national institutions, military academies, educational institutions, revolutionary schools and party and power organs, farms, etc. in Pyongyang” were placed before Kang Pan Sok’s grave in Mangyo’ngdae and in front of a statue of her at the Chilgol Revolutionary Site.  According to KCNA the ceremonies’ “participants paid silent tribute to her, recollecting her noble life and feats for bringing up President Kim Il Sung to be the sun of the nation and dedicating herself to the liberation of the country and people’s freedom and happiness.”

Documentary Film Aired on Moranbong Band Visit to KPA Large Combined Unit #630

On or around 15 April (Monday) DPRK state media broadcast a documentary film about a 11 April 2013 visit by members of the DPRK core elite and a concert by the elite Moranbong Band at a unit of Korean People’s Army Unit Large Combined Unit (taeyonhap pudae) #630.  The visit included an awards and gifts presentation to the unit, visits to the unit’s historical exhibitions, a tour of the unit’s quarters by core elites, performances and a martial arts exhibition by members of the unit and a concert by the Moranbong Band.  Members of the core elite who visited the unit did not attend the concert.

Members of the Moranbong Band are welcomed by the unit’s officers and service members and families.

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Soldiers participating in an awards and gifts ceremony, presided over by VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Director of the KPA General Political Department, Member of the Korean Workers’ Party Political Bureau Presidium and Vice Chairman of the Party Central Military Commission.

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

A view of a historical monument commemorating the visits to the unit by and quotations of the late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung, late leader Kim Jong Il and current supreme leader Kim Jong Un.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

Members of the DPRK’s core leadership inspects the monument.  Seen in attendance are: KWP Secretary and head of the Kim Family, Kim Kyong Hui (L), KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department, Kim Yang Gon (2nd L), DPRK National Defense Commission Vice Chairman and Director of the KWP Administration Department, Jang Song Taek  (3rd L), DPRK Cabinet Premier, Pak Pong Ju (4th L) and Minister of the People’s Armed Forces, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

Members of the Moranbong Band and the DPRK core leadership tour the unit’s historical exhibition.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Jo (L), NDC Vice Chairman Jang Song Taek (2nd L) and Gen. Kim Kyok Sik examine the unit’s historical exhibition.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

Members of the Moranbong Band examine the unit’s historical exhibition.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

DPRK core elites (top) and Moranbong Band members tours the unit’s living quarters.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

Members of a unit subordinate to KPA Large Combined Unit #630 give a musical presentation for the Moranbong Band and the visit members of the leadership.

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Members of the Moranbong Band applaud the performance by service members and officers of the unit.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

A view of DPRK leadership members watching the performance.  Annotated is Kim Kyong Hui, aunt of Kim Jong Un and sister of the late leader Kim Jong Un.  Note that Madame Kim is seated in the center among other the members of the leadership, indicative of her preeminent status in the leadership cohort despite other officials in attendance who have more senior positions in the formal hierarchy.  This is the same position that would be taken by Kim Jong Un, had he attended, or his father Kim Jong Il before him.

(Photos: KCTV screengrab)

A martial arts exhibition by members of KPA Large Combined Unit #630m observed by members of the Moranbong Band and visiting members of the DPRK leadership

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

The venue of the Moranbong Band’s concert whilst visit the unit (top) with officers and service members queueing for the event (middle) and seated for the performance (bottom).

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Images of the Moranbong Band gig.  Due to technical limitations of the concert venue (particularly lighting) there were very few usable images of the performance.  At the end of the gig, several members of the military unit praised the performers and thanked the leadership.  (On an editorial note, one wished we’d seen more of the drummer, the electric bass player and lead electric guitar player in the documentary)

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Members of the Moranbong Band were treated to a grand send-off with a musical performance and flowers given by the family members of service members and officers serving in the unit.

(Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

National Meeting Commemorates KJU’s Election as Party 1st Secretary and NDC 1st Chairman

Overview of an 11 April 2013 meeting at 25 April House of Culture in Pyongyang. The meeting marked Kim Jong Un’s election as KWP 1st Secretary and 1st Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission (Photos: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 11 April (Thursday) that a national meeting was held to mark Kim Jong Un’s (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) election as the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] 1st Secretary at the 4th Party Conference and election as 1st Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission [NDC] at the 5th session of the 12th Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA].  The meeting was held at the 25 April House of Culture and attended by SPA Presidium President Kim Yong Nam, KWP Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation [publicity and information] Department Kim Ki Nam along with “other senior party, state and army officials, the chairperson of a friendly party, officials of the army, armed forces and power organs, social organizations, ministries and national institutions, service personnel of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces, officials in the fields of science, education, literature and the arts, public health and media, labor innovators and other people.”

