DPRK Premier Visits Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex and Construction Projects in Pyongyang

DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju (1) examines production at the Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 20 May (Monday) that DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju visited the Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex and three construction projects in and around Pyongyang.  Pak’s first visit was to Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex.  It followed up a recent visit Pak made to the Posan Iron Works at the Ch’o'llima Steel Works complex.  During the first expanded meeting of the DPRK Cabinet in mid-April 2013, the Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex was instructed to “vigorously wage a struggle to technically round off the heavy rail track production process and to normalize production there and should epochally increase rolled steel production.”  Pak toured the iron and steel complex, described as engaged in “a high-pitched drive to increase iron and steel production true to the new line of the Workers’ Party of Korea on simultaneously pushing forward economic construction and the building of nuclear force.”

Pak Pong Ju  held a meeting with the complex’s managers and employees which “underscored the importance of the complex in making a breakthrough in building an economic power” and “discussed the issues of increasing iron and steel production.”  According to KCNA, Pak “called upon officials and workers of the complex to step up the push to put the production processes on a modern and scientific basis and increase the production capabilities” and “pressed for measures for the Cabinet and relevant units to fully provide raw and other materials necessary for keeping production going at a high rate.”

DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju (1) is briefed about the renovation of the Sports Village on Chongchun Street in the Mangyo’ngdae section in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

Pak also visited three construction projects in Pyongyang.  He visited the renovation work at the Mangyo’ngdae Sports Village on Cho’ngchun Street, the construction of the Munsu Wading Pool and the renovation and expansion of the Taedonggang Terrapin Farm Factory where “he reviewed the progress.”  According to KCNA, Pak “stressed the need to ensure the highest quality in the construction and discussed matters arising in the construction.”

Kim Jong Un Visits Liquor Factory

Kim Jong Un (1) tours the production line at Ryongmun Liquor Factory. (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 18 May (Saturday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Ryongmun Liquor Factory.  KJU’s last observed public appearance was at a recently constructed machine plant.  At the liquor factory, KJU was joined by VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok (1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon (chief of the KPA Artillery Command) and Col. Gen. So Hong Chan.

Kim Jong Un (1) poses for a commemorative photograph with managers and employees of the Ryongmun Liquor Factory. Also in attendance are Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon (2), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (3), Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok (4) and Col. Gen. So Hong Chang (5). (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

After arriving at the factory, Kim Jong Un was briefed about its construction and he remarked that “a modern liquor factory was built as required by the new century and the production of liquor is kept going at a high rate, adding that one more instruction of leader Kim Jong Il has been implemented.”  KJU toured the water-filtration and “after being told by officials that it uses spring water gushing out between natural rocks hundreds of meters away from the production site and the volume of spring water and its physical and chemical nature remain unchanged in all seasons, he learned in detail about the technological features of water filtering process including chlorine filter, ferromanganese filter, quartz sand filter, soft water filter and activated charcoal filter.”  He also toured the distillery and packing facility.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “underscored the need to design trademarks better” and said, “it is important to design trademarks well as they are widely used for guaranteeing the quality of products and making ads.”  He also “underscored the need to put the packing process on a higher level of automation in order to save the manpower and cut down production cost” and “called for establishing a modern general command system to more scrupulously organize business management and operation activities.”

Kim Jong Un also visited a shop that sell the alcoholic beverages and an exhibition of the factory’s products.  According to KCNA, KJU “underscored the need to seal them more tightly and take strict measures for ensuring proper temperature and humidity so that their good quality may be preserved” and “specified tasks to be fulfilled to produce, manage and operate the factory and ways for doing so.”  After his tour of the Ryongmun Liquor Factory, Kim Jong Un posed for a commemorative photograph with the factory’s managers and employees.

New 1st Vice Defense Minister Appointed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kim Jong Un Visits Mansudae Art Studio and Attends KPISF Concert

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Minister of Defense Appointed (revised)

Gen. Jang Jong Nam has been named the Minister of the People’s Armed Forces (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

Gen. Jang Jong Nam has been appointed Minister of the People’s Armed Forces, the DPRK’s defense minister.  Gen. Jang, whose most recent position was commanding officer of the the forward-deployed I Army Corps, was identified as Minister when he attended a performance of the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces’ Song and Dance Ensemble.  He is the third person to be appointed Minister in the last year.  He spoke at a loyalty rally of Korean People’s Army [KPA] service members and officers on the one year anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s death in December 2012.  Jang also spoke at a party-army solidarity rally in July 2011.  He was promoted to Lieutenant General on late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung’s birthday in April 2011.

