Avian Influenza Outbreak at Duck Farm in Pyongyang

The Pyongyang Tudan Duck Farm in east Pyongyang, where an outbreak of avian flu was discovered in mid-April 2013 (Photos: Google image and KCNA/FLPH file photo)

An outbreak of a new strain of avian influenza (H5N1) has been found in the DPRK.  On 19 April 2013, the outbreak was discovered in one cage of ducks at the Pyongyang Tudan Duck Farm who exhibited symptoms  of avian flu.  After the initial cage of infected ducks began to die, cages of ducks were tested by the Central Veterinary Station (a national laboratory subordinated to the State Academy of Sciences) on 2 May 2013 and revealed that 20 cages of ducks were infected with avian flu.  Approximately 164,000 ducks died from avian flu or were killed.  The outbreak of avian flue at the Tudan Duck Farm was later corroborated by a second round of tests conducted by the Veterinary Institute of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences (subordinate to the Ministry of Agriculture).  On 13 May 2013 the DPRK Ministry of Agriculture’s Anti-Epizootic Department submitted a formal notification of the avian flu outbreak to the World Organization for Animal Health.  Since the initial outbreak, DPRK authorities moved to quarantine and cull infected animals, control the shipment of livestock inside the country and test other animals for the disease.  The outbreak of H5N1 has been speculatively linked to the ducks’ contact with wild birds or animals.  The summary of the DPRK’s report to the World Organization for Animal Health can be read here [PDF].

On 14 May 2013, KCNA interviewed two DPRK officials, Pak Myong Su from the Ministry of Public Health and Jon Song Hun from the Korea Pugang Pharmaceutical Company, on the development of a drug called Kumdang-2 which was touted an effective vaccination against human cases of avian flu.  According to the interview:

Question: Please tell me about danger of virus H7N9 and measures for prevention of infection.

Pak: The virus had been known to be low in toxicity with the cause and way of its infection uncertain, but later it was confirmed through gene analysis that it has a highly infectious toxicity.

With an increasing number of people infected or dead by this virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for taking strict measures against the spread of the virus.

What is most important for people is to enhance their immunity, while taking anti-epidemic measures.

Patients, infected with epidemics including the bird flu, are all weak in immunity. Therefore, it is advisable to take medicines helpful to enhancing immunity.

Q: I know that Kumdang-2 Injection, manufactured by the Korea Pugang Pharmaceutic Co., Ltd., has been considered worldwide to be one of highly effective adjuvants.

Jon: As early as in 2003, WHO warned that various strains of epidemic flu viruses would sweep throughout the world and inflict enormous damages on mankind, while calling for development of medicines to prevent infection of all strains of influenza viruses.

After many years of research and clinical trials, the Korea Pugang Pharmaceutic Co., Ltd. made Kumdang-2 Injection composed of the compounds of insam saccharides plus REE (rare earth elements) as main component and micro quantities of gold and platinum.

Kumdang-2 Injection, once injected into a living body, stimulates hypothalamus, the human body’s supreme nerve system, thereby optimizing its immune system as a whole, and boosts over 16 times the capacity of generating the interferon, the anti-virus effects whereof are so strong and wide that it can oppress the severe new flu virus, too.

Kumdang-2 Injection has enjoyed great popularity for its wonderful effects and many countries widely use it as not only immune activators but high-quality medicine, much more efficacious than antibiotics.

According to the clinical records, three rounds of its injection in every five minutes kill influenza virus H1N1.

On 18 May 2013, Rodong Sinmun published a fairly detailed account about what the central authorities were doing to deal with the outbreak of avian flu.  After the discovery of the outbreak in April, according to Rodong, Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) “gave precious instruction on establishing thorough measures to ensure that bird flu does not come into our country, emergency anti-epidemic committees that include senior functionaries in relevant sectors were organized in every province, city (district), and county.”  Rodong also reported that “functionaries of the National Emergency Anti-Epidemic Commission are highly upholding the noble intent of the respected and beloved marshal, who always gives great attention to promoting the people’s health, and meticulously planning and coordinating organization work to ensure that patients with the new type of bird flu do not occur.”  The regional and local anti-epidemic committees “go deep among the masses and inform them in a mobile manner of issues that arise in pro-actively conducting this work, they are putting great effort into actively utilizing a variety of means to ensure the normalization of hygiene propaganda and examination work.”

Late DPRK supreme leader Kim Jong Il visits the Tudan Duck Farm in October 2011 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Authorities of the Ministry of Public Health “sent explanatory and dialogue lecture materials on preventing the new type of bird flu to various places nationwide in a short time, and they are actively establishing measures to conduct hygiene propaganda and examination work at a high level for people on site.”  During late April, according to Rodong, “Ministry of Public Health functionaries and approximately 1,000 medical functionaries from various treatment and prevention organs, beginning with the Pyongyang University of Medicine at Kim Il Sung University, performed hygiene propaganda activities for well over 40,000 households in the capital, and hundreds of medical functionaries did so for citizens at dozens of spots along major bus routes.” From late April to mid-May Rodong reported that “many youths, students, and medical functionaries went out to people’s houses, coal mines, and farm villages and carried out hygiene propaganda for approximately 300,000 workers, and thousands of medical functionaries conducted examinations and checkups for nearly 500,000 people” and that “hygiene propaganda activities by social hygiene propaganda forces and propaganda vehicles such as the Youth League Central Committee and Education Committee are being actively conducted through various formats and methods.”  The informational campaign “activities are being carried out nationwide for an average of millions of workers at every level each day, and employees working at farms everywhere are receiving examinations and checkups by medical functionaries running clinics.”