Kim Yong Nam, President of the SPA Presidium and Member of the KWP Political Bureau Presidium, reads the report at an 11 April 2013 national meeting in Pyongyang, marking Kim Jong Un’s election as KWP 1st Secretary and NDC 1st Chairman (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Yong Nam, also a member of the KWP Political Bureau Presidium, read the meeting’s official report.  According to KCNA’s gist of the report:

The reporter said that Kim Jong Un’s election as first secretary of the WPK and first chairman of the National Defence Commission (NDC) of the DPRK by unanimous desire and will of all party members, service personnel and other people was a political event and a national auspicious event to be specially recorded in the history of accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e.

Referring to the undying exploits Kim Jong Un performed for the party, revolution, country and nation by leading the drive for accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Juche on the watershed of history when a new century of Chuch’e began, the reporter continued:

He made sure that the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun was spruced up as the supreme temple of Juche and eternal sacred temple of the sun, and statues and portraits of smiling Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il were displayed in different parts of the country.

Thanks to his noble intention and wise leadership the Law on the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun was adopted and the Socialist Constitution was amended and supplemented at the 7th Session of the 12th Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK, legalizing the palace as a grand monument to the immortality of the leader and symbol of the dignity of the Korean nation.

He formulated Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism as the revolutionary idea of the WPK and set it as the supreme programme of the party to model whole society on Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism, thereby providing an eternal banner of victory of the Chuch’e revolution.

He advanced the idea of building the People’s Army into a reliable scout force and mainstay of the Military-First (So’ngun) revolution firmly guaranteeing the party’s cause with arms and successfully embodied it to make an epochal turn in bolstering military capability.

The successful third underground nuclear test which startled the world was a historic event that consolidated the high prestige of the DPRK as a nuclear weapons state and fully demonstrated its tremendous military muscle.

He laid out new strategic line on simultaneously pushing forward the economic construction and the building of nuclear force under the prevailing situation and according to the lawful requirement of the developing Korean revolution, providing a powerful weapon for protecting the independent dignity of Military-First (So’ngun) Korea forever and achieving the final victory of the revolutionary cause of Juche.

At a time when the enemies tightened illegal “sanctions” on the DPRK and openly launched military offensive against the DPRK over its satellite launch for peaceful purposes and third underground nuclear test for self-defence, he inspected island detachments in the biggest hotspots one after another, finally examined and ratified the firepower strike plan of the Strategic Rocket Force, striking terror into the hearts of the U.S. imperialists and their followers and demonstrating the invincible stamina of heroic Korea.

The dynamic advance for building a thriving nation is firmly guaranteed politically and militarily and new structure of strength has taken a shape in Northeast Asia with the DPRK in the center. This is a shining fruition of his outstanding stratagem and invincible Military-First (So’ngun) leadership.

He made sure that Kim Jong Il’s patriotism swept across the country, and the economy was kept afloat through the implementation of the party’s economic policy, Korean-style economic strategy. He also saw to it that all fields and units have made progress in an innovative and robust way by learning from the substantial traits of creation displayed by the Moranbong Band.

The successful launch of the first application satellite Kwangmyo’ngso’ng 3-2 displayed the dignity and honor of the sun’s nation and showed the world the stand of the DPRK that it does whatever it is determined to do.

His steadfast line on national independence and Songun revolutionary leadership guaranteed the steady progress of the struggle for national reunification, enhancement of the international position of the DPRK and increased support and solidarity for its revolutionary cause.

In the course of advancing the revolution and construction by holding Kim Jong Un at the top posts of the party, state and the army, the army and people of the DPRK realized his personality as a great man possessed of qualifications as modern statesman. The world progressives are praising him as the world’s most famous man and expressing respect and trust in him.

The reporter called for glorifying the glorious Kim Jong Un’s era with final victory in building a thriving socialist nation and accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e.