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.”
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.
Kim Jong Un waves to managers and employees of the Mansudae Art Studio during a photo op with them, reported by DPRK media on 20 April (Photo: KCNA)
A commemorative photo of Kim Jong Un, other members of the DPRK central leadership and employees of the Mansudae Art Studio (Photo: KCNA)
DPRK state media reported on Friday (20 April) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) attended two commemorative photo sessions at Ku’msusan Memorial Palace. His first photo op was with the managers, party officials and personnel of the Mansudae Art Studio. KJU was accompanied by SPA Presidium President Kim Yong Nam, DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim, Director of the KPA General Political Bureau Choe Ryong Hae, NDC Vice Chairman Jang Song Taek and KWP Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department [PAD] Kim Ki Nam and PAD Senior Deputy (1st Vice) Director Ri Jae Il and PAD Deputy (Vice) Director Kwon Hyok Byong. KCNA reports:
Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, first chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and supreme commander of the Korean People’s Army, had a picture taken with officials, creators and employees of the Mansudae Art Studio.
Before having a photo session with them, Kim Jong Un warmly congratulated them on their big successes in the creative work to portray the leaders including the erection of the statues of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il on Mansu Hill and in the drive to thoroughly implement the WPK’s Juche-oriented literary and art policy.
He expressed expectation and conviction that they would bring about a fresh turn in the work to portray the leaders and create many more masterpieces fully reflecting the Korean people’s thoughts and feelings and the spirit of the times and thus creditably discharge their mission and duty they have assumed before the party and the revolution.
Managers and employees of the Mansudae Art Studio greet Kim Jong Un during a commemorative photo session at Ku'msusan Memorial Palace (Photo: KCNA)
Kim Jong Un (seated, C) poses for a commemorative photograph with participants in the 15 April 2012 military parade held in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)
Kim Jong Un’s second photo op was with participants of the military parade held in Pyongyang on 15 April, the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung. Also in attendance were Kim Yong Nam, Choe Yong Rim, Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Taek, Kim Ki Nam as well as Chief of the KPA General Staff VMar Ri Yong Ho, Minister of the People’s Armed Forces VMar Kim Jong Gak, NDC Vice Chairman and director of the KWP Civil Defense Department VMar Kim Yong Chun, KWP Secretary of Military Industry Pak To Chun, 1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces and Director of the KPA General Logistics Department VMar Hyon Chol Hae, Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department Ju Kyu Chang, Director of the KWP Military Affairs Department Col. Gen. O Il Jong, Vice Chief of the KPA General Staff Gen. Choe Pu Il, Deputy (Vice) Director of the KPA General Political Bureau Gen. Pak Jae Gyong, Chief of the KPA Reconnaissance General Bureau Gen. Kim Yong Chol, Military Security Commander Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol, KPA Foreign Affairs Department official Col. Gen. Sim Sang Dae, Col. Gen. Son Chol Ju, Col. Gen. Yun Tong Hyon and Col. Gen. Pak Jong Chon.
A commemorative photograph of DPRK central leadership with participants in the military parade held on the anniversary of Kim Il Sung's birth (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)
KCNA reports:
Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, first chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People’s Army, had a photo session with the participants in the military parade for celebrating the centenary of the birth of President Kim Il Sung.
After arriving at the square of the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, Kim Jong Un waved back to the enthusiastic cheers of the participants, extending a warm salute to them.
He congratulated the service personnel of the three services and the Strategic Rocket Forces of the KPA and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces, members of the Worker-Peasant Red Guards and the Young Red Guards and students of revolutionary schools on demonstrating the spirit of Songun Korea and tremendous national power through their parade.
He expressed expectation that the participants in the parade would fulfill their mission as standard bearers and shock brigades in invariably preserving the revolutionary nature of the KPA just like the character of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and fully demonstrating the fighting method of the powerful revolutionary army of Mt. Paektu holding aloft the red flag of the WPK as its first colors.
This was the first instance that a KCNA news item directly referred to the KPA Strategic Rocket Force Command [SRFC] since Kim Jong Un’s inspection of the SRFC’s complex near Kangdong County during late February 2012. When Kim Jong Un delivered his speech before last Sunday’s parade, according to KCBS he addressed “heroic officers of the army, the navy, the air force and the strategic rocket unit of the KPA and officers of the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces.” However, KCNA English reporting on the parade and KJU’s speech omitted any references to the SRFC or “the strategic rocket unit of the KPA.”
Minister of People's Security Gen. Ri Myong Su gives the keynote speech at a rally of MPS and KPISF personnel. Seen behind him, L, is Col. Gen. Ri P'yo'ng-sam, head of the MPS/KPISF Political Bureau (Photo: KCNA)
The Ministry of People’s Security [MPS] and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces held a loyalty rally Tuesday (3 April) on the campus of the MPS’ national headquarters in northern Pyongyang. The DPRK central leadership will need all the police and public safety personnel in the coming weeks with the 4th Party Conference on 11 April, the 5th session of the 12th Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] on 13 April and a military parade scheduled for 15 April. KCNA reports:
Present there were Ri Myong Su, minister of People’s Security, Ri Pyong Sam, director of the Political Bureau of the KPISF, officials of the ministry, people’s security personnel and service personnel of the KPISF.
Led by the minister, its participants made a solemn pledge to hold Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in high esteem for all ages as the sun of juche, sun of songun, successfully carry out the behests of peerlessly great men and remain faithful to the songun revolutionary leadership of Kim Jong Un.