The Ministry of Public Health and other central authorities were also taking practical measures to contain the avian flu outbreak.  Rodong Sinmun reported that “work to establish hygienic and cultural living environments and working conditions is being launched more vigorously than at any time before at various places nationwide, and medical functionaries at the Central Hygienic and Anti-Epidemic Station and provincial, city (district), and county hygiene and anti-epidemic stations are going down to their areas of responsibility and actively carrying out preventive work” and that “under the state’s unitary guidance, emergency anti-epidemic measures that can immediately eradicate bird flu if it appears in their particular area are thoroughly established now at every province, city (district), and county.”  Rodong also reported that “party members and workers everywhere are embracing a burning enthusiasm to display the superiority of our country’s socialist public health system that makes prevention its basis under the wise leadership of the respected and beloved marshal, and they are continuing to vigorously wage the struggle to prevent damage from bird flu in advance.”

Kim Yang Gon Visits Kaesong Industrial Complex, Withdraws DPRK Workers

Kim Yang Gon (C) meeting with residents of the Ch’angjon Street apartment complex in July 2012. On 8 April 2013 Kim Yang Gon met with officials at the Kaesong Industrial Zone and issued a statement which declared the country would “withdraw” the DPRK’s 53,000 workers from the zone. (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

DPRK state media reported on 8 April (Monday) that Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary and Director of the United Front Department [UFD], Kim Yang Gon issued a statement following a visit to the the Kaeso’ng Industrial Complex (Kaeso’ng Industrial Zone).  Kim, a DPRK civilian intelligence official who manages the department (UFD) responsible for inter-Korean relations, said the country will “withdraw all its employees from the zone” and “will temporarily suspend the operations in the zone and examine the issue of whether it will allow its existence or close it as the south Korean authorities and military warmongers seek to turn it into a hotbed of confrontation between compatriots and war against the DPRK, hurting its dignity.”  There are approximately 53,000 DPRK employees in the complex.  The  Kim also announced that “General Bureau for Central Guidance to the Development of the Special Zone will be responsible for the working matters related to the important steps including the withdrawal of the employees and the temporary suspension of the operations in the zone” and that the future of the Kaeso’ng complex “will develop in the days ahead will entirely depend on the attitude of the south Korean authorities.”

Prior to issuing the statement, Kim toured the Kaeso’ng complex, accompanied by officials from the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea (f.k.a. Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland) and from the General Bureau for the Central Guidance to the Development of the Special Zone.  Kim Yang Gon toured the offices of the DPRK’s Guidance Bureau and “Kaesong Industrial Zone combined supporting center and other units and production sites inside the zone.”  Kim also visited the Military Demarcation Line [MDL] where he “drew attention to the fate of the zone that has been put at stake as the south Korean conservative authorities aggravated the situation by making remarks slandering the dignity of the DPRK over the zone issue.”  He also “branded the scheme as an intentional provocation to make the zone a starting point of a war” in response to ROK Minister of National Defense Kim Kwan-jin’s recent remarks on utilizing special forces in the event South Korean nationals working in the complex are taken hostage.  According to KCNA, Kim “called for maintaining strained and mobilized posture on a high alert with the U.S. and the south Korean warmongers stepping up moves to provoke a war against the DPRK” and said that “it has become impossible to operate the zone as usual due to the south Korean warmongers’ reckless acts.”  After his tours Kim Yang Gon convened a meeting with local DPRK officials “and entrusted relevant fields with detailed tasks, urging them to get fully ready to cope with whatever development in the zone.”

Kaesong Industrial Complex (Kaesong Industrial Zone) (Photo: Google image)

According to South Korean media, the removal of DPRK workers from the Kaeso’ng Industrial Complex may occur as early as 9 April (Tuesday), and that the DPRK has requested that companies in Kaeso’ng that “only bare essential personnel should remain.”  South Korea’s new Minister of Unification Ryoo Kihl-jae told South Korean legislators that “There is no guarantee that an envoy can reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula.  Seoul does not think now is the time to send such a person over to the North,” that “returning things to normal does not require negotiation” and that “The current conditions are not conducive to talks.  The North is not showing the right attitude needed for discussions to take place.”  Ryoo was responding both to the DPRK’s most recent statement about the Kaeso’ng zone and “calls by the 123 South Korean companies with factories at the Kaesong Industrial Complex and by politicians for the government to engage in talks with the North.”

According to Yonhap, there are “475 South Koreans in Kaesong, with a total of 39 workers having crossed over to the South during the day (Monday)” and “77 workers are expected to return here, although that number may change after consultations between the unification ministry and the businesses on Tuesday.”

Kim Yang Gon’s statement on the Kaeso’ng zone, according to KCNA was:

The Korean Peninsula has been put in the state of war due to the serious anti-DPRK moves of the U.S. and south Korean authorities and their moves for a nuclear war.

Not content with escalating military tension together with the U.S., the south Korean conservatives, in particular, are running the whole gamut of intrigues to find a pretext for igniting a war against the DPRK after reducing the Kaesong Industrial Zone to a theatre of confrontation.

Defying the repeated warnings of the DPRK, the south Korean confrontation maniacs are letting loose a string of invectives hurting the dignity of the DPRK, talking about “source of money”, “detention” and “hostages”. South Korean Defense Minister Kim Kwan Jin revealed his sinister intention to introduce a special unit of the U.S. forces into the zone, vociferating about an operation for “rescuing hostages”.

This goes to prove that the south Korean warmongers seek to turn the zone into a hotbed of war against the DPRK.

By origin, the zone was built as a symbol of reconciliation, cooperation and reunification after the DPRK granted a privilege to Jong Ju Yong, honorary chairman of Hyundai Group of south Korea, valuing his patriotic will for reunification.

