Kim Jong Un Visits Yanggakdo Stadium and Football Game

Kim Jong Un (1) provides instructions on the renovation of Yanggakdo Stadium in Pyongyang. Also seen in attendance are Jang Song Taek (2), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (3) and Kim Jong Un’s wife Ri Sol Ju (4) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 29 April (Monday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Yanggakdo Stadium and attended the men’s football finals for the Mangyo’ngdae Prize at Kim Il Sung Stadium.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his visit to the Haedanghwa Health Complex.  KJU’s first visit was to the Yanggakdo Stadium which he ordered to be renovated.  Attending the visit was 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]), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Col. Gen. Ri Yong Gil (Chief of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau) and other officials.

According to KCNA Kim Jong Un visited the stadium (originally opened in 1989) “with a plan to radically remodel the stadium as required by the new century.”  KJU visited the stadium historical exhibition where he “recollected with deep emotion the undying exploits they performed for the development of the Juche-based physical culture and sports.”  KJU then toured the stadium and ordered a series of renovations.  He said, “it is the intention of the Workers’ Party of Korea to turn the stadium into a football stadium which can represent stadiums of such type across the country as required by the new century.”  KJU also “formed a strong construction unit capable of carrying out the project in a brief span of time.”  KJU also remarked that “to develop physical culture and sports is an important work to augment the national power in every way, demonstrate the indomitable spirit and dignity of Military-First (So’ngun) Korea before the world and let all the service personnel and people dynamically step up the building of a thriving socialist nation full of national pride and self-esteem” and he “expressed expectation and belief that the relevant fields would successfully remodel the stadium as a football stadium to be impeccable in any aspect.”

Kim Jong Un (3) attends the men’s premier league football finals for the Mangyongdae Prize at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on 29 April 2013. Also watching the game with are Jang Song Taek (1), Ri Sol Ju (2) and Choe Tae Bok) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Su later attended the  men’s football (soccer) finals for the Mangyo’ngdae Prize National Sports Festival at Kim Il Sung Stadium.  Also in attendance at the football game were VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Taek, Gen. Hyon Yong Chol, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Ki Nam (Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department), Choe Tae Bok (KWP Secretary and SPA Chairman), Kim Yang Gon (KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department), Kim Yong Il (KWP Secretary and Director of the International Affairs Department), Kim P’yo’ng-hae (KWP Secretary and Director of Cadres’ Affairs), Kwak Pom Gi (KWP Secretary and Director of the Planning and Finance Department), Mun Kyong Dok (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang City [municipal] KWP Committee), Ju Kyu Chang (Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department), Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (Minister of the People’s Security), Kim Tong Il (Deputy [vice] Director of the KWP Workers’ Organizations Department) and “members of the State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission, officials of the party and armed forces organs, ministries and national institutions, those in the sports field, sportspersons, fans and Pyongyangites.”

The men’s football premier league finals for the Mangyongdae Prize between the Rimyongsu Sports Group and the Amnokgang Sports Group at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on 29 April 2013. The Rimyongsu Team beat the Amnokgang Team 2-1. (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

The match was played between two of the DPRK’s premier league teams, Rimyongsu and Amnokgang.  KCNA reported the two teams “advanced into the finals after proving successful at the men’s premier soccer league matches. They played good games, displaying high technique they have cultivated in day-to-day trainings” and that “Rimyongsu Team took the initiative from the beginning according to its tactics and made hot attacks.”  Rimyongsu led Amnokgang 2-0 in the first half and went onto win the game 2-1.  At the end of the match, Kim Jong Un “congratulated the footballers of both teams on playing a good match, expressing great satisfaction with their high technique.”

Kim Jong Un (1) greets DPRK athletes who received gold medals or placed in the top of their categories at international competitions held between February and April 2013. Also in attendance at the event held at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on 29 April 2013 are DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju (2), Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (3), and Minister of People’s Security Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (4) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

