Kim Jong Un Visits 18 January General Machine Plant and Inspects KPA Air Force Unit #1017

Kim Jong Un tours a section of the 18 January General Machinery Plant (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

DPRK state media reported on 18 June (Tuesday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the 18 January General Machine Plant in South P’yo’ngan Province and inspected Korean People’s Army [KPA] Air Force Unit #1017 in South P’yo’ngan Province.  Attending his tour of the machine factory were VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Hong Yong Chil, Yun Tong Hyon and Han Song Ho.  At his inspection of the air force unit, he was accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju (Ri So’l-chu), Choe Ryong Hae, Yun Tong Hyon, Hong Yong Chil, Commander of the KPA Air Force Gen. Ri Pyong Chol.  Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his visit to the machine plant managed by Ho Ch’o'l-yong.  Ri Sol Ju’s last reported public appearance was at Kim Jong Un’s visit to the Mt. Myohyang Children’s Camp.

Kim Jong Un’s first visit was to the 18 January General Machine Plant.  After touring the factory’s historical exhibition, he became quite severe in his criticism of provincial party officials and factory management.  This was the third reported public appearance since his accession** at which Kim Jong Un openly disparaged subordinate officials.  According to KCNA, “after being told that the construction of the above-said room was not completed even in over two years, he said he learned about what was the main reason for the plant’s failure to put production on a normal footing” and that “the party has stressed that it is important to keep the ideological education ahead of production for raising the enthusiasm of the producer masses, he noted, strongly criticizing the party committee of the plant for failing to accept the party’s policy ideologically.”  Kim Jong Un said “I don’t know what officials of the provincial party committee see at the plant and what they are guiding” and he warned “them of their businessmen-like hackneyed way of thinking and work style.”  At the construction of a revolutionary historical education area he “watched for a long while piles of gravels and sand and blocks here and there” and remarked “I can’t find proper words to express that mess.”

Kim Jong Un gives instructions during his visit to the 18 January General Machine Plant (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un toured an ideological education center and “noted that the provincial party committee should draw a serious lesson as regards the implementation of the party’s policy on giving priority to the political and ideological education.”  He was briefed about the 18 January General Machine Plant’s production planning and he toured various sectors of the factory.  According to KCNA, he “seriously noted that production equipment of the plant are outdated in view of the requirements of the age of the knowledge-based economy and it is behind other industrial establishments in cultured practices in production and life.”  After being briefed about food distribution and other provisions to employees, Kim Jong Un “felt heart-broken when he learned officials of the plant failed to take good care of the living of the employees as desired by the party.”  As he itemized tasks to the factory’s managers and party officials he said:

The plant should glorify the leadership exploits o the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.  It should dynamically conduct the ideological education to give fullest play to the mental power of the workers.  It should steadily push forward the work for putting the production processes on a modern and scientific basis.  The plant should launch a dynamic campaign to improve the supply service, working people’s material and cultural standards and establish cultured practices in production and life.  The plant is faced with difficult and huge tasks, but it can surely implement them as it has revolutionary workers, the technical staff steeled in practice and a wealth of experience and proud tradition.

Kim Jong Un also “expressed great expectation and belief that the workers of the plant would radically remodel it as required by the new century and bring about a great leap forward in the production of modern machines and successfully perform the role as vanguard and shock brigade in carrying out the economic policy of the party.”