The DPRK’s offer to south Korean enterprises a vast area near the Military Demarcation Line where armed forces of the north and the south are standing in acute confrontation was a bold decision based on ardent love for the nation and compatriotism and a manifestation of the firm will for independent reunification, peace and prosperity based on the spirit of “By our nation itself” clarified in the historic June 15 North-South Joint Declaration.

When traitor Lee Myung Bak did serious harm to the inter-Korean relations in all aspects, getting hell-bent on confrontation after coming to power, the zone remained unaffected by it thanks to the desire and will of all Koreans in the north and the south for reunification and kept its operations for common prosperity.

But the zone is now in the grip of a serious crisis.

The zone, a product of the June 15 joint declaration, has been reduced to a theater of confrontation with fellow countrymen and military provocation, quite contrary to its original nature and mission due to such hideous confrontation maniacs as Kim Kwan Jin. This situation can no longer be tolerated.

The south Korean conservative forces claim that the DPRK will never give up the zone as it benefits from the industrial zone, but it gets few economic benefits from the zone while the south side largely benefits from it.

The DPRK provided an area of military strategic importance to the south side, in particular. This meant a big concession.

It is a tragedy that the industrial zone which should serve purposes of national reconciliation, unity, peace and reunification has been reduced to a theatre of confrontation between compatriots and war against the north. The existence of such zone is no better than nothing.

The DPRK is compelled to make an important decision related to the issue of the industrial zone now that the south Korean authorities abuse the generosity and compatriotism of the DPRK for their hostile purpose.

Upon authorization, I declare the following important steps as regards the crisis in the Kaesong Industrial Zone:

The DPRK will withdraw all its employees from the zone.

It will temporarily suspend the operations in the zone and examine the issue of whether it will allow its existence or close it as the south Korean authorities and military warmongers seek to turn it into a hotbed of confrontation between compatriots and war against the DPRK, hurting its dignity.

The General Bureau for Central Guidance to the Development of the Special Zone will be responsible for the working matters related to the important steps including the withdrawal of the employees and the temporary suspension of the operations in the zone.

How the situation will develop in the days ahead will entirely depend on the attitude of the south Korean authorities

DPRK Threatens to “Shut Down” Kaesong Industrial Zone

Kaesong Industrial Complex (Kaesong Industrial Zone) (Photo: Google image)

DPRK state media published a statement of the General Bureau for Central Guidance on 30 March (Saturday) about the status of the Kaeso’ng Industrial Zone [Kaeso'ng Industrial Complex] which said that the country “exercised self-restraint, taking into consideration that the closure of the zone on which the livelihood of small and medium businesses of south Korea hinge can leave those businesses bankrupt and lots of people jobless” but ”if the puppet group seeks to tarnish the image of the DPRK even a bit, while speaking of the zone whose operation has been barely maintained, we will shut down the zone without mercy.”  The statement was issued after an unattributed statement was published in state media that said “North-South relations have been put in a state of war,” but South Korean [ROK] media reported that South Koreans were commuting into Kaeso’ng.  The General Bureau for Central Guidance also directly replied to South Korean media reporting which reiterates that the Kaeso’ng complex “is a major source of hard currency for the impoverished communist nation.”

According to KCNA, the General Bureau for Central Guidance’s statement was:

The north-south military hotline was cut off as the Korean Armistice Agreement has been completely nullified, creating a warlike situation.

There exists neither a channel for dialogue nor any communications means between the north and the south.

The entry into the Kaesong Industrial Zone by the south side’s personnel has been put in jeopardy.

No one can see an inch ahead as regards the destiny of the Kaesong Industrial Zone.

But the puppet group of south Korea, its dutiful media and hack writers are saying that “the north does not take up the issue of the zone because it is a source for its foreign currency income” and talking about “two faces of the north”. They are even insulting the dignity of the supreme leadership of the DPRK.

It is an extremely unusual thing that the Kaesong Industrial Zone is still in existence under the grave situation in which the north-south relations have plunged into a deadlock and the Korean Peninsula is on the verge of a war due to the U.S. and the south Korean warmongers’ vicious moves for igniting a nuclear war against the DPRK.

Under the situation, the south Korean puppet forces are left with no face to make complaint even though we ban the south side’s personnel’s entry into the zone and close it.

But we have exercised self-restraint, taking into consideration that the closure of the zone on which the livelihood of small and medium businesses of south Korea hinge can leave those businesses bankrupt and lots of people jobless.

In fact, it is the puppet group and small and medium businesses of south Korea, not the DPRK, which benefit from the zone.

But the paid media and media men of south Korea have gone thoughtless to become vocal about the zone just like imbeciles bereft of elementary ability for assessing the situation.

If the puppet group seeks to tarnish the image of the DPRK even a bit, while speaking of the zone whose operation has been barely maintained, we will shut down the zone without mercy.

The south Korean group should clearly know that its short tongue may bring it an irretrievable misfortune.

The DPRK does whatever it says it will and the future of the zone entirely depends on the attitude of the south Korean puppet group.

The south side’s businessmen operational in the zone should clearly face up to the situation and reject the rhetoric of the group and its paid media who act just like a “thief crying stop the thief”.

We will closely follow the movement of the puppet group and the reactionary media.

We warn that we will take a resolute measure, should rhetoric insulting the dignity of the DPRK continues.

USGS Receives Intensity (Did You Feel It?) Reports from Inside DPRK

USGS Intensity map released on 12 February 2013 (Photo: USGS)

The United States Geological Survey [USGS] reported on 12 February (Tuesday) that it received nine (9) reports from the DPRK about the intensity of the seismic activity caused by the DPRK’s third nuclear test on 12 February 2013.  According to USGS, the nine (9) reports came from seven (7) DPRK cities close to the earthquake’s epicenter at the P’unggye-ri nuclear test facility.  They were part of USGS Did You Feel It? [DYFI] program which tracks and maps how human populations experience earthquakes and other seismic events.  Based on the USGS map, it received reports from Paegam County, Ryanggang Province and from Kilchu, Myo’ngch’o'n and Kyo’ngso’ng Counties and the city of Ch’o'ngjin in North Hamgyo’ng Province.  A majority of the respondents reported they experienced light to moderate shaking and no damage.