KJU also met with DPRK athletes who successfully participated in recent international competitions including long-distance runner Kim Kum Ok (who placed first in the 14th Asian Marathon Championship held in Hong Kong on 25 February 2013), wrestler Yang Kyong Il (who placed second in the men’s 55 kg freestyle at the 2013 Asian Wrestling Championship), gymnast Ri Se Gwang (who placed first in the vault event at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series in Doha in March 2013), wrestler Hwang Ryong Hak (who placed first in the men’s 60 kg freestyle at the 2013 Asian Wrestling Championships), Pak Yong Mi (who placed first in the women’s 48 kg freestyle at the 2013 Asian Wrestling Championships), judoka Hong Kuk Hyon (who placed first in the women’s 73 kg weight class at the Asian Judo Championships of 2013 in Bangkok in April 2013), weightlifter Ri Su Hyon (who won three gold medals in the women’s 44 kg competition at the 2013 International Weightlifting Federation’s Youth World Championships in Tashkent in April 2013), Kwon Yong Gwang (who won three gold medals in the men’s 62 kg competition at 2013 IWF Youth World Championships in Tashkent) and weightlifter Pak Jong Ju (who came in second overall and won two medals in the men’s 50 kg competition at the IWF Youth World Championships in Tashkent), along with “a coach and physical culture and sports guidance officials.”

Kim Jong Un shook hands with the DPRK athletes and, according to KCNA, “highly praised them for proving successful at the recent international games and instilling the conviction of victory and optimism into the service personnel and people of the DPRK dynamically pushing forward the building of a thriving socialist nation despite harsh sanctions and strong pressure of the enemies.”  KJU also “expressed his belief that sports persons and coaches would undergo more intensive trainings to consolidate the successes achieved and fully demonstrate the honor of the country with gold medals at international games.”  Also attending KJU’s meet-and-greet were DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju, VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Taek, Gen. Hyon Yong Chol, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik, Kim Ki Nam, Choe Tae Bok, Kim Yang Gon, Kim Yong Il, Kim P’yo’ng-hae, Kwak Pom Gi, Mun Kyong Dok, Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il and members of the State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission.

KJU Visits Health Complex

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

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

Also attending the visit were DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju,  VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the KPA General Political Department),  Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission [NDC]), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Gen. Kim Kyong Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Kyong Hui (KWP Secretary and KJU’s aunt), Kim Ki Nam (KWP Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department), Choe Tae Bok (KWP Secretary and SPA Chairman), Kang Sok Ju (DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier), Kim Yong Il (KWP Secretary and Director of the International Affairs Department),  Kim Yang Gon (KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department),  Kim P’yo’ng-hae (KWP Secretary and Director of Cadres’ Affairs), Kwak Pom Gi (KWP Secretary and Director of the Planning and Finance Department), Mun Kyong Dok (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang City [municipal] KWP Committee), Col. Gen. O Il Jong (Director of the KWP Military Affairs Department), Han Kwang Sang (Deputy Director of the KWP Finance and Accounting Department) Paek Kye Ryong (Director of the KWP Light Industry Department), Kim Kyong Ok (Senior Deputy [first vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department), Gen. Kim Yong Chol (Chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau and Vice Chief of the KPA General Staff) and Jon Il Chun (Deputy Director of the KWP Finance and Accounting Department), among others.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kim Jong Un 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.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KJU Attends Watch Presentation Ceremony

Overview of a ceremonny at the KWP Central Committee Conference Hall (L) at which gold wristwatches were presented as “state decorations” by Kim Jong Un (R) as part of events commemorating late leader Kim Jong Il’s birthday (Photos: KCNA, KCNA-Yonhap)

DPRK state media reported on 15 February (Friday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) attended a ceremony at which gold wristwatches  were awarded to “service personnel, scientists, technicians and labor innovators who have performed brilliant feats in the defence of the country and in the building of a thriving socialist nation.”  The wristwatches are engraved with the late leader Kim Jong Il’s name, and awarded to commemorate the anniversary of KJI’s birth.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his chairing and participating in an expanded meeting of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Central Military Commission [CMC].