Kim Jong Un watches flight training by KPA Air Force Unit #1017. Also seen in attendance is his wife Ri Sol Ju 2nd L), KPA Air Force Commander Gen. Ri Pyong Chol (4th L) and VMar Choe Ryong Hae (5th L) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un also inspected KPA Air Force Unit #1017 where he guided “flight drills”.  Whilst watching air maneuvers, he said the KPA pilots “were very good in training” and he “praised them for having acquired high flying skills as intended by the party.”  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “expressed great satisfaction, noting that the airmen of the unit are fully ready to make sorties any moment” and he said “I always think of the air routes covered by the pilots to reliably defend the sky of the country.”  He “gave an instruction to further intensify the flight training in the future to fully prepare the pilots as death-defying corps and able combat pilots capable of skillfully fighting a modern war.”  Kim Jong Un toured a combat personnel facility and hangar.  He also visited a monument to previous visits by late leader Kim Jong Il and he “instructed the unit to preserve well the photos of Kim Jong Il and take good care of the monument so as to let airmen and other service personnel always bear his undying feats deep in mind.”  Kim Jong Un “stressed the need for the pilots of the unit to make good preparations for the military parade for celebrating the 60th anniversary of the victory in the war” and he “expressed great expectation and conviction that the service personnel of the unit would put bigger spurs to rounding off the combat preparations and thus defend the sky of the socialist country as firm as an iron wall.”

KPA Air Force Unit #1017 (Photos: Google image and Rodong Sinmun)

**The first reported public appearance at which Kim Jong Un expressed his displeasure with subordinate officials occurred in May 2012 when Kim Jong Un visited Manyo’ngdae Fun Fair (amusement park) in Pyongyang and upbraided officials for slipshod landscaping and broken sidewalks.  The second reported public appearance at which he lambasted subordinate officials occurred in May 2013 when Kim Jong Un inspected the progress (or in his mind, lack thereof) of the renovation of the Mirim Riding Club (f.k.a Equestrian Company of KPA Unit #534; KPA Equestrian Training Company).

With KPA Assets in Syria and Rumors of Moscow Trip, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik Remains PY Man of the Hour

KPA officers meet a man injured during the Syrian civil war at a hospital in Syria in 2012 (Photo: SANA/NKLW file photo)

Al-Sharq al-Awsat reported on 3 June (Monday) that Arabic-speaking Korean People’s Army [KPA] personnel are serving as military advisers on artillery tactics and providing logistical support to the Syrian Armed Forces, currently defending the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Syria’s ongoing civil war. Citing information from a pro-Assad militia,  Rami Abd-al-Rahman, director of the the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights,’ told Al-Sharq al-Awsat “that North Korean officers are taking part alongside the regular forces in the fighting in Aleppo” and that “the overall number of these officers is unknown but there are certainly between 11 and 15 North Korean officers and the majority of them speak Arabic. . .(they) are deployed at several fronts such as the defense factories southeast of Aleppo and at the regular forces’ bases inside the city itself.” He went on to point out that “these officers are not taking part in the field battles but offering logistical support in addition to drawing up the military operations maps. They are also supervising the regular army’s artillery shelling.”

The last observed, credible reports about DPRK military assistance to Syria during the unfolding civil war were in May 2012 and involved dedicated shipments of vehicle parts, munitions’ component parts and ordnance.  DPRK cargo vessel ODAI docked in the Syrian port cities of Latakiya and Tartus during 29 to 31 May 2012.  According to Haaretz, citing elements of the Syrian opposition, reported that “North Korea is also continuing to send arms to Syria. The shipments arrive by air and sea and they are being paid by a special slush fund that the Iranian government set up for this purpose.”   The DPRK has made several public demonstrations of support to its embattled ally including meetings between DPRK and Syrian officials in July 2012, DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Pak Kil-yo’n referring to Syria’s civil war in address to the United Nations General Assembly in October 2012 and a number of exchanges of gifts and congratulatory letters between President Assad and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n).  

The DPRK began contacts and exchanges with Syria in the early 1960′s and established former diplomatic relations in 1966.  Syria was the DPRK’s major conduit through which it provided military equipment, training and advisers to freedom fighter and radical Muslim groups in the Middle East and Africa from the 1960s on.  KPA assets assisted Syria during the October War (Yom Kippur War) in 1973 and provided support, at Syria’s behest and participated in the Lebanese Civil War.  In 1982, KPA advisers were present when Syrian forces quelled an uprising in Hama and later that year KPA forces were deployed to Syria and Lebanon during the 1982 Lebanon War.  Since the 1970s the DPRK and Syria have had an extensive military exchange relationship which has included numerous arms shipments and the deployment of KPA strategic and logistical advisers.  The DPRK Foreign Ministry and DPRK state media have also publicly defended Syria, including issuing official denials that the two countries were cooperating on nuclear weapons development after the Israeli Air Force bombed an alleged nuclear facility in Syria on 6 September 2007.