The question remains: who are the USGS’ nine (9) respondents inside the DPRK?  In order to participate in DYFI, one needs access to the Internet to enter the requisite data.  Social and telecommunications control in North Hamgyo’ng is generally lax.  Among the possibilities are DPRK citizens with dedicated Internet connections, or smartphones, acting autonomously, Chinese or other foreigners working in the area (particularly Ch’o'ngjin) or a coordinated effort from Pyongyang to register technical data on seismic activity to external organizations.

DPRK Conducts Third Nuclear Test

A United States Geological Survey poster showing the 12 February 2013 seismic event near the Punggye-ri nuclear test facility in North Hamgyo’ng Province (Photo: USGS)

The DPRK conducted its third nuclear test in the late morning of 12 February (Tuesday).  The first indication of the third experimental detonation was a seismic event  with its epicenter on the premises of the DPRK’s nuclear test facility near P’unggye-ri, Kilchu County, North Hamgyo’ng Province.  The seismic event was later identified in South Korea media reporting as a “man-made earthquake” and had an estimate magnitude between 4.7 and. 5.2.  According to a preliminary analysis by the South Korean [ROK] government the nuclear test of between six (6) and seven (7) kilotons.  According to a public health official in Primorsky Krai, the Russian administrative district that borders the DPRK, there were no increased raditation levels and “everything is normal and (the levels) correspond to the natural background.”  It remains to be seen whether the DPRK tested a plutonium or uranium device.

Hours after media reports on the seismic event in North Hamgyo’ng Province, DPRK state media released a report in which it said “the scientific field for national defense of the DPRK succeeded in the third underground nuclear test at the site for underground nuclear test in the northern part of the DPRK on Tuesday.”  According to KCNA’s report on the nuclear test:

The scientific field for national defence of the DPRK succeeded in the third underground nuclear test at the site for underground nuclear test in the northern part of the DPRK on Tuesday.

The test was carried out as part of practical measures of counteraction to defend the country’s security and sovereignty in the face of the ferocious hostile act of the U.S. which wantonly violated the DPRK’s legitimate right to launch satellite for peaceful purposes.

The test was conducted in a safe and perfect way on a high level with the use of a smaller and light A-bomb unlike the previous ones, yet with great explosive power. It was confirmed that the test did not give any adverse effect to the surrounding ecological environment.

The specific features of the function and explosive power of the A-bomb and all other measurements fully tallied with the values of the design, physically demonstrating the good performance of the DPRK’s nuclear deterrence that has become diversified.

The nuclear test will greatly encourage the army and people of the DPRK in their efforts to build a thriving nation with the same spirit and mettle as displayed in conquering space, and offer an important occasion in ensuring peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the region.

DPRK state media also released a statement from the country’s Foreign Ministry which described the test as “a resolute step for self-defense taken by it to cope with the U.S. hostile act against it” and said that the “main objective of the current nuclear test is to express the surging resentment of the army and people of the DPRK at the U.S. brigandish hostile act and demonstrate the will and capability of Songun Korea to defend the sovereignty of the country to the last”:

The DPRK’s third nuclear test is a resolute step for self-defence taken by it to cope with the U.S. hostile act against it.

Its successful launch of satellite Kwangmyongsong 3-2 in December last year was a peaceful one from A to Z which was conducted according to its plan for scientific and technological development for economic construction and the improvement of the standard of people’s living.

The world including hostile countries recognized its application satellite’s entry into orbit and greatly admired its development of space technology.

The U.S., however, again prodded the UN Security Council into cooking up a new “resolution on sanctions” against the DPRK, terming its satellite launch a violation of the UNSC’s “resolution”.

Encroaching upon the right to satellite launch is an unpardonable grave hostile act as it is an infringement on the DPRK’s sovereignty.

By origin, the DPRK had neither need nor plan to conduct a nuclear test.

The DPRK’s nuclear deterrence has already acquired the trustworthy capability strong enough to make a precision strike at bases for aggression and blow them up at a single blow no matter where they are on the earth.

It was the DPRK’s goal to focus efforts on economic construction and the improvement of the standard of people’s living by dint of nuclear deterrence for self-defence provided by the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il all their lives.

The DPRK exercised its maximum self-restraint when the U.S. fabricated the “presidential statement” over its satellite launch for peaceful purposes by abusing the UNSC in April last year.

But the DPRK’s patience reached its limit as the U.S. intensified such hostile act as implementing before anyone else the UNSC’s “resolution on sanctions”, far from apologizing for its renewed wanton violation of the DPRK’s right to satellite launch.

The main objective of the current nuclear test is to express the surging resentment of the army and people of the DPRK at the U.S. brigandish hostile act and demonstrate the will and capability of Songun Korea to defend the sovereignty of the country to the last.

The DPRK’s nuclear test is a just step for self-defence not contradictory to any international law.

The U.S. has long put the DPRK on the list of preemptive nuclear strike.

It is quite natural just measure for self-defence to react to the U.S. ever-increasing nuclear threat with nuclear deterrence.

The DPRK withdrew from the NPT after going through legitimate procedures and chose the way of having access to nuclear deterrence for self-defence to protect the supreme interests of the country.

There have been on the earth more than 2 000 nuclear tests and at least 9 000 satellite launches in the UN history spanning over 60 years but there has never been a UNSC resolution on banning any nuclear test or satellite launch.