Kim Jong Un presents a gold watch bearing his late father’s name. Seen in attendance behind KJU are Kim Ki Nam (L), Kim Yong Nam (2nd L) and Kim Phyong Hae (4th) and behind KJU are officials of the KWP Central Committee Gifts Office (Gifts Hall) (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

Kim Jong Un presents a gold wristwatch at a February 2013 ceremony (L) and his late father Kim Jong Il presents a Swiss watch to a member of the Guard Command in July 2011 (R) (Photos: KCNA-Yonhap, KCTV screengrab)

Attending the watch presentation ceremony with KJU were Kim Yong Nam (President of the Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium), Choe Yong Rim (DPRK Cabinet Premier), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission [NDC] and Director of the KWP Administration Department), Kim Kyong Hui (KWP Secretary and Department Director),  Kim Ki Nam (KWP Secretary and Director of the KWP Propaganda and Agitation Department), Choe Tae Bok (KWP Secretary of Education and Science), Pak To Chun (KWP Secretary of Machine-Building Industry), VMar Kim Yong Chun (Vice Chairman of the NDC and Director of the KWP Civil Defense Department), Kang Sok Ju (DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier), Ri Yong Mu (Vice Chairman of the NDC), Gen. O Kuk Ryol (Vice Chairman of the NDC), Kim Yang Gon (KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department), Kim Yong Il (KWP Secretary and Director of the KWP International Affairs Department), Kim Pyong Hae (KWP Secretary and Director of the KWP Cadres Affairs Department), Kwak Pom Gi (KWP Secretary and Director of the KWP Finance and Planning Department), Mun Kyong Dok (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang City [municipal] KWP Committee), Ju Kyu Chang (Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department), Jo Yon Jun (Senior Deputy (1st Vice) Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department) and “other officials of the Central Committee of the WPK and armed forces organs.”

According to KCNA the presentation of the watches was “instituted as a state decoration for the first time in the history of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK)” and has “weighty significance in glorifying the immortal exploits of his revolutionary career and immortal feats forever and making all the Party members, service personnel and people live and work as his soldiers and disciples.”  The watch presentation ceremony was held at the KWP Central Committee’s Conference Hall.  Kim Yong Nam delivered a congratulatory speech in which he said, “The recipients of the watches should lead a worthy and brilliant life as backbone of the Korean revolution, always feeling grateful to the party for making them honored with watches bearing the august name of Kim Jong Il before any others.”  After Kim Jong Un presented the watches, the recipients “renewed their resolution to always hold President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in high esteem as the sun of Juche and steadfastly advance along the road of the Songun revolution, true to the leadership of the party.”

Here is a short photo essay [PDF] about an informal watch presentation ceremony in which Kim Jong Il participated in July 2012.

Area of the KWP Central Committee #1 Office Complex in central Pyongyang, showing two possible venues for watch presentation ceremony. The ceremony likely occurred in the structure marked Conference Hall #1. (Photo: Google images; lines and placemarks by Michael Madden/NKLW)

Political Bureau Meeting

The KWP CC Political Bureau, as of January 2013 (Photo: NK Leadership Watch graphic)

DPRK state media reported on 12 February (Tuesday) that the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Political Bureau met on 11 February (Monday).  The meeting, attended by “members of the Presidium, members and alternate members,” adopted the decision ”On marking the 65th anniversary of the DPRK and the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War as grand festivals of victors.”  The Political Bureau’s position “stressed the need to continue launching satellites of Kwangmyo’ngso’ng series and powerful long-range rockets.”  According to KCNA the Political Bureau’s decision was:

The decision emphasized the need to further deepen and accomplish the sacred cause of holding in high esteem the great Comrade Kim Il Sung and Comrade Kim Jong Il as eternal leaders of the WPK and the revolution.

The decision called for splendidly and significantly organizing political events marking the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War and the 65th anniversary of the DPRK.

According to it, various political events will be held with splendor to mark the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War. They will include a parade of the Korean People’s Army (KPA), mass demonstration of Pyongyang citizens, grand mass gymnastic and artistic performance “Arirang” and army-people joint meeting with war veterans.

The decision stressed the need to successfully rebuild the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and spruce up the revolutionary battle sites, revolutionary sites and revolutionary museums including the revolutionary museum at Kim Il Sung University, the Museum of the Fatherland Liberation War and the Jonsung Revolutionary Museum.

It called for newly building a martyrs cemetery of the KPA in Pyongyang and sprucing up KPA martyrs cemeteries and monuments to the fallen fighters of the KPA in various parts of the country.

It underlined the need to resolutely foil all the hostile forces’ moves to isolate and stifle the DPRK by achieving proud victory in building an economic power and improving the people’s living standard.

It also underscored the need for all fields and units to do a lot of good works for the prosperity of the country and its people’s happiness on the occasion of the 65th birthday of the Republic.