Jang Jong Nam replaced Gen. Kim Kyok Sik, who was appointed in November 2012 and has served as Minister for approximately seven months.  At the March 2013 meeting of the Korean Workers’ Party Central Committee, he was elected an alternate (candidate) member of the KWP Political Bureau.  One of Gen. Kim’s last observed appearances was his attendance of a May Day-themed concert of the U’nhasu Orchestra on or around 2 May 2013.   Gen. Kim replaced VMar Kim Jong Gak, who was appointed Minister in April 2012 and served for seven months.

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

DPRK Premier Visits Pukchang Thermal Power Complex and Cooperative Farm

DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju tours the Pukch’ang Thermal Power Complex in Pukch’ang County, South P’yo’ngan Province (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 9 May (Thursday) that DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju visited a cooperative farm in Mundo’k County, South P’yo’ngan Province and the Pukch’ang Thermal Power Complex.  Pak’s first stop was a visit to Ryongrim Cooperative Farm in Mundo’k County.  According to KCNA, Pak “encouraged the farmers there in their effort to step up preparations for rice transplanting despite unfavorable weather conditions with the belief that rice precisely means socialism” and he “urged them to decisively boost the per-hectare yield by completing the rice transplantation at the right time as it is decisive of success in the year’s farming.”  Pak also “underlined the need to widely introduce the advanced farming methods and technologies, put farming on a scientific basis and boost the production of quality organic fertilizer to increase the fertility of soil and give full play to the advantages of the sub-workteam management system.”

View of Ryongrim-ri (Yongnim-ni), Mundo’k County, South P’yo’ngan Province (Photo: Google image)

Ryongrim-ri and the Pukch’ang Thermal Power Complex, two locales visited by DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju (Photo: Google image)

Pak Pong Ju also visited Pukch’ang Thermal Power Complex in Pukch’ang County, South P’yo’ngan.  He toured the power complex and “encouraged the scientists, technicians and workers there registering successes in the production of electricity and modernization of the complex.”  Whilst “underscoring the great importance of increased electricity production in carrying out the new line of simultaneously pushing forward economic construction and the building of nuclear force set forth by the dear respected Marshal Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n)” Pak Pong Ju “called for bringing about a boost in the power production in line with the elated enthusiasm of people across the country.”

Pak held a meeting with the power complex’s managers and party officials which “underlined the need to focus all efforts on boosting the power production to suit the position of the complex in economic construction” and stressed the need for the related fields to sufficiently provide raw and other materials to the complex.”  Pak held a separate meeting with managers and officials of the Pukch’ang and To’kch’o'n coal mining complexes.  That meeting “called upon the field of coal industry to honor its monthly and quarterly production quotas to contribute to increasing power production and improving people’s living standard” and “discussed the issue of improving the standards of material and cultural life of coal miners.”

Overview of the Puk’chang Thermal Power Complex in Pukch’ang County, South P’yo’ngan Province (Photo: Google image)

Overview of the Pukch’ang Thermal Power Complex, and the Pukch’ang Area and To’kch’o'n Area Coal Mine Complexes (Photo: Google image)

In April 2013, the top Cabinet official for the DPRK’s coal mine complex was replaced.  At the first expanded plenary meeting of the DPRK Cabinet on 21 April 2013, Ri Yong Yong participated in the Cabinet’s debate on the agenda item “the fulfillment of this year’s first quarter people’s economy development plan and on measures for the fulfillment of the second quarter people’s economy development plan.”  This was the first occasion at which Ri was identified as Minister of Coal Industry.  According to Minju Joson the Cabinet resolved that “the coal industry sector to give firm priority to prospecting and tunneling, to actively introduce advanced coal cutting methods, and to thereby epochally increase coal production and for the collieries to actively introduce coal dressing facilities according to their situations and to thereby decisively improve coal qualities” and “investments should be concentrated in the coal mines in the western region and the coal mines in Anju and Kyo’ngwo’n areas where there are large quantities of coal deposits and where the coal mining conditions are good to further expand the coal production capacity, and firm measures should be worked out to provide with top priority the facilities, supplies, and labor safety articles needed by the coal mines.”