It is the U.S. that has conducted more nuclear tests and launched more satellites than any others. It, however, cooked up the UNSC’s “resolution” banning only the DPRK’s nuclear test and satellite launch. This is the breach of international law and the height of double standards.

Had the UNSC been impartial even a bit, it would not have taken issue with a sovereign state’s exercise of the right to self-defence and its scientific and technological activities for peaceful purposes but with the U.S. policy for preemptive nuclear strike, a threat to global peace and security, to begin with.

The current nuclear test is the primary countermeasure taken by the DPRK in which it exercised its maximum self-restraint.

If the U.S. takes a hostile approach toward the DPRK to the last, rendering the situation complicated, it will be left with no option but to take the second and third stronger steps in succession.

The inspection of ships and maritime blockade touted by the hostile forces will be regarded as war actions and will invite the DPRK’s merciless retaliatory strikes at their strongholds.

The U.S., though belatedly, should choose between the two options: To respect the DPRK’s right to satellite launch and open a phase of detente and stability or to keep to its wrong road leading to the explosive situation by persistently pursuing its hostile policy toward the DPRK.

In case the U.S. chooses the road of conflict finally, the world will clearly see the army and people of the DPRK defend its dignity and sovereignty to the end through a do-or-die battle between justice and injustice, greet a great revolutionary event for national reunification and win a final victory.

The KCNA report and DPRK Foreign Ministry Statement were echoed in remarks made by the 1st Secretary of the DPRK Mission to the UN Geneva, Jon Yong Ryong said “The US and their followers are sadly mistaken if they miscalculate the DPRK (North Korea) would accept the entirely unreasonable resolutions against it.  The DPRK will never be bound to any resolutions.  Jon also said the nuclear test will “greatly encourage the army and the people of the DPRK in their efforts to build a thriving nation… and offers an important occasion in ensuring peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and the region.”  Jon also said “”the prospect for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula has become gloomier due to the US hostile policies to the DPRK that have become ever more pronounced” and that if the “EU truly wants peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, it should urge the US first to terminate its hostile policy towards the DPRK on an impartial basis.”

In Beijing the PRC Foreign Ministry released a statement which said the Chinese government was ”strongly dissatisfied with” and “firmly opposed to” the DPRK’s third nuclear test.  The statement also urged “the DPRK to honor its commitment to denuclearization and refrain from any move that may further worsen the situation. To safeguard peace and stability on the Peninsula and in Northeast Asia serves the common interests of all parties.”  The PRC Foreign Ministry also announced that it summoned DPRK Ambassador to China Ji Jae Ryong to “lodge a solemn representation.”

The Japanese Government convened an emergency meeting and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the test “is a grave threat to our nation’s safety and cannot be tolerated as it will significantly damage international society’s peace and safety.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement in which “we insist that North Korea should stop illegal actions, strictly fulfil all requirements of the UN Security Council, fully abandon missile and nuclear programs, return to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the IAEA comprehensive guarantees” and “calls on all interested parties to show restraint and plans together with other six-party negotiators not to ease up in efforts towards normalization of the situation on the peninsula through political and diplomatic means.”  The statement also said, “Only so and no other way North Korea will be able to pull out from effective international isolation, which will open the door to international cooperation in different directions without exclusion of peaceful atom and space.  We are confident that this path meets interests, first of all, of North Korea itself.”

On 6 February Russian Ambassador to the DPRK Alexandr Timonin told Interfax, “As before, our country advocates the continuation of the search for political and diplomatic ways to stabilize the situation in the Northeast Asia and will do its best to facilitate the creation of favourable conditions for resuming the six-party talks on the nuclear problem in the Korean peninsula.  In this respect, it is extremely important that all interested parties do not commit actions capable to aggravate the situation in the Korean peninsula and lead to a new arms race.”

The United Nations Security Council [UNSC], of which South Korea holds the monthly rotating presidency, held an emergency meeting on 12 February which “strongly condemned” the third test.  According to the UNSC’s statement:

The members of the Security Council held urgent consultations to address the serious situation arising from the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The members of the Security Council strongly condemned this test, which is a grave violation of Security Council resolution 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009) and 2087 (2013), and therefore there continues to exist a clear threat to international peace and security.

The members of the Security Council recalled that in January, they unanimously adopted resolution 2087 (2013), which expressed the Council’s determination to take “significant action” in the event of a further Democratic People’s Republic of Korea nuclear test.

In line with this commitment and the gravity of this violation, the members of the Security Council will begin work immediately on appropriate measures in a Security Council resolution.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon “strongly” condemned the 12 February nuclear test and described it as “ clear and grave violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions” and  said that Ban is “gravely concerned about the negative impact of this deeply destabilizing act on regional stability as well as the global efforts for nuclear non-proliferation”:

The Secretary-General condemns the underground nuclear weapon test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) today. It is a clear and grave violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.

It is deplorable that Pyongyang defied the strong and unequivocal call from the international community to refrain from any further provocative measures. The Secretary-General had repeatedly called on the new leadership in Pyongyang to address international concerns and start building confidence with neighbouring countries and the international community.

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned about the negative impact of this deeply destabilizing act on regional stability as well as the global efforts for nuclear non-proliferation. He once again urges the DPRK to reverse course and work towards de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

The Secretary-General is confident that the Security Council will remain united and take appropriate action. In the meantime, the Secretary-General remains in close contact with all concerned parties and stands ready to assist their efforts.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Yukiya Amano, “expressed deep regret” about the nuclear test and “strongly urged the DPRK to fully implement all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and all relevant IAEA Board of Governors resolutions.”   According to a brief statement Amano said, “I understand that the DPRK announced it had carried out a third test of a nuclear weapon, despite calls from the international community not to do so. This is deeply regrettable and is in clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions.  The IAEA remains ready to contribute to the peaceful resolution of the DPRK nuclear issue by resuming its nuclear verification activities in the country as soon as the political agreement is reached among countries concerned.”