It called for staging an all-out action of high intensity for reliably protecting the security and sovereignty of the country in view of the prevailing grave situation and marking the 65th anniversary of the DPRK and the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War with fresh achievements in bolstering up capability for self-defence.

It stressed the need to continue launching satellites of Kwangmyongsong series and powerful long-range rockets.

It called on the KPA to keep itself fully ready for combat and put maximum spurs to rounding off its combat preparedness in order to bolster up one-beats-a hundred combat capability. It stressed that once an order is issued, the KPA should blow up the stronghold of aggression at a strike and wipe out the brigandish U.S. imperialists and south Korean puppet army to the last man and thus accomplish the historic cause of national reunification.

The decision called for sincerely helping the army and significantly conducting the work for putting forward and preferentially treating the war veterans and wartime merited persons as a social movement on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the war victory.

It underscored the need to give further spurs to building a highly civilized socialist nation.

It referred to the tasks for completing the preparations for the universal 12-year compulsory education within this year, establishing a medical information service network and telemedicine system, building a children’s hospital, a dental hospital and a recovery center and winding up the first phase project for updating the Hungnam Pharmaceutical Factory.

It also underscored the need to build a modern combined center for sports trainings and different kinds of mass sporting facilities and raise hot wind of sports throughout the country.

It called for face-lifting the central part of Pyongyang and building more modern cultural facilities including pleasure grounds and Munsu Wading Pool.

The decision stressed the need to arouse all compatriots to the struggle for resolutely foiling the anti-DPRK moves and “sanctions” racket of the U.S. imperialists and the south Korean puppet group of traitors and thoroughly implementing the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration so as to open up a new phase for national reunification.

It called for conducting external activities to grandly celebrate the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War as a common event for the anti-imperialist independent forces and the world progressive people.

The Political Bureau along with other organizations of the
KWP Central Committee (Graphic: Michael Madden/NK Leadership Watcher (NKLW))

Kim Jong Un Attends Photo Op with Party Cell Meeting Participants

Commemorative photograph of Kim Jong Un and senior DPRK officials with participants at 4th Meeting of Korean Workers’ Party Cell Secretaries (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 2 February (Saturday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) attended a commemorative photo session with participants of the 4th Meeting of Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Cell Secretaries.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his his attendance on the last day of the party cells secretaries’ meeting.  Attending the photo-op with KJU were: Kim Yong Nam (President of the Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium), Choe Yong Rim (DPRK Cabinet Premier), Gen. Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korea 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), Kim Kyong Hui (KWP Secretary and Department Director, and KJU’s aunt), Kim Ki Nam (KWP Secretary and Department Director), Choe Tae Bok (KWP Secretary), Pak To Chun (KWP Secretary), VMar Kim Yong Chun (Vice Chairman of the NDC and Director of the KWP Civil Defense Department), Gen. O Kuk Ryol (Vice Chairman of the NDC), Kim Yang Gon (KWP Secretary and Department Director), Kim Yong Il (KWP Secretary and Department Director), Kim Pyong Hae (KWP Secretary and Director), Kwak Pom Gi (KWP Secretary and Department Director), Mun Kyong Dok (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang City [municipal] KWP Committee), Col. Gen. Ri Pyong Sam (Director of the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces [KPISF] Political Bureau) and Jo Yon Jun (Senior Deputy [1st Vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department).

KCNA reported that after KJU entered the hall where the photos were taken “participants burst into cheers of ‘hurrah!’ and enthusiastically welcomed him” and that KJU “extended a warm salute to them and all other cell secretaries who have made unassuming, devoted efforts for the WPK’s development and the country’s prosperity with the pride and honor of being cadres of primary party units.”

Kim Jong Un greets party cell secretaries during a commemorative photo session with party cell secretaries’ meeting participants (Photos: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un greets (C) participants (L and R) at a commemorative photo session for the 4th Meeting of Party Cell Secretaries (Photos: KCNA)

According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un said “that the conference would be recorded in the history of the WPK as an important milestone in the drive for increasing the party’s important function in every way and achieving the final victory in their efforts to build a thriving nation as required by a new era for the accomplishment of the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e.”  KJU and members of the central leadership posed for commemorative photos the party cell meeting participants with KJU “warmly congratulating them on ensuring the successful conference with high zeal and active participation.”