The Korean People’s Army General Staff, led by Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Graphic: Michael Madden/NK Leadership Watch)

One of the DPRK’s major players in its military relationship with Syria is current Chief of the KPA General Staff, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik.  Gen. Kim served as a deputy military attache at the DPRK Embassy in Damascus for almost decade starting in 1971.  Gen. Kim managed a number of military cooperation projects with the Syrian Armed Forces, including rehabilitating Syrian military forces in the mid-1970s and coordinating shipments of multiple-launch rocket systems and other military support to various radical organizations.  With the DPRK and its core leadership providing both public and substantial support to Syria during the civil war, and given Gen. Kim’s experience and extensive ties to Damascus, it is likely his recent public profile and switching one senior KPA position for another after six months are partially linked to the DPRK’s continued support for Syria.

Gen. Kim Kyok Sik was also rumored to to have been selected to lead a senior DPRK delegation on a visit to Moscow.  Kyunghyang Shinmun reported “Chief of the Korean People’s Army General Staff Kim Kyuk Sik is being tapped as the (North Korean) envoy and the number of the North’s delegation is likely to be six or seven” and that Gen. Kim and the delegation would arrive on or around 7 June (Friday), timed to occur whilst US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in California.  On 3 June, Interfax quoted an anonymous official in the Russian Foreign Ministry that “no high-level visits are being planned at the moment” between the DPRK and Russia.

Children’s Union Donates MLRS in Hamhu’ng Ceremony

Sonyonho multiple-launch rocket systems [MLRS] are paraded by the Hamhu’ng Grand Theater for delivery to KPA units, after a 1 June 2013 ceremony at which Korean Children’s Union members donated the MLRS to the KPA (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

DPRK state media reported that the Korean Children’s Union [KCU] donated Sonyonho (children) multiple launch rocket systems [MLRS] during a ceremony held in Hamhu’ng, South Hamgyo’ng Province on 1 June (Saturday).  The ceremony was attended by KCU members, Kim Il Sung (Socialist) Youth League Chairman Jon Yong Nam, officials of the KISYL and the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Workers’ Organizations Department and Korean People’s Army [KPA] officers and service members.   The ceremony and delivery of the MLRS was scheduled to occur before the KCU’s Seventh Congress, which will convene in Pyongyang on 6 June (Thursday).

Kim Il Sung Youth League Chairman Jon Yong Nam delivers a speech at a ceremony held to donate MLRS to KPA units in Hamhu’ng, South Hamgyo’ng Province on 1 June 2013 (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

The plaza in front of the Hamhu’ng Grand Theater in Hamhu’ng, South Hamgyo’ng Province, was the venue for the 1 June KCU ceremony donating MLRS to KPA units (Photo: Google image).

Members of the Korean Children’s Union and the Korean People’s Army attend a ceremony donating multiple-launch rocket systems [MLRS] in Hamhu’ng on 1 June 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

KPA officers on the platform (dais) for a ceremony donating MLRS to KPA units on 1 June 2013 (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Before the formal delivery of the Sonyonho MRLS, Jon Yong Nam delivered the ceremony’s keynote speech.  Jon and other speakers at the ceremony said “that they would actively conduct Our School-Our Post movement and diverse do-good-thing campaign and send more combat and technical equipment named Sonyonho to the KPA” and “noted that servicepersons would sweep away the strongholds of the U.S. imperialists and South Korean group of traitors who work hard to stifle socialism in the DPRK by fully charging the multiple launch rocket systems in the spirit of annihilating the enemy.”  After the speaking program, the MLRS paraded through Hamhu’ng’s city centre.