Institutions and power organizations involved in the 12 February 2013 (abridged edition)

The 12 February 2013 nuclear test was the culmination of activity within departments, offices, sections and units of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP], the DPRK Government and the Korean People’s Army [KPA].  The third nuclear test was authorized through government channels by the DPRK National Defense Commission [NDC] and through party channels during an expanded meeting of the Party Central Military Commission [CMC] on 3 February 2013.  Kim Jong Un’s last reported public appearance was at the expanded CMC meeting.  Like the 12 December 2012 launch of the U’nha-3 rocket, the experimental detonation was a combined effort of scientists and technicians (who typically work for party and government agencies) and elements of the KPA.  Personnel involved in each phase of the nuclear test would interface with Kim Jong Un and other core leadership through the KWP Machine Building Industry Department’s deputy (vice) director Hong Sung Mu and the KWP Organization Guidance Department [OGD].  When Kim Jong Il was alive, the nuclear weapons program was commanded directly by KJI through a former Kim Il Sung University professor So Sang Kuk, who held the position of OGD deputy (vice) director and worked in KJI’s office.

Information about the DPRK’s strategic weapons program in general, and its testing of nuclear weapons in particular, is speculative and contradictory.  However, there are some key organizations that would have been involved in the actual nuclear test.  The nuclear test was conducted by elements of the KPA General Staff’s Nuclear-Chemical, Ordnance and Communications Bureaus working in cooperation with personnel from the 5th Bureau of the Second Economy Commission [SEC], the 2nd National Academy of Sciences [SANS] and the Nuclear Bureau.  According to some researchers, the Nuclear Bureau is part of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department (formerly known as the KWP Munitions Industry Department), however other sources says that the Nuclear Bureau was subordinated directly to the NDC, after it was bureaucratically migrated from the KWP along with SANS.  SANS personnel would have been involved in the nuclear physics, engineering and other technical aspects of the test, while the 5th Bureau of the SEC would have been involved in production of the nuclear device (as well as preliminary high explosive testing).  The construction of the detonation area and tunnels may have been conducted by a Ministry of People’s Security [MPS] engineering unit or a specialized construction unit of the KPA.  Support roles would have been played by the KPA General Logistics Department (subordinate to the Ministry of People’s Armed Forces [MPAF]) and for mission security by elements of the Military Security Command [MSC] and the Ministry of State Security’s Defense Industry Security Bureau, possibly augmented by personnel of the Guard Command.

Leadership Activities Prior to 12 February 2013 nuclear test

On 12 February, DPRK state media reported that a meeting of the KWP Political Bureau convened on 11 February (Monday).  Kim Jong Un was not reported to have attended.  The Political Bureau meeting passed a lengthy decision to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of active hostilities of the Fatherland Liberation (Korean) War and the 65th anniversary of the DPRK’s foundation.  However, the Political Bureau meeting was most likely the forum at which the central leadership was formally notified of an impending third nuclear test.

Kim Jong Un’s last public appearance was reported on 3 February 2012 and was his chairing and attending the expanded CMC meeting.  Prior to the CMC meeting, KJU attended a commemorative photo-op with participants of the 4th Meeting of Party Cell Secretaries.  Notable members of his entourage at the photo-op were VMar Kim Yong Chun and Gen. O Kuk Ryol, two of the KPA’s key senior officials tied to the DPRK’s nuclear weapons program.  Interestingly, VMar Kim and Gen. O were part of a personnel shake-up of the KPA’s high command in February 2009, three months prior to the May 2009 nuclear test.  At that time, Gen. O was appointed Vice Chairman of the NDC and VMar Kim was appointed Minister of the People’s Armed Forces.  VMar Kim was later replaced as minister and appointed director of the KWP Civil Defense Department, which has a major public safety function during a nuclear test.  Also in February 2009, Kim Kyok Sik was replaced as Chief of the KPA General Staff by Ri Yong Ho.  Ri was later famously dismissed in July 2012, but Kim Kyok Sik resurfaced in a senior position when he was appointed Minister of the People’s Armed Forces in November 2012, approximately three months ahead of the 12 February 2013 nuclear test.

Late DPRK supreme leader Kim Jong Il tours revolutionary historical sites in Yo’nsa County, North Hamgyo’ng Province in his last reported public appearance before the DPRK conducted its second nuclear weapons test on 25 May 2009. Yo’nsa County is only 65 km (40 miles) from the Punggye-ri nuclear testing area (Photos: KCNA)

KJU’s lack of public activity contrasts with Kim Jong Il’s (his father) public appearances prior to the second nuclear test on 25 May 2009.  On 23 May 2009, DPRK state media reported that the late KJI inspected revolutionary historical sites in Yo’nsa County, North Hamgyo’ng Province, located 65 km  (40 miles) from the P’unggye-ri test site.  On the day of the test, KJI was reported to have attended a concert given by the Persimmon Tree (kamnamu) Company of the KPA.  State media did not disclose where the concert took place, making it likely that KJI watched the concert in Pyongyang or at the Persimmon Tree Company’s headquarters in Kangwo’n Province.

Pot’ong River Project Completed

A view of embankment work on Pot’ong River in central Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 20 October (Saturday) that Korean People’s Army [KPA] service members, assisted by employees of DPRK Government ministries, the Pyongyang City (municipal) Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Committee, the Pyongyang City (municipal) People’s Committee and other Pyongyang institutions, completed dredging and construction work on the Pot’ong River in Pyongyang.  The river improvement project began on 11 October, following a similar project at the Hapjang River in the city’s Ryongso’ng District.  According to KCNA workers “removed more than 780 000 cubic meters of sludge from the bottom of the river and improved embankment of more than 90 000 square meters in a matter of 9 days” and “removed over 330 000 cubic meters of sludge in just 24 hours after the kick-off of the project.”  KCNA also reported that “excavator and truck drivers finished the dredging and sludge transport plans in the sixth day.”