Reiterating remarks that he made in speeches at the meeting of party cell secretaries, KJU “expressed expectation and belief that the participants in the conference and all other cell secretaries single-mindedly keeping to the road of revolution under the leadership of the party would fulfill the revolutionary duties they assumed in the holy struggle to bring earlier the future of the prosperity, firmly united around the Central Committee of the WPK.”  Not long after the commemorative photo-op with KJU, DPRK state media reported that party cell secretaries “

Commemorative photographs of participants at 4th Meeting of Party Cell Secretaries (Photos: Rodong Sinmun)

Notes on KJU visit

Unlike previous photo-op sessions, this was entirely a party-based event and Kim Jong Un was accompanied by the KWP’s core senior leadership.  In terms of cohort analysis counts, in attendance were nine KWP (CC) Political Bureau Members (including those on the presidium) and eight KWP (CC) Political Bureau Alternates (candidate members), nine central party secretaries (or members of the KWP Secretariat) and eight KWP (CC) Department Directors/Senior Deputy **Directors.  Two of the more interesting DPRK elites who joined KJU at the photo-op were NDC Vice Chairmen VMar Kim Yong Chun and Gen. O Kuk Ryol, both of him were platform (rostrum) attendees during the 4th Meeting of Party Cell Secretaries.

VMar Kim and Gen. O have long-standing close professional and personal ties, and they have been linked to the nuclear weapons program.  Perhaps the atomic burlesque act performed at Punggye-ri for satellite image analysts is making its way to #1 event.  It should be noted, however, that because of their close ties to the late leader Kim Jong Il, VMar Kim and and Gen. O are elder elites who’ve retained senior elite status in the party and military for several decades (a point regularly made by my colleague Nicolas Levi).  It is interesting that these two, who are reliable seat fillers at at national meetings and Pyongyang performances, should (almost selectively) show up at a KJU event.  One might contrast their presence at this photo-op and at party cell secretaries’ meeting, with the distinct absence of Gen. Hyon Yong Chol, Chief of the KPA General Staff.

**I will group Jo Yon Jun, Senior Deputy (1st Vice) Director of the OGD along with other department directors, as that position is functionally and practicially the equivalent to a department director’s position; this applies to the 3-5 other DPRK elites who have the status of Senior Deputy (1st Vice) Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department

2nd Phase of Hu’ich’o'n Power Station Construction Opened at Ceremony

DPRK Cabinet Premier Choe Yong Rim (L) speaks at a ceremony opening the second phase of the Hu’ich’o'n Power Station construction (R) in Hyangsan County, North P’yo’ngan Province on 30 January 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

DPRK state media reported on 30 January (Wednesday) that a ceremony formally opened the construction of the second phase of the Hu’ich’o'n Power Station in Hyangsan County, North P’yo’ngan Province.  The first phase of the power station was opened in April 2012 and was supplying some electricity to Pyongyang.  According to KCNA completing the second phase of the Hu’ich’o'n Power Station “will help make the structures for the people’s happiness pay off more profusely and lay a solid foundation for improving the people’s living standard by vitalizing the country’s overall economy” and “will also help protect the farmland and the residents on the riverside from flood damage and supply industrial water to factories and enterprises in its surrounding areas.”  State media also reported that the development of the power stations around Hu’ich’o'n is part of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] “to turn the Ch’o'ngch’o'n River into one of treasure and electricity producer” and part of “of the behests of leader Kim Jong Il and part of grand nature-making projects intended to realize the noble intention of the dear respected Kim Jong Un.”

A ceremony opening Phase Two of the construction of Hu’ich’o'n Power Station in Hyangsan County, North P’yo’ngan Province on 30 January 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

A ceremony was held to commence work at Phase Two of the Hu’ich’o'n Power Station.  Attending from the DPRK central leadership were DPRK Cabinet Premier Choe Yong Rim, KWP Secretary Kim Ki Nam, KWP Secretary and Department Director Kwak Pom Gi, DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier and State Planning Commission Chairman Ro Tu Chol and “other officials of national and local institutions, officials and shock brigade members tasked to carry out the project and residents in Hyangsan County.”  Choe Yong Rim delivered the keynote address in which he “called on all officials and builders to cherish the great trust and expectations shown by Kim Jong Un and turn out as one in a general offensive to unconditionally carry out the project.”