Sonyonho (children) multiple launch rocket systems [MLRS] parade through Hamhu’ng’s city centre on 1 June 2013 for delivery to Korean People’s Army units (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

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.

Ministry of Atomic Energy Industry Established

Haeun-2-dong, P’yo’ngch’o'n District, Pyogyang where the offices of the General Department of Atomic Energy are presently located. (Photo: geocoordinates courtesy of the DPRK Digital Atlas; Google image)

DPRK reported on 12 April (Friday) that the Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium established the Ministry of Atomic Energy Industry on 11 April (Thursday).  According to KCNA the General Department of Atomic Energy was upgraded to a DPRK Cabinet ministry “for the purpose of modernizing the nation’s atomic energy industry and putting it on a solid foundation of latest science and technology so as to increase the production of nuclear materials, improve their quality and further develop the independent nuclear energy industry.”  The establishment of the new ministry is part of the new policy lines adopted at the March 2013 Korean Workers’ Party Central Committee meeting which said the “”self-reliant nuclear power industry should be developed and the work for developing light water reactor be dynamically promoted to actively contribute to easing the strain on the electricity problem of the country.”  The ministry might also be linked to the 1 April 2013 passage of the law “On Consolidating the Position of Nuclear Weapons for Self-Defense” at the 7th session of the 12th SPA.   In publicizing the decision to establish the Ministry of Atomic Energy Industry, there was no announcement about who would be appointed as Minister.

Kim Jong Un Inspects KPA Unit #1501, Visits Restaurant Ship Building and Reviews Products Produced by KPA

Kim Jong Un stands on a combat vehicle during an inspection of KPA Unit #1501 on 24 March 2013. Also in attendance is Gen. Kim Yong Chol (2nd L), Chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau and spokesman of the KPA Supreme Command (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported that on 24 March (Sunday) Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) conducted a field inspection of Korean People’s Army [KPA] Unit #1501, visited the building of a restaurant boat and reviewed and provided instructions on products produced by the KPA.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his field inspection of the 2nd Battalion subordinate to KPA Unit #1973.  Kim Jong Un’s first stop was a field inspection of KPA Unit #1501.  He last visited the command element of KPA Unit #1501 in May 2012.  At his inspection of the unit he was accompanied by Chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau and spokesman of the KPA Supreme Command, Gen. Kim Yong Chol.  At the beginning of his inspection he observed and was briefed upon equipment produced by the unit and was “ greatly pleased that the unit manufactured latest equipment badly needed for combat preparations by pooling wisdom and enthusiasm” and according to KCNA said “that they look nice and they are successful products, a result of profound inquiry.”

Kim Jong Un examines products produced by KPA Unit #1501 on 24 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un tours a production site of KPA Unit #1501 on 24 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un inspects an armored combat vehicle produced by KPA Unit #1501 on 24 March 2013. DPRK state media imagery did not show the type of vehicle or its chassis that KJU inspects in these photos (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un also said, “The latest equipment were manufactured in such a way to be convenient for using during battles and they looked efficient as they are fully ready to go into action and make a charge towards enemy positions, hitting targets.  What pleased [me] most was that the latest combat and technical equipment developed by the unit ensured very high mobility in combat circumstances and they became intellectual and lighter” and “expressed satisfaction over the fact that different devices that help combat equipment fully display their efficiency in difficult circumstances were manufactured and introduced.”  KJU also watched the vehicles and equipment conduct drills and “indicated superb and preeminent operational and tactical plans to wipe out the enemies at a lightning speed by use of those equipment in actual battles.”

Kim Jong Un inspects a playground slide produced by KPA Unit #1501 on 25 March 2013 (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Kim Jong Un also was briefed on and looked at playground equipment produced by KPA Unit #1501 and “highly praised them for doing good things for children.”  According to KCNA KJU “repeatedly praised the service personnel of the unit for having performed their duties in a responsible manner by sharply watching the moves of the enemies for aggression” and “expressed expectation and belief that they would creditably perform their missions and roles as a stand-bearer and shock brigade in upholding the Military-First (So’ngun) politics of the party.”

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) tours a Taedonggang restaurant boat on 24 March 2013. Also seen in attendance is Gen. Kim Yong Chol (L) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

The recently built Taedonggang Restaurant Boat (L) and Kim Jong Un examining a guideline of the the boat’s design and construction during a 24 March 2013 tour of the boat (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un tours the Taedonggang Restaurant Boat under construction by KPA personnel on 24 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

KJU’s next visit was to the building  by KPA service members of a Taedonggang restaurant boat, accompanied by Gen. Kim Yong Chol.  KCNA reported that the two-story boat will have banquet halls which will acommodate 300 people and measures “ 68.98 meters (226 feet) in length, 26 meters (85 feet) in width and 820 tons in displacement.”  Kim Jong Un toured the restaurant boat and “was greatly satisfied to learn that KPA service personnel are working hard to complete the building of the state-of-the-art restaurant boat in a brief span of time, true to the party’s policy of love for the people.”  Kim Jong Un toured the deck and enquired as to what building materials were used in the boat’s construction.  Whilst touring the dining rooms, KJU said “as the quality of structure depends on what finishing building materials are used, the boat can be successfully built only when good materials are used” and “ the boat should be fitted out with high-quality furniture not only good in use but attractive.”  KJU also enquired about the restaurant boat’s air conditioning system.  According to KCNA he said “When completed, the boat would draw many visitors, underscoring the need to make good arrangements for its successful operation from now.  It was the lifetime desire of leader Kim Jong Il to let people visit a modern restaurant boat on the Taedong River, pride of Pyongyang.  The appearance of the boat cruising on the river to serve visitors would make Pyongyang more beautiful and spectacular.”  KJU also instructed that the restaurant boat be finished for 15 April 2013, the 101st birth anniversary of his grandfather, DPRK founder and president Kim Il Sung.

Kim Jong Un examines accordions and brass instruments, produced by KPA factories and units (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un examines musical instruments produced by KPA factories and units on 24 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un watches an accordion and piano being played by KPA service members whilst examining musical instruments produced by KPA factories and units on 24 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un’s final appearance was in the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Central Committee Office Building #1 where he reviewed various products manufactured by KPA factories and units and watched a rehearsal by the KPA Song and Dance Ensemble.  He was accompanied by VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the KPA General Political Department), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Kyong Ok (Senior Deputy (vice) Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department) and Lt. Gen. Ryom Chol Song.  First, KJU inspected and listened to musicians play accordions, guitars, janggu drums and other musical instruments.  KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un “stressed the need for the KPA to produce more quality musical instruments and send them to soldiers so that they may always spend their worthwhile days in the army full of militant optimism and joy.”

Kim Jong Un (2nd L, front row) examines documents earmarked for display at the reconstructed Victorious Fatherland War (Korean War) Museum on 24 March 2013. Also in attendance is VMar Choe Ryong Hae (L, front) and Kim Kyong Ok (2nd L, rear) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un views a DPRK flag raised during the Fatherland Liberation (Korean) War (L) and other artifacts which will be displayed in the reconstructed war museum on 24 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un also looked at artifacts, photographs, documents and other items designated to be displayed in the reconstructed Victorious Fatherland Liberation War (Korean War) Museum.  KJU “underlined the need to ascertain them well and intensify their discovery on the principle of historicism.”  KJU then looked at outerwear and uniforms manufactured for students of the Mangyo’ngdae Revolutionary School and Kang Pan Sok Revolutionary School.  KCNA reported that he “asked the children in new overcoats which one they would like and if they would like better those having fur attached to the lapel of overcoats” and that “when he heard with laughter the children replying they liked overcoats with turndown collars, he underscored the need to make overcoats with turndown collars with fur as desired by them before giving a task to revise the dress code.”  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un said “there is nothing to spare for the children of Mangyo’ngdae Revolutionary School, reliable heirs to the Chuch’e revolutionary cause and backbones to steadfastly succeed to the revolution, and give them the best things in the world.”