Previously the Vice Minister of Coal Industry from 2006 to 2013, Ri Yong Yong replaced Kim Hyong Sik, who had served as Minister since September 2007.  Ri Yong Yong is the former general manager of the Kangdong Area Coal Mine Complex in Kangdong County, Pyongyang.

In reporting on the Cabinet meeting, Minju Joson identified Ri as Minister of Coal Industry.

Kim Jong Un Visits Turf Institute at State Academy of Sciences

Kim Jong Un (1) visiting the Turf Institute of the Bioengineering Branch of the State Academy of Sciences. Also in attendance are VMar Choe Ryong Hae (2) and Choe Tae Bok (3) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 5 May (Sunday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Turf Institute of the Bioengineering Branch of the State Academy of Sciences.  KJU’s last observed public appearance was his attendance at May Day-themed concert of the U’nhasu Orchestra at the People’s Theater in central Pyongyang.  Joining Kim Jong Un for his visit to the Turf Institute were Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary and Supreme People’s Assembly Chairman Choe Tae Bok and KWP Deputy (vice) Department Directors Pak T’ae-so’ng and Hwang Pyong So.

The Turf Institute, which was the locale of previous visits by senior government and party officials, was described as “newly constructed by soldiers.”  Kim Jong Un visited the institute’s main building where he “was pleased to see the green-tiled outer wall” and he “praised the soldier-builders for erecting the monument to the institute in an imposing manner.”  KJU toured the institute’s exhibition of its accomplishments, various research facilities, a study center and its e-library.  Kim Jong Un noted “research rooms and laboratories were built well to suit the nature of the institute” and “he underscored the need to take measures for providing it with necessary equipment and scientific and technological information.”  He also toured the institute’s commissary and living quarters of its employees.

Kim Jong Un (1) talks with managers of the Turf Institute of the State Academy of Sciences during a visit there. (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

Kim Jong Un toured the Turf Institute’s research greenhouse where he saw “various species of turf being cultivated.”  According to KCNA, KJU said “what is essential in the research into turf is to cultivate turf which remains green all the year round, strong in resistance to cold and treading and high in ornamental effect.”  KJU also toured experimental plots of turf “comprising the experimental field for species, experimental field for seed-selection and vegetative propagation, experimental field for turf cutting and other fields” where he “called for conducting research into species suited to the areas distinct in four seasons and different in their climatic conditions.”  Kim Jong Un also instructed that regional offices of the Turf Institute be established in the east, west and central areas of the DPRK.  KJU also looked at several species of turf  and instructed that additional research be conducted into developing grass that is green throughout the year.  Kim Jong Un also spoke of “the need to plant trees, create grassland and cultivate flowers and other plants in all lands except the cultivated land so that there may be no land left waste or overgrown with weed.”  KJU also inspected “various type machines including those for collecting turf seeds, sowing them and cutting turf and a ground-stiffening roller machine contrived and manufactured by the Academy”  and “called for widely applying them.”  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un said he “would send modern equipment for researches to the institute” and he “underscored the need to turn the country into a socialist thriving nation and make it richer and more beautiful for the people by dynamically conducting the land management under a long-term plan.”

Kim Jong Un Watches U’nhasu Orchestra Concert

Kim Jong Un (1) watches a concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra at the People’s Theater in Pyongyang. Those watching the concert with him include: Chief of the Military Security Command Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol (2), Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Kim Kyong Sik (3), Director of the KPA General Political Department VMar Choe Ryong Hae (4), Gen. Kim Yong Chol (5) and Deputy Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department Hwang Pyong So (6) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 3 May (Friday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) watched an U’nhasu Orchestra concert at the People’s Theater in central Pyongyang.  KJU’s last observed public appearance was his attendance at a May Day (International Labor Day) sports competition of public health workers.  Attending the concert, also given to celebrate May Day, were: VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik, Hwang Pyong So, Kang Phil Hun, Lt. Gen. Ryom Chol Song, Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol, Gen. Kim Yong Chol, Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon, Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok, along with “Pyongyangites and local people of different social strata staying the capital city.”