A view of the Pot’ong River after dredging and construction work (Photo: KCNA)

A retaining wall, completed as part of an improvement project of the Pot’ong River in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

The Pot’ong River with the Ryugyong Hotel in the background (Photo: KCNA)

The Pot’ong River Improvement Project was reminiscent of a 1970s-era “speed battle” in which a cross section of the DPRK population were mobilized to complete infrastructure projects and other development work.  The river improvement project was initially conducted by KPA units, however it seems that DPRK civilians were brought in as additional labor following a visit and inspection by DPRK Cabinet Premier Choe Yong Rim.  Recent editorials in the DPRK press have called upon KWP members, KPA service members and officers and cadres to demonstrate “the fighting ethos” and “ardor and vigor” of the 1970s.”  A Rodong Sinmun editorial published in early October said that “all sectors and all units must powerfully carry out the struggle to gloriously conclude this year’s general onward march with the fighting spirit and ethos of the 1970s” and that “all party members, soldiers** of the people’s army, and people must bear deep in mind the lofty intent of our party to make this meaningful year shine as a year of great victory and change and fan the flames of great innovation, great march, so they can flare up powerfully.  The must make the ardor, the fighting spirit, and the vigor of the 1970s–in which they were making the sound of drums resound loudly and bringing about a great upsurge in the battle of great socialist construction–be powerfully and vigorously displayed.”

The spirit of the 1970s can be found in parts of an essay aired on Pyongyang radio [Korean Central Broadcasting Station; KCBS] on 10 June 1978 calling for victory in the 100-day battle of the 2nd Seven-Year Plan said, “Indeed, for functionaries and workers to more highly display the revolutionary spirit of Mount Paektu, of Chollima and of the speed-battle is the key to their victory in revolutionary struggle and construction. Therefore, we should display this militant spirit more highly than ever before to effectively carry out the unprecedentedly large-sclae plan of the 100-day battle.”

Kim Jong Il Statue Dedicated at State Security

Members of the central leadership attend a ceremony dedicating a statue of Kim Jong Il at KPA Unit #10215 (also known as the Ministry of State Security). Among those in attendance include: VMar Hyon Chol Hae (4th L )VMar Kim Jong Gak (5th L), Gen. Kim Won Hong (6th L) VMar Choe Ryong Hae (7th L), Kim Yong Nam (8th L), Choe Yong Rim (7th R), Kim Ki Nam (6th R), Jang Song Taek (5th R) and Jo Yon Jun (4th R) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 2 October (Tuesday) that a statue of Kim Jong Il was unveiled and dedicated at a ceremony on the campus of Korean People’s Army [KPA] Unit #10215.  The unit is the external name for the headquarters and command element of the Ministry of State Security [MSS]**.  Attending the dedication ceremony were Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam, DPRK Cabinet Premier Choe Yong Nim, Director of the KPA General Political Department (bureau) VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Minister of State Security Gen. Kim Won Hong, Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary and Director of Propaganda and Agitation (publicity and information) Kim Ki Nam and  ”other senior party, state and army officials, officials concerned, commanding officers and service personnel of the unit, military families, officials and employees of the unit who contributed to the erection of the statue.”

Floral baskets line the pedestal of a statue of late DPRK supreme leader Kim Jong Il at KPA Unit #10215, dedicated on 2 October 2012 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

KCNA reported that the statue “depicts the great Generalissimo imposingly standing with one of his hands placed on his waist, his face beaming with a broad smile” and “seems to call on all the service personnel and people to dynamically advance towards a final victory, wishing the great Paektusan (Mt. Paektu) nation a rosy future of eternal prosperity.”  Participants at the dedication ceremony delivered a floral basket on behalf of DPRK supreme leader Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n), a floral basket from the KWP Central Committee, the KWP Central Military Commission and the National Defense Commission and a floral basket from KPA Unit #10215.

After the floral baskets were placed at the statue’s pedestal, Minister of State Security Gen. Kim Won Hong delivered a speech to dedicate the statue.  According to KCNA Gen. Kim said in his remarks that “Generalissimo Kim Jong Il developed the WPK into an eternal party of Comrade Kim Il Sung and turned the socialist country into an invincible politico-ideological power and a world class military power.  Kim Jong Il’s  extraordinary leadership provided a sure guarantee for foiling all anti-DPRK plots of the U.S.-led imperialists and defending the single-minded unity of the revolutionary forces and Juche-oriented socialism as firm as an iron wall.”  Gen. Kim also “called on all service personnel and people to work hard to win a final victory of the revolutionary cause of Juche, united close behind Marshal Kim Jong Un.”  KCNA reported “after being briefed on the statue, the participants looked round the statue.”

View of a ceremony dedicating a statue of Kim Jong Il at KPA Unit #10215 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

KPA Unit #10215 and the Ministry of State Security have played a significant role in Kim Jong Un’s succession and transition.  Various sources and media reports have claimed that MSS was one of the organizations where KJU cut his leadership teeth during 2007 to 2009.  The MSS did not use KPA Unit 10215 as its external use name until April 2009, after KJU’s hereditary succession was formally and internally communicated to second- and third-tier party, security and government officials.  On 9 May 2009, DPRK state media reported that Kim Jong Il conducted a field inspection of KPA Unit 10215′s command staff university, accompanied by leading MSS officials.  During his visit, KCNA reported that KJI’s first stop was the Kim Il Sung statue and revolutionary history exhibition.