Kim Jong Un (C) inspects a the color of an overcoat, part of the uniform for the student body of the Mangyo’ngdae and Kang Pak Sok Revolutionary Schools in Pyongyang on 24 March 2013. Also seen in attendance are VMar Choe Ryong Hae (L) and Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (2nd L) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un examines overcoats and other outerwear worn as part of the uniform by the students of Mangyo’ngdae and Kang Pan Sok Revolutionary Schools on 24 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un (C) talks with senior KPA officials and commanders after watching a rehearsal by the KPA Song and Dance Ensemble in Pyongyang on 24 March 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Finally Kim Jong Un attended and guided the rehearsal of the KPA Song and Dance Ensemble’s concert “We Will Achieve a Final Victory with the Arms of Mt. Paektu (Paektusan).”  KCNA reported that among the tunes performed were “mixed choruses ‘We Will Win Victory, Flying the Colours of the Supreme Commander’ and ‘Might of Korea’, dance ‘Our Arms’ and accordion and tap dance ‘The Naval Port in the Evening’ and mixed chorus ‘We Will Defend General Kim Jong Un at the Cost of Our Lives.’”  Following the rehearsal KJU issued instructions about the concert to “guidelines to be held fast to by the song and dance ensemble for the creation of art works and their representation.”  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un said “that the WPK has great expectation towards the KPA Song and Dance Ensemble” and he “expressed the belief that the officials, creators and artistes of the ensemble would pool their efforts and conduct dynamic creative and performing activities to powerfully arouse the service personnel and people to carry out the Military-First (So’ngun) revolutionary cause of the party.”

Kim Jong Un Observes and Commands Flak Rocket and Drone Drill

Gen. Ri Pyong Chol (R), commander of the KPA Air and Anti-Air Forces, briefs Kim Jong Un (2nd R) about live fire anti-aircraft drills (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 20 March (Wednesday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) observed and commanded a Korean People’s Army [KPA] live fire drill using flak rockets and drones.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance was in Pyongyang on 19 March (Tuesday) at a commemorative photo session with participants at a national meeting of light industry workers.  At the drills Kim Jong Un was joined by VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the KPA General Political Department), Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon (Staff member of the KPA Supreme Command) and Lt. Gen. Son Jong Nam.  Upon his arrival at the drill site, KJU was greeted by Gen. Ri Pyong Chol, commander of the KPA Air and Anti-Air Forces, was briefed about the drills and ordered them to begin.

Kim Jong Un (3rd L) observes anti-aircraft drills on 20 March 2013 through binoculars. Also seen in attendance are VMar Choe Ryong Hae (2nd L) and Gen. Ri Pyong Chol (R) (Photo: KCNA)

The first phase of an anti-aircraft drill utilizing what DPRK state media identified as drones (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

What DPRK state media identified as drones (L) hit their targets (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) smiles after the first phase of live fire anti-aircraft drills (Photo: KCNA)

The first phase of the drills involved drones which took off toward “enemy positions” which KCNA reported “stormed the targets, destroying them with accuracy.”  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un said, “that the planes are very fast and have high target discerning ability.  The planes were assigned the flight route and time with the targets in south Korea in mind,” and “that they were was proved to be able to mount super precision attack on any enemy targets.”  DPRK state media has previously shown small unmanned aerial vehicles during military parades and at one of KJU’s inspections in 2012, but it is not clear if the KPA possesses a working drone.