Based on DPRK state media reporting, Kim Jong Un’s attendance was impromptu.  According to KCNA when he arrived at the venue, “the audience, who had been waiting for the start of the concert, broke into the rousing cheers of “hurrah” with tears of emotion when Kim Jong Un appeared in the auditorium unexpectedly.”  The concert began with the DPRK’s national anthem.  Included among the tunes performed were “mixed chorus ‘May, Month of Victory’, male solo ‘Ch’o'llima Gallops Forward’, female solo ‘For Another Great Surge under the Uplifted Banner of Self-reliance’ and orchestra ‘We Will Never Forget” and “orchestra and mixed chorus ‘The Dear Home in My Native Village’ and female solo and mixed chorus ‘Peace Is Guaranteed by Our Arms.’”

May Day concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra at the People’s Theater in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un (1) and senior officials of the Korean People’s Army watche a May Day-themed concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra at the People’s Theater in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK athletes who received gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics and employees of the Pyongyang Children’s Foodstuffs Factory performed “What Did We Cherish Deep in Our Hearts” and “We Will Never Forget.”  According to KCNA “the performers sang high praises of the glorious history of the struggle in which the Korean people worked world-startling miracles from debris after the war and paved a wide avenue for prosperity despite difficulties and trials under the wise leadership of the peerlessly great men and a bright future of the great Mt. Paektu nation advancing under the line of simultaneously pushing forward the economic construction and the building of nuclear force.”  The concert ended with “mixed chorus ‘The Leader and the General are Together” encore performances were given of “The Dear Home in My Native Village” and “Peace is Guaranteed by Our Arms,” at Kim Jong Un’s request.

Kim Jong Un “warmly congratulated the artistes, expressing great satisfaction over their splendid performance which is distinct in its ideological and thematic content and style and represents the ardent aspiration and desire, high awareness and determination of the Korean people.”  KJU also described the U’nhasu Orchestra as “as outpost and reliable agitator on the ideological front of the WPK (Workers’ Party of Korea; KWP).”  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un also said:

The U’nhasu concert marking May Day instills the spirit of defending the socialist country, the will to annihilate the enemies, faith in victory and optimism into the army and people with its might as powerful as a nuclear bomb, he noted, adding it is an excellent concert electrifying the audience and fully reflecting the revolutionary stand and principle of the DPRK.

Noting “The Dear Home in My Native Village”, a wartime song strong in philosophical nature and full of patriotism, was excellently represented in the spirit of the era, he said the service personnel and people of the DPRK would turn out in a decisive battle, singing such wartime songs once the second June 25 war breaks out on this land.

“Peace Is Guaranteed by Our Arms” is a very good song which one wishes to listen again and again, he said, adding: This song fully reflects our principled stand toward the enemies who haven’t dropped their wicked design to stifle our socialist country.

Thanks to such revolutionary and militant songs as “The Dear Home in My Native Village” and “Peace Is Guaranteed by Our Arms”, our service personnel and people will win only victory in their final decisive battle against the enemies, he stressed.

He expressed his expectation and belief that the creators and artistes of the orchestra would powerfully encourage the army and people through creation of arts and performing activities.

DPRK Premier Visits War Museum Construction

DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 3 May that DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju visited the ongoing construction and renovation work at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War (Korean War) Museum in Pyongyang and the Korean People’s Army [KPA] Fallen Fighters’ Cemetery.  KCNA reported that “service personnel are building the war museum into a splendid monumental edifice” and “officials and workers in the field of the capital city construction are pushing ahead with the construction of the cemetery in the spirit of winning victory in the all-out standoff with the U.S., in hearty response to the decision of the historic March, 2013 Plenary Meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea.”  Pak Pong Ju toured about the construction work and was briefed about its progress.  After his tour, Pak held a “consultative meeting” with the project’s managers and officials.  According to KCNA, the meeting “discussed the issues of providing cement, structural steel and other materials and equipment necessary for the construction” and Pak “stressed the importance of the construction of the museum and cemetery.”

Pak Pong Ju’s predecessor as DPRK Cabinet Premier, Choe Yong Rim, last visited the KPA fighters’ cemetery in February 2013 and toured the construction work at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum in January 2013.