Kim Jong Il tours the campus of KPA Unit #10215′s command staff university in May 2009 (Photo: KCNA)

Late DPRK supreme leader Kim Jong Il tours the command staff university of KPA Unit #10215 in May 2009. Also seen in attendance in this image are Jang Song Taek, Kim Ki Nam, Ri Jae Il, MSS Senior (1st) Vice Minister Gen. U Tong Chuk and former MSS Vice Minister Ryu Kyong (Photo: KCNA)

In April 2010 and April 2011, KJI and KJU attended concerts by KPA Unit #10215′s art propaganda squad on the occasion of Kim Il Sung’s birthday (The Day of the Sun).  KJI and KJU also attended one of the unit’s concerts in October 2010, which marked their first public appearances after KJU’s mass public introduction at the 3rd Party Conference on 28 September 2010.  On 25 October 2010, DPRK state media reported that KJI and KJU inspected KPA Unit #10215′s command element.  On 2 July 2011 DPRK state media reported that KJI and KJU attended a concert of the “the fourth second-term contest of art group members of the military families.”  Performing at that concert were the wives and families of members of KPA Unit #10215, KPA Unit #963 (Guard Command HQ) and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces [KPISF].  These security organizations form the troika of security organizations with the mission of providing personal and political security for the Kim family and the DPRK’s core political leadership and guarantors of KJU’s succession.

Kim Jong Un’s wife Ri Sol Ju (Ri So’l-chu) is believed to have ties to the Ministry of State Security.  According to ROK media reports, Ri was a singer in KPA Unit #10215′s art propaganda squad.  It is entirely likely that as a singer, Ri may have been added to various singing groups and art troupes, particularly performances designated #1 events (attended by KJI or KJU).  In any event, if other reporting about Ri traveling to Japan in 2002 with a music group and ROK in 2005 as part of a cheering section are accurate then her name definitely passed through MSS’ channels.

**The MSS is the DPRK’s so-called secret police force whose primary mission is enforcing political security (ensuring KWP control and Kim family rule in the country).  MSS performs a number of functions including managing a domestic surveillance network, providing protection escort services, watching foreigners in the DPRK, monitoring the activities of DPRK citizens who travel (or return from) abroad, managing a network of detention facilities, monitoring (surveillance of) the communications and activities of party, government and economic officials, conducting foreign trade activities and general management and oversight of border security units and the Military Security Command.

U Tong Chuk Standing in the Shadows?

Gen. U Tong Chuk (first row, R) attends a national report meeting on Kim Jong Il's birthday in Feburary 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

South Korean media, citing an anonymous source, reports that the Ministry of State Security’s [MSS] Gen. U Tong Chuk (U To’ng-ch’uk) may have been removed from office.  Gen. U was neither reported nor observed to have attended any of the public events or celebrations of the centenary of Kim Il Sung’s birth last week.  Based on reported personnel lists from the 5th session of the 12th Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA], Gen. U was removed as a member of the National Defense Commission [NDC].  It is not clear if Gen. U was among the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Political Bureau members and alternates who were “recalled” during the 4th Party Conference on 11 April.  U Tong Chuk’s last reported public activities occurred during late March when he attended or participated in several events ending the 100-day mourning period for Kim Jong Il.

Yonhap reports:

U Tong-chuk, first deputy head of the State Security Ministry, has been absent from state media coverage since late last month when he accompanied Kim to a mausoleum in Pyongyang to pay respects to Kim’s late father, long-time leader Kim Jong-il who died in December.

U was one of the seven top officials who walked with Kim Jong-un beside the hearse carrying the body of Kim Jong-il during the funeral procession in Pyongyang on Dec. 28.

The senior intelligence official and the seven others were believed to be confidants and advisers as Kim Jong-un took the reins of the country after his father’s demise.

The young leader seems to have purged U as he assumes his father’s key posts in the ruling Workers’ Party, military and the government in a series of political events aimed at consolidating his power.

The North’s official Korean Central News Agency reported last week that Kim Won-hong was appointed as State Security Minister in April, taking up U’s position.

It is not clear whether U has been dismissed from his post or executed.

A South Korean official, who closely monitors North Korean affairs, said the reported purge has yet to be confirmed. He asked not to be identified, citing policy.

The North has a track record of purging or executing senior officials.

Last year, North Korea apparently removed Ryu Kyong, another senior intelligence official, according to South Korean officials and local media.

Historically, the only way out as the leading official of State Security has been death–execution, suicide or even natural causes (such as the last known minister Ri Chun Su from a heart attack in 1987).  There have been no reports, or even rumors, that Gen. U has been executed.

U Tong Chuk is closely tied to Kim Jong Un’s succession.  Given his background, he was most likely placed as a transitional figure within the central leadership.  He opened foreign intelligence and diplomatic channels, oversaw systemic reorganization of DPRK security agencies and assets and performed the aggressive acts necessary to consolidate the positions of KJU and other senior officials such as VMar Kim Jong Gak and VMar Choe Ryong Hae.

Gen. Kim Won Hong (R) attends aan aviation display and inspection with Kim Jong Un in 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

According to several sources, Gen. U was promoted to Minister of State Security during the autumn of 2011.  However, in publishing biographical profiles on members of the Political Bureau on 12 April 2012, DPRK state media identified Gen. Kim Won Hong as having been appointed minister in April 2012.  DPRK media never identified Gen. U as minister, suggesting that even if he was promoted it was on interim basis.  Both Gen. Kim and Gen. U appeared on the same Korean People’s Army [KPA] promotions list in April 2009 when U was promoted to 3-star Colonel General (sangjang) and Kim promoted to 4-star General (tangjang).  Also, during 2009, Chosun Ilbo reported that Kim Won Hong was replaced as head of the Military Security Command [