They said that they will consolidate Pyongyang and the whole country as a fortress for defending the leader, holding aloft the slogan “Let us defend the Party C.C. headed by the dear respected Kim Jong Un with our lives!” They determined to push ahead with the construction of major projects and undertake more good work for the people, aware of the mission and duty as protectors of their lives and properties and thus contribute to bringing the Party’s plan for building a thriving nation into full bloom.
Personnel of the Ministry of People's Security and Korean People's Internal Security Force assemble in front of the Kim Il-so'ng statue at MPS headquarters. At the left in the background is the Ponghwa Art Theater (Photo: KCNA)
MPS and KPISF personnel gesture during a loyalty rally (Photo: KCNA)
Ministry of People's Security/KPISF Headquarters (Photo: Google image)
Ku'msusan Memorial Palace was the setting of a meeting of the KPA and renaming ceremony on 16 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
On 16 February (Thursday) Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) and other members of the central leadership commemorated what would have been Kim Jong Il’s official 70th birthday at Ku’msusan Memorial Palace. The main event was a renaming ceremony whereby Ku’msusan was renamed Palace of the Sun, in advance of displaying KJI’s remains once the preservation process is complete. Speaking at the ceremony were SPA Presidium President Kim Yong Nam and Chief of the KPA General Staff Ri Yong Ho. Kim publicized the decision to rename the palace, while Ri spoke about the political loyalty of the Korean People’s Army [KPA]. After the speeches, a cavalcade of MLRS, armored personnel carriers, towed missiles, KPA personnel and members of the Worker-Peasants’ Red Guard processed through Ku’msusan Plaza.
KCNA reports:
Kim Yong Nam, Choe Yong Rim, Ri Yong Ho, Kim Kyong Hui, Kim Yong Chun, Kim Jong Gak, senior party, state and army officials, commanders of the KPA services and arms, officials of the party, armed forces, power bodies, social organizations, ministries and national institutions, men and officers 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, persons of distinguished services and labor innovators also attended.
Present there on invitation were overseas Koreans including the delegation of the Koreans in Japan for commemorating the Day of the Shining Star and the chief of the Pyongyang mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front, diplomatic envoys and representatives of international organizations and members of military attaches corps here.
They observed a moment’s silence for Kim Jong Il.
A joint decision of the Central Committee and the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the DPRK National Defence Commission, the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People’s Assembly and the DPRK Cabinet was made public to rename the Kumsusan Memorial Palace the “Kumsusan Palace of the Sun”.
A ceremony of the service persons of the three services of the KPA followed.
All the participants paid highest respects to the portrait of smiling Generalissimo Kim Il Sung and the portrait of smiling Generalissimo Kim Jong Il, the founder and builder of the revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK.
A 21 gun-salute boomed amid the playing of “Song of General Kim Il Sung” and “Song of General Kim Jong Il”.
Chief of KPA General Staff Ri Yong Ho, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK, made an address.
He, reflecting the iron faith and will of the KPA, the army of the President and Kim Jong Il and the army of the Supreme Commander, pledged to share the destiny with the party forever even though the earth might break down, the sky fall and the land collapse.
Then the portrait of smiling Kim Jong Il entered the plaza, escorted by columns of colors.
Columns of the units of the three services of the KPA marched by, carrying flags of the Supreme Commander, the WPK and the military to the tune of music of a brass band.
Kim Jong Un held his hand to salute them.
The columns of multiple launch rocket system, missiles and armored cars passed through the plaza.
At the end of the march, he waved back to the enthusiastic, cheering masses.
A view of the rostrum in front of Ku'msusan Memorial Palace on 16 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
Political Bureau Presidium Member and Chief of the KPA General Staff, VMar Ri Yong Ho (5th L) delivers a keynote address at a meeting of the KPA service branches on 16 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
A BTR rolls through Ku'msusan Plaza at a meeting commemorating Kim Jong Il's birthday on 16 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
Prior to the KPA meeting and naming ceremony, KJU along with members of the central leadership and a variety of DPRK elites visited a portrait of KJI mounted on marble in one of Ku’msusan’s reception rooms. Among the elites who queued up were the inaugural recipients of the Order of Kim Jong Il, including his widow Kim Ok.
Kim Jong Un stands in front a portrait of Kim Jong Il inside Ku'msusan Memorial Palace
A woman who resembles Kim Ok (R), KJI's last known wife and a manager at the National Defense Commission, looks at a portrait of KJI after bowing to the image with other DPRK elites on 16 February 2012
KCNA reports:
Accompanying him were 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, officials of the C.C. and the Central Military Commission of the WPK and the DPRK National Defence Commission, staff members of the KPA Supreme Command, commanding officers of KPA large-combined units, chief secretaries of the provincial committees of the WPK, and leading officials of ministries and national institutions.
The chief of the guards of honor of KPA three services and the Worker-Peasant Red Guards made a salute to the portrait of smiling Generalissimo Kim Jong Il.
Seen 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, the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly and the Cabinet of the DPRK.
Written on the ribbons of the floral basket were letters reading “The great leader Comrade Kim Jong Il is immortal”.
Kim Jong Un, together with senior party, state and military officials, paid deep respects to Kim Jong Il in humble reverence while looking up to his portrait.
An image of Kim Jong Il's office building is projected during this song performance at a concert commemorating his birthday (Photo: KCNA)
The new leader attended an orchestra concert, apparently held on Friday, along with top members of the ruling elite, according to Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency.
“Kim Jong-un waved to the enthusiastically cheering audience. The audience observed a moment’s silence in memory of Kim Jong-il in the humblest reverence,” KCNA said.
“Its performers represented the unbounded yearning and reverence of the service personnel and the people for Kim Jong-il who laid an eternal foundation for the prosperity of the country and its people’s happiness, undergoing for decades all sorts of sufferings which nobody else in this world has ever experienced,” it said.
On Friday (17 February) members of the central leadership congregated at the Mokran House for “a splendid reception.” Like the unveiling ceremony of the Kim equestrian statuary at Mansudae Art Studio, neither Kim Jong Un nor Kim Kyong Hui were reported to have attended this event. Among the named banquet attendees were “staff members of the Political Bureau.” The last known mention of Political Bureau staff was at a similar banquet commemorating the party’s official anniversary on or around 11 October 2011, which was the same time KJI was dictating his “behests.”
Present there were Kim Yong Nam, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK and president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK, Choe Yong Rim, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK and premier, Ri Yong Ho, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK and chief of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army (KPA), Kim Yong Chun, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., WPK and vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and minister of the People’s Armed Forces, Kim Ki Nam and Choe Thae Bok, members of the Political Bureau and secretaries of the C. C., the WPK, Yang Hyong Sop, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., WPK and vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly, Ri Yong Mu, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., WPK and vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, O Kuk Ryol, member of the C.C., WPK and vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, Kang Sok Ju, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., WPK and vice-premier of the Cabinet, Jang Song Thaek, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK and vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission, Kim Jong Gak, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK and first vice-director of the General Political Bureau of the KPA, Kim Yang Gon, Kim Yong Il, Pak To Chun and Choe Ryong Hae, alternate members of the Political Bureau and secretaries of the C.C., the WPK, Kim Rak Hui, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., WPK and vice-premier of the Cabinet, Thae Jong Su and Kim Phyong Hae, alternate members of the Political Bureau and secretaries of the C.C., WPK, Mun Kyong Dok, alternate member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the C.C., the WPK and chief secretary of the Pyongyang City Committee of the WPK, Ju Kyu Chang, alternate member of the Political Bureau and department director of the C.C., the WPK, U Tong Chuk and Kim Chang Sop, alternate members of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK, and staff members of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK, members of the C.C., the WPK, members of the Party Central Military Commission, leading officials of the NDC and armed forces organs, officials of ministries and national institutions, men and officers of the KPA and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces and others.
Ri Yong Ho made a speech there.
He said it was the greatest honor of the service personnel and people of the DPRK and the great fortune of Kim Il Sung’s nation that they have lived and made revolution, holding Generalissimo Kim Jong Il in high esteem as the sun of their destiny and their father.
The army and people of the DPRK will always remember Generalissimo Kim Jong Il who performed the undying feats on behalf of the times and history as a human being, revolutionary and the people’s father, he noted, and continued:
The history of Kim Jong Il’s Songun revolutionary leadership is given steady continuity thanks to the dear respected Kim Jong Un.
The world will clearly see what historic miracles Songun Korea will perform under the leadership of Kim Jong Un after letting Kim Jong Il lie in state.
At the reception a performance was given by artistes of the Wangjaesan Art Troupe.
A large loyalty rally of DPRK students and youths was held at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on 14 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
Meanwhile, earlier this week, the Kim Il Sung Youth League and Korean Children’s Union conducted several events including initiation ceremonies, study tours and regional meetings. On Tuesday (14 February), the KISYL held a mass loyalty rally for Kim Jong Un at KIS Stadium:
Speeches followed a report by Ri Yong Chol, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League.
The reporter and speakers said Kim Jong Il was born in Mt. Paektu, a holy mountain of revolution, being possessed of all personalities and qualities as befitting a great man. He wisely led the army and people of the DPRK till the last moments of his life, thereby performing undying feats on behalf of the era and history, they added.
They recalled that the fatherly General strengthened the league into the ranks of vanguard going with the August name of President Kim Il Sung and wisely led it so that it can creditably fulfill its mission and role as reliable political reserves of the Party.
They called upon all youths to uphold Kim Jong Il as an eternal sun of Songun Korea for all ages and materialize his lifelong desire.
They vowed to take the lead in the drive for realizing the Workers’ Party of Korea’s strategy for the prosperity of the country upholding the flame of Hamnam, keeping in mind his priceless aphorism that youths are prime-movers who make the whole country alive.
They appealed to hold high the torch of revolution bequeathed by Kim Jong Il and be loyal to Kim Jong Un and accomplish the revolutionary cause of juche, the cause of songun revolution, loudly singing “Korean Youth March”.
Attending the meeting were Choe Thae Bok, Choe Ryong Hae, officials concerned and those of the youth league and youth and students here.
Similar meetings took place in each city and county of the DPRK.
Members of the Kim Il Sung Youth League at loyalty rally on 14 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
While senior officials attended the central report meeting for KJI’s birthday on Wednesday, earlier that day the Korean Children’s Union held its own national meeting at the Taekwando Hall in Mangyo’ngdae. In 2011, some KCU-related events were held outside Ku’msusan Memorial Palace.
Attending the meeting were representatives of the KCU from all provinces, schoolchildren in Pyongyang and pupils joining it.
Present there on invitation were Choe Thae Bok, Yang Hyong Sop, Choe Ryong Hae, Mun Kyong Dok and officials concerned, officials of party organs and the youth league in
Pyongyang, war veterans and persons of merit.
Ri Yong Chol, first secretary of the C.C., the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League, in his report said that Kim Jong Il who always paid deep attention to the work for bringing up successors to the revolution led the KCU members to make long journeys for the songun revolution under the leadership of the party.
The reporter called on all KCU members to actively learn from the glorious childhood and youthhood of Kim Jong Il to study hard and sincerely take part in their organizational life and thus establish sense of organization and discipline to prepare themselves as pillars of songun Korea.
Then followed an admission ceremony of the KCU.
Led by Choe Ryong Hae, secretary of the C.C., the Workers’ Party of Korea, pupils admitting the KCU took an oath.
Officials, war veterans and persons of merit put red ties around their necks and pinned KCU badges on their chests.
Congratulatory speeches were made by Pak Chan Su, lecturer at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, Pang Sung Son, principal of Pyongyang Secondary School No. 1, and Labor Hero and People’s Sportswoman Jang Kyong Ok.
The speakers told them to hold father Kim Jong Il in high esteem forever and become genuine KCU members intensely loyal to the dear respected Kim Jong Un.
Synchronized swimmers performing a routine at an exhibition titled "Yearning Will Last Forever" at Ch'angkwang Health Complex in central Pyongyang on 15 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
KPA Supreme Commander and acting chairman of the Party Central Military Commission Kim Jong Un (front, 3rd L) watches a performance during his inspection of KPA Large Combined Unit #324. Also in attendance are: Ri Yong Ho (seated, L); Kim Yong Chun (seated, 2nd L); Pak Jae Gyong (standing, 3rd R); Ro Hung Se (standing, 2nd L); and Ri Tu Song (standing, R) (Photo: KCNA)
Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) was reported on 7 February to have visited Korean People’s Army [KPA] Large Combined Unit (taeyonhap pudae) #324. His last reported public appearance was an inspection of KPA Navy Combined Unit (yonhap pudae) #597. He was reported to have been accompanied by: VMar Ri Yong Ho, chief of the KPA General Staff; VMar Kim Yong Chun, Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission [NDC] and Minister of the People’s Armed Forces; Gen. Kim Myo’ng-kuk, Member of the Party Central Military Commission [CMC] and chief of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau; Gen. Pak Jae Gyong, director of the KPA General Propaganda Department and Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces; and from the KPA Supreme Command apparatus, Lt. Gen. Ri Tu Song (GPD) and Lt. Gen. Ro Hung Se (portfolio not clear). In December 2011, one of the last performances Kim Jong Il watched was an art performance given by the KPA Large Combined Unit #324′s propaganda squad.
KCNA reports:
The first leg of his inspection was the command of Large Combined Unit 324 of the KPA. He had a photo taken with its service personnel.
Then he went round the room for education in the revolutionary history and the room devoted to its history.
Recollecting with deep emotion the undying feats performed by President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il which are recorded in the history of the unit, he said the unit grew to be a matchless elite unit under the wise leadership and meticulous care of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
Making the rounds of an operation study room, shooting gallery and other places, he acquainted himself with the training of the commanding officers.
He expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the unit successfully built rooms for the study of military affairs so that its service personnel might deeply study and fully apply the Juche- based war methods of the WPK and is organizing effective trainings for boosting the ability to command operations.
He gave valuable instructions for preparing all the commanding officers to be competent ones capable of skillfully organizing and commanding any difficult combat duty in a modern war.
He inspected a forward command post of the unit. There he heard from the commander of the unit a report on the situation.
Standing before an operational map, he looked over the defence theatre and learned in detail about the topographical features and the distribution of forces.
Enjoying a bird’s-eye view of a city, villages, a lot of factories and fertile co-op fields, he said the prosperity of the country and the happiness of the people are firmly guaranteed as the service personnel of the People’s Army are standing guard with arms over the socialist country which cannot be bartered for anything.
He set forth important tasks to be fulfilled to mercilessly wipe out the enemies in the forward areas along the defence line in view of their ceaseless moves to ignite a new war and thus safeguard the socialist country as firm as an iron wall.
He inspected Unit 156 of the KPA honored with the title of O Jung Hup-led Seventh Regiment. He had a photo session with its service personnel.
After hearing a report on the decision from the commander of the unit, he acquainted himself with its training.
The unit has a very important duty to perform, he said, putting forth important tasks to serve as guidelines for bolstering its combat capability.
Noting that the primary duty of a soldier is to undergo training well, he underscored the need for the unit to focus all efforts on intensifying training and prepare the service personnel of the unit as all-round fighters capable of performing themselves any combat duties satisfactorily, in particular.
He made the rounds of a library and other facilities for ideological and cultural education to learn in detail about how political work is conducted among its service personnel.
He went round a bedroom, education room and lecture rooms for training of a company under the unit’s direct control to take care of the living of its service personnel.
The appearance was another opportunity for Jong Un to recreate an iconic Mangyo’ngdae family picture:
Kim Jong Un points at a map during his inspection of KPA Large Combined Unit #324, reported in February 2012. Standing to the right is Kim Yong Chun (Photo: KCNA, Yonhap)
Kim Jong Il points at a map during an inspection of a KPA unit in September 1997, the month prior to his appointment as KWP General-Secretary and CMC Chairman. Standing to KJI's right in this image Kim Yong Chun (Photo: KCNA)
Kim Jong Il presents watches to members of the Guard Command in July 2011. Seen in in attendance behind KJI are Kim Jong Un (L), Kim Ki Nam (2nd L), Ri Yong Ho (3rd L), Kim Jong Gak (rear, 3rd R) and employees of the Gifts Section of the Personal Secretariat (2nd R)
Kim Jong Un (L) filmed during an inspection of the KPA Navy Command headquarters in July 2011. In this image are SPA Presidium Vice President Yang Hyong Sop (2nd R, 2nd L); Kim Myo'ng-kuk (2nd R) and Ri Yong Ho (R)
Meanwhile, on the theme of emulation of (not-so) hidden heroes, DPRK media has released another focused on Kim family leadership. The latest release highlights Kim Jong Il’s inspections of KPA units and his attendance of art performances by KPA personnel or their families during 2011. KJI, along with Kim Jong Un and other members of the central leadership are shown visiting a series of history exhibitions, barracks, mess halls, as well as handing out gold Swiss watches to members of the Guard Command.
Kim Jong Il tours a plant affiliated with KPA Navy Combined Unit #597 in March 2011, accompanied by Admiral (Gen.) Jong Myong Do (R)
Kim Jong Il (5th L) stands for a commemorative photograph during his tour of a KPA Navy factory in March 2011. Seen in this image are: Col. Gen. O Chol San (L), political director of the KPA Navy; Jang Song Taek (2nd L); Gen. Jong Myong Do, commander of the KPA Navy (3rd L); Kim Jong Un (3rd R); Gen. Ri Myo'ng-su (R); and Gen. Hyon Chol Hae (R)
The films shows footage of KJI’s visit to a factory affiliated with KPA Navy Combined Unit #597 in March 2011. No photographs of that visit were released; instead DPRK media showed an image of a visit made to the factory by Kim Il Sung. The films also includes footage of KJI’s guidance to live fire exercises of KPA Unit #966, a subordinate unit of the Pyongyang Defense Command [PDC]. KJI’s guidance of the unit’s exercises was his final reported inspection of a KPA unit and occurred one week before he died.
It may not be legal to access the video below in some countries.
Kim Jong Il directs live fire exercises of KPA Unit #966, of the Pyongyang Defense Command. This was his final reported inspection or appearance at a KPA unit, reported 13 December 2011. Also seen in attendance are Kim Jong Un (C) and Gen. Kim Kyong Ok (R), senior deputy (1st vice) director of the party's Organization Guidance Department
A grab of of the film's closing image shows Kim Jong Il greeting spectators at the Worker-Peasants' Red Guard Parade on foundation day in 2011. Seen at the left is Jang Song Taek.
Kim Jong Un (front row, L) visited Kim Jong Il's casket bier on 24 December 2011. Kenji Fujimoto, who worked as a sushi chef for the Kim Family, told Japan's NHK on 21 December that the woman observed standing behind Kim Jong Un is his younger sister, Kim Yo Jong (back row, L). Also seen in attendance in the front row (L-R) are: Kim Yong Nam (2nd L); Choe Yong Rim (3rd L); Kim Kyong Hui (4th L); Ri Yong Ho (3rd R); Kim Yong Chun (2nd R); Kim Kuk Tae (R) (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)
Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the casket bier of Kim Jong Il at Ku’msusan Memorial Palace one again on 24 December (Saturday). He was joined by other members of the central leadership. Once again, standing behind him, was his younger sister Kim Yo Jong (Kim Yo’-cho’ng). Jong Un’s visit while the Korean Workers’ Party’s newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published an editorial which called for his assumption of the position of KPA Supreme Commander.
The KPA Supreme Commander (Choson inmin’gun ch’oego) serves as the leading official (i.e. commander-in-chief) of the Korean People’s Army [KPA]. The supreme commander can declare a state of emergency or war and issue instructions and commands in support of such a declaration. During a state of emergency or war, the Supreme Commander commands all of the DPRK’s ground, naval, air and special forces. The supreme commander also establishes direct authority and command over the KPA’s other security organizations (typically controlled by the party) such as the Ministry of State Security, Ministry of People’s Security, the Guard Command and Pyongyang Defense Command as well as the country’s civilian reserve forces who serve in the Reserve Military Training Units [RMTU] and Worker-Peasants’ Red Guard [WPRG].
The KPA Supreme Commander also can promote officers with the rank of general or higher, as well as those holding the position of division vice-commander or higher. In addition to that the KPA Supreme Command directs and guides the winter and spring training cycles of the KPA. The supreme command issues orders through the 10th office of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau; during contingency or war, the supreme commander bypasses the formal chain of command and issues orders and instructions through the Operations Bureau’s 10th office. The position is intended to bypass the collective control over security organizations by the Korean Workers’ Party and allow the supreme commander to exercise single guidance (tanil chido)
The position was created after the outbreak of the Korean (Fatherland Liberation) War. It was an emergency mechanism that gave Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) with full control and command of DPRK armed forces as the war unfolded. From 1972 to 1991 Kim Il Sung served as KPA Supreme Commander concurrently to being DPRK President (i.e. head of state). On 24 December 1991 Kim Jong Il was elected KPA Supreme Commander during the 19th plenary meeting of the 6th KWP Central Committee. The day after his election, on 25 December, the KPA General Political Department (also known as the General Political Bureau) convened a meeting of KPA political officers and cadres. At the end of the meeting, they swore a loyalty oath to Kim Il Sung and KJI, who were in attendance.
It is not clear that Kim Jong Un has been elected KPA Supreme Commander. In the weeks prior to KJI’s demise, Jong Un accompanied his father on several KPA field inspections. On most all of these inspections the Kims were reported by DPRK media to have been accompanied by “staff members of the KPA Supreme Command.” As Vice Chairman of the Party Central Military Commission, KJU is the leading official of the body which would propose his nomination to the Party Central Committee. After Kim Il Sung died in 1994, Kim Jong Il convened two meetings of the Political Bureau. It is highly likely that the Central Committee will convene a meeting a few days to several weeks after the funeral and appoint KJU supreme commander.
Kim Jong Il greeting members of KPA Unit #322. Also in attendance are Ri Yong Ho, Kim Myong Kuk, Pak Jae Gyong, among others (Photo: KCNA)
Since mid-October, Kim Jong Il has conducted six (6) inspections of KPA units. Until an account of his field inspection of KPA Unit #4303 appeared in DPRK media on or around 19 October 2011, KJI was reported to have made only three KPA unit inspections in 2011, with one visit a the command element of political officers in February and two headquarters inspections in July. This does not mean the KPA has lost the affection of the party center. Even though KJI has conducted only three field inspections, he has visited a number of military-affiliated factories and production sites, as well as attended numerous concerts and cultural events (such as the September Worker-Peasant Red Guards’ parade) of the KPA’s supernumerary organizations.
Kim Jong Il talks to members of KPA Unit #4304 (Photo: KCNA)
The first of these inspections was his visit to KPA Unit #4304. During this visit KJI focused on political education and ideological indoctrination. He was also reported to have observed training exercises of the unit, prior to posing for a commemorative photograph with officers and service members. The most significant participant at this inspection was arguably Lt. Gen. Ri Tu Song (Yi Tu-so’ng; Ri Tu-so’ng), who attended a concert by soldiers which was KJI’s last reported public appearance before the inspection of Unit 4304. Lt. Gen. Ri attained his current rank on the 27 September 2010 military promotions list which included, among others, Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n). KCNA reports:
After watching the training of the stalwart fighters, he expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the soldiers of the unit are getting ready to creditably perform their duties under any unexpected circumstances by using training apparatuses manufactured by the unit itself.
Then he went round the servicepersons’ hall, library and mess hall to learn about the political and ideological education of them and supply service for them.
He visited a company of the unit.
He went round an education room, bedroom, wash-cum bath house and other places of the company and took deep care of the soldiers’ living.
He gave precious instructions on the issues arising in strengthening the company, telling the commanding officers who were accompanying him that to strengthen the company, a main combat unit, is a very important and responsible work for building the KPA into an invincible revolutionary army of Mt. Paektu.
He had a picture taken with servicepersons of the unit with profound care for them.
Commemorative photograph taken during Kim Jong Il's inspection of KPA Unit #985 (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)
On 22 October Kim Jong Il was reported to have inspected KPA Unit #985, which is linked to the Guard Command. The KCNA report was dated 22 October, however it is highly likely that KJI visited and inspected Unit 985 on or around 21 October, putting the visit within 24 hours after the death of former Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddaffi. The timing of KJI’s visit to a unit whose primary mission is the personal security of the leadership with the death of a former DPRK ally and strongman leader caused some Pyongyang watchers to correlate these two events. Based on KCNA’s account, the visit was characterized by nostalgia, although it also referred to KJI asking for the soldiers’ “vigilance against the enemies’ moves for aggression”:
He expressed great satisfaction over the fact that all the commanding officers and staff members of the unit are getting ready to creditably perform their duties under any unexpected circumstances through their effective training of thoroughly arming themselves with the Juche- oriented military idea of strategy and tactics set forth by the WPK.
Then he toured the servicepersons’ hall and a library to learn about the political and ideological education of them and dropped in at a mess hall to take care of the diet of soldiers directly under the unit as their real parents would do.
Watching carefully one by one the staple and non-staple food on the cooking-stand, he learned in detail about the unit’s bean farming this year, the amount of bean service for the soldiers a day and the supply of meat.
He went to the Koagol revolutionary site situated in the area where the unit is stationed.
He recollected with deep emotion the immortal feats the President performed by foiling the “new offensive” of the U.S. imperialists with his farsighted wisdom and gifted military strategy to open a turning phase in the Fatherland Liberation War.
He praised the unit’s soldiers for making their full devotions to preserve the site associated with the giant footprints of the President in its original state.
Highly estimating once again all the servicepersons of the unit for keeping sharp vigilance against the enemies’ moves for aggression to creditably perform their guard duty, he set forth the important tasks to be carried out by the unit in increasing its combat capability in every way: The unit should intensify combat training in atmosphere of real war to reliably prepare all the commanding officers and soldiers to be versatile commanders and fighters who uphold the military-first will of the WPK with arms.
It is necessary to improve the commanding and management of the unit and establish the strong military discipline and thus fully demonstrate the militant spirit and might of elite revolutionary army.
Kim Jong Il waves to members of KPA Unit #789. Also seen in attendance are Ri Yong Ho (2nd R) and Kim Kyong Ok (R) (Photo: KCNA)
One day prior to meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK, Kim Jong Il inspected KPA Unit #789. This visit focused on the education of operations planning, as well as ongoing indoctrination efforts within the KPA. Interestingly, this visit included the only reported appearance of NDC Vice Chairman and Minister of the People’s Armed Forces [MPAF], VMar Kim Yong Chun, during this batch of KPA inspections. VMar Kim returned to Pyongyang to attend other public events. While VMar Kim increasingly appears to be operating in a diminished capacity, it is not clear if he is being deliberately sidelined or if he has assumed a semi-retired status in the central leadership. His current position at MPAF is a ceremonial position with its substantive functions residing under the National Defense Commission and General Staff. Many of VMar Kim’s peers and cohorts within the KPA have either been marginalized or have passed away.
KJI watches training exercises of the KPAF's combined unit. (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)
On 2 November KJI was reported to have inspected the combined unit of the KPA Air Force [Korean People's Air Force] and supervised the unit’s flight training. KJI’s last reported visit to a KPAF unit occurred during May 2009 when he was reported to have inspected KPAF Unit #814, however KPAF fighter planes participated in joint exercises which KJI watched with other members of the central leadership during 2010. On 7 November KJI was reported to have inspected and supervised the training of KPAF Unit #813:
He expressed satisfaction with the fact that the unit officers have indulged themselves in deep thoughts of ways for winning victories in the fight by skillfully using war method and tactics of our own style suited to the enemies’ changed war method, combat action control law and the trend of development of arms equipment and put them into practice while placing the unit on a high alert.
He praised the pilots for preparing themselves to be skilful combat pilots, well aware that preparation for fight precisely means training and vice versa.
He climbed the commanding post and guided their flight training.
After watching the training he expressed great satisfaction over the fact that all the pilots have grown to be competent combat pilots. He congratulated them on their successful training.
He then went round the revolutionary historic site of the unit.
Looking around various places of the site including a monument to revolutionary history, a barrack and a well, he recollected with deep emotion the immortal exploits by President Kim Il Sung who achieved the great cause of building the flying corps in a brief span of time after the liberation and defended the country from the enemy aggression.
KJI’s 2011 KPAF inspections fit the pattern of previous visits in 2007 and 2008 whereby KJI visited one KPAF unit, followed up with an inspection of another unit several days later. On 23 November 2007, KJI was reported to have inspected KPAF Unit #874 which was followed by a 5 December 2007 report of his inspection of KPAF Unit #378; in 2008 he was reported on 1 December to have inspected KPAF Unit #1016, followed by his being reported on 29 December to have visited KPAF Unit #1017.
KJI shakes hands with a member of KPA Air Force Unit #874 (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)
Between visits to the KPAF units, Kim Jong Il inspected KPA Unit #322 and visited the T’aeso’ng Machine Plant. His visit to Unit 322, part of which functions as an intelligence training school, was notable because of the prominent, albeit unreported, presence of Col. Gen. Kim Yong Chol. Col. Gen. Kim has attended several of KJI’s visits during 2011 and 2010, and during the 3rd Party Conference he was seated with Kim Kyong Hui and a few places away from Kim Jong Un. During KCTV’s news account of the inspection of Unit 322, Col. Gen. Kim appeared in a photo with both KJI and KJU.
Dropping in at the education room, he acquainted himself with the political and ideological education among the soldiers. He stopped for a long while before the photos of the heroes produced by the unit and added shine to their exploits. Standing before an honor bulletin board, he carefully looked at the photos of the soldiers who distinguished themselves in the military and political trainings.
Looking round the daily provision store, he was satisfied with the soldiers’ rich diet.
He once again highly praised the soldiers of the unit for following the moves of the enemies for aggression with vigilance and putting spurs to the training, always keeping themselves in high combat readiness.
It is not particularly unusual that Kim Jong Il engaged in a brisk round of KPA inspections. Rather, what was unusual was that until mid-October he had only inspected three KPA units. KJI likely curtailed his public KPA inspections as regime propaganda makers emphasized development activities in the domestic economy. The decision to focus on the military may be a reaction to several external events. KJI’s first inspection occurred after a state visit to the US by the ROK President. His inspection of KPA Unit #985 took place after the DPRK and US reached an agreement on the recovery of remains of US service members killed during the Korean War, while a DPRK official visited the US for an academic forum and just after the demise of Qaddaffi in Libya. The remainder of these KPA inspections occurred after a visit to Pyongyang by the Chinese Vice Premier and a US-DPRK interaction in Geneva on denuclearization. Based on editorials in Rodong and KCNA, these four (4) inspections also could be read as a reaction to US-ROK solidarity which has been underscored by the visit to ROK by the US Secretary of Defense, and ongoing joint military exercises.
KJI’s inspections may also represent the beginning of the public phase of the Kim Jong Un succession within the KPA. Reports on the military unit inspections included references to their historical significance to the KPA’s history as well as their past relationships either to Kim Il-so’ng or KJI. Current and past unit members were singled out for their accomplishments. The accounts of KJI’s visit to Unit 4304 and Unit 789 referred to “an invincible revolutionary army of Mt. Paektu.” An account of KJI’s inspection of the KPAF combined unit said that the flight training “vigorously demonstrated the militant and lightning declaration of the powerful revolutionary army of Mt. Paektu.” Accompanying images of the inspections set Kim Jong Un apart from the other members of the central leadership in attendance. The inspections also presented an opportunity for KJI’s image makers to acquire additional documentation for use in films and other media ahead of both February and April 2012.
Based on the names publicized in DPRK media reports, KJI was accompanied at all of these inspections by his son, Kim Jong Un, and Jang Song Taek, NDC Vice Chairman. Also in attendance at all of these inspections, as well as his other visits and interactions, were KPA Generals Pak Jae Gyong and Hyon Chol Hae. For most of the 2000s Gen. Pak and Gen. Hyon (along with current Minister of People’s Security, Gen. Ri Myo’ng-su) were reported or observed attending nearly every public appearance by KJI, in their capacity as officials under the KPA Supreme Command apparatus. Pak is one of the most powerful, and understated, general-grade officers in the KPA and his absence on the “distant path of on-the-spot guidance” did not represent a loss of status or power in the central leadership. Pak may have replaced Ri Myo’ng-su as director of the NDC Administration Department, while retaining his other titles. The presence of Gen. Pak and Gen. Hyon was not restricted to the military inspections because they also attended KJI’s dinner for the Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK which suggests that KJI is attempting to balance out the party’s place in his entourage during 2010 and 2011. Their presence may also be related to reported DPRK weapons sales to Syria.