Self-propelled anti-aircraft systems fire flak rockets in a live fire drill (Photos: KCNA)

An anti-aircraft flak rocket hits what DPRK state media described as a “target disguised as a Tomahawk missile” (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

The next phase of the drill involved self-propelled anti-aircraft “flak rockets” aimed at “ a target disguised as Tomahawk cruise missile of the enemy.”  KCNA reported that “ an outburst of fire with roaring blast flew toward the missile, destroying it at a single shot.”  KJU was pleased with the anti-aircraft drill and “called for further raising the performance of drone and rocket which demonstrated their might in the drills and urged the soldiers to get fully ready to mount super precision strike at any target any time,” according to KCNA.  Kim Jong Un also said:

When the drills turn into a battle, the enemies will be made to drink a bitter cup, unable to raise their heads, in the face of retaliatory blows of the strong revolutionary  Mt. Paektu (Paektusan) army.  If the enemies, oblivious of the tremendous might of the KPA, make even the slightest movement, [I] will give an order to destroy not only the military installments and puppet reactionary ruling institutions in the operational theater in south Korea but the relevant facilities of countries following the U.S. war moves for invading the DPRK, and the military bases of the U.S. imperialist aggression forces in the operational theatre of the Pacific.  Time has gone when only words were made, stressing the need to destroy the enemies without mercy so that not a single man can survive to sign a document of surrender when a battle starts.

KCNA reported that KJU “stressed the need to have at command the coordinates of every enemy target in the operational theater of south Korea and input them in precision drone attack means of the Korean style so that they should make point attack on any target any moment” and “ set forth important tasks in making full combat preparations of the KPA as required by the prevailing situation.”  Before participating in a commemorative photograph session with participants in the drill, Kim Jong Un “called on all the service personnel of the KPA to maintain high alert posture and wait for his order for the grand advance for national reunification.”

Kim Jong Un evaluates and issues instructions after live fire anti-aircraft drills (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) greets participants in 20 March 2013 live fire anti-aircraft exercises prior whilst arriving at a commemorative photo session with the exercises’ participants (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

KPA officers and service members who participated in live fire exercises on 20 March 2013 greet Kim Jong Un prior to a commemorative photo session (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Kim Jong Un poses for commemorative photographs with KPa commanders, officers and service members who participated in live fire exercises on 20 March 2013. Seen L of KJU is VMar Choe Ryong Hae and seen R of KJU is Gen. Ri Pyong Chol. (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un’s inspection and commanding of the anti-air drills occurred after the US B-52 bomber participated in training mission on 8 March and 19 March (Tuesday) as part of the joint US-ROK joint military exercises Foal Eagle.  During Tuesday’s training exercises flight the B-52 flew over South Korea’s [ROK] Kangwo’n Province.  As Kim Jong Un observed the anti-aircraft drills, a spokesman of the DPRK Foreign Ministry protested  the use of the B-52 as “an unpardonable provocation against the DPRK to sound out its strongest will that the U.S. is introducing a strategic nuclear strike means into the Korean Peninsula at a time when its situation is inching close to the brink of war.”  According to the Foreign Ministry’s spokesman:

The U.S. reportedly let its B-52 deployed on Guam make sortie to the Korean Peninsula on Mar. 19 in the wake of its sortie made on Mar. 8.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defence Carter visited south Korea on March 18, where he was closeted with south Korean puppet Minister of Defence Kim Kwan Jin over “south Korea-U.S. joint reaction” to the DPRK’s threat. There Carter said that B-52 would be involved in the U.S.-south Korea joint military drills on Mar. 19 to demonstrate the U.S. will to defend south Korea and that such sorties would continue in the future.

It is an unpardonable provocation against the DPRK to sound out its strongest will that the U.S. is introducing a strategic nuclear strike means into the Korean Peninsula at a time when its situation is inching close to the brink of war.

The DPRK is now closely watching the move of B-52, and the hostile forces will never escape its strong military counteraction, should the strategic bomber make such sortie to the peninsula again.