Attending some, but not all of the inspections was Ri Yong Ho, chief of the KPA General Staff. VMar Ri may have supplanted the role previously assumed by Kim Yong Chun, as the central leadership’s key military escort. Senior deputy (first vice) director of the CC KWP Organization Guidance Department Kim Kyong Ok, featured prominently in images positioned next to or behind Kim Jong Un, attended five inspections. Military Security Command chief Gen. Kim Won Hong was reported to have attended four inspections. The party’s military industry boss and NDC Member Pak To Chun was reported as having attended three inspections. The chief of the General Staff Operations Bureau (which houses the office of the KPA Supreme Command), Kim Myong Kuk also attended three inspections, as did deputy (vice) director of Organization Guidance, Hwang Pyong So.
Despite the fact that several members of the Party Central Military Commission were reported as members of his entourage or greeted him during his inspections, the only person identified by his CMC affiliation was Kim Jong Un.
Kim Jong Il inviting Ri Yong Ho to take his place at the beginning of the Worker Peasant Red Guards' Parade held on the 63rd anniversary of the foundation of the DPRK
On the morning of 9 September (Friday), Kim Jong Il, members of the central leadership and Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n), attended a Worker-Peasant Red Guards’ [WPRG] parade in central Pyongyang. According to KCNA and other DPRK media, “columns of commanders [and] Workers’-Peasants’ Red Guards of different provinces and complexes, Young Red Guards and mechanized columns lined up on Kim Il Sung Square, the venue of the military parade.” The parade also displayed howizters, anti-aircraft artillery and multiple launch rocket systems, as well as models of the WPRG’s Ural-type motorcycles with sidecars.
Central Military Commission Member and director of the CC KWP Military Department, Gen. Ol Il Jong, reports to VMar Kim Yong Chun prior to the start of the parade
NDC Vice-Chairman and Minister of the People's Armed Forces, VMar Kim Yong Chun delivers a speech prior to the start of the WPRG parade on 9 September
To Pyongyang watchers of all ages, this may have seemed an unusual event. In certain contexts, 63 is a lucky number, but it carries neither any significance nor symbolism as an anniversary year. The last military parade held on Foundation Day, which also consisted of the WPRG, occurred three (3) years ago. The 2008 parade was particularly significant because of KJI’s medical-related absence from it. He did not make any reported public appearances until October 2008. The 2008 parade featured representatives of the Young Red Guards’ units of Kim Il Sung and Kim Chaek Universities; the 2011 parade included an unspecified group of the YRG without any explicit references to what educational institutions they represented.
Kim Jong Il talks with Kim Jong Un prior the start of the parade
The broadcast and video of the parade included several missed camera cues.
The 2011 parade was broadcast live on DPRK television. In contrast to other #1 Events (such as the KWP’s 65th anniversary parade in October 2010) the production quality was inconsistent. There were a number of unintended jump cuts. Camera shots were cued before the photographers had an opportunity to set them up. The audio of the music and speeches cut out several times. The audience applauded prematurely over Kim Yong Chun (Kim Yo’ng-ch’un)’s congratulatory address. There was also the sound (either prerecorded or from the audience) of cheering prior to KJI’s entrance music. The production aesthetics revealed a few interesting images of KJI and the leadership. During the parade KJI gestured to an aide in order to summon Gen. Kim Myong Kuk (Kim Myo’ng-kuk), chief of the General Staff Operations Bureau. At another point, chief of the KPA General Staff, VMar Ri Yong Ho (Ri Yo’ng-ho) was talking to Kim Jong Un. Ri looked to his left and found KJI scratching his face. Ri mistook this for a salute, put his arm up then quickly put it down. Miscues among the mobilized audience and in the television production indicate that this event may have been hastily arranged (i.e. last minute).
Despite the technical trouble, the event likely attained its two primary objectives. First, standing on a balcony for 45 minutes to an hour without any obvious assistance conveyed that Kim Jong Il remains at the country’s core power center, and that his trip to Russia and China during late August did not compromise his health. Second, this represented another superficial accomplishment for his hereditary successor. Smelling apple-based body washes, meeting Chinese officials and touring DVD factories are nice photo opportunities for Kim Jong Un. But he does not have sufficient imagery at a national meeting or parade, lined up with members of the central leadership who are not in KJI’s immediate coterie. When Kim Jong Il stepped out to the crowd, he was joined by KJU. As KJI processed down the line, one could see behind him a camera crew scuttling over to capture KJU. It is also possible that the parade had a built-in loyalty oath factor for members of the WPRG.
KJI talking to an aide during the event
Kim Jong Il confers with Gen. Kim Myong Kuk, chief of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau, during the WPRG parade on 9 September
One interesting aspect of this parade were the subtle dynamic among the KPA’s two senior working officials. Formal command channels may call for Kim Yong Chun, in his dual positions, to manage the parade. KYC also delivered the address during the September 2008 parade. His function at this year’s parade and presence with KJI during the Russia trip indicates that his influence remains intact, contrary to earlier speculation. He may prove more effective ensuring support for KJU in the KPA. When KJI appeared on the “tribune of honor,” Ri Yong Ho stood back while the other members of the central leadership took their places. KJI stretched out his arm to invite Ri to his position.
KJI scratching his eye, which Ri Yong Ho mistakes for a salute
Kim Jong Il applauds at the conclusion of the WPRK parade on 9 September. Behind him to the left is commander of the KPA Navy, Jong Myong Do (Cho'ng Myo'ng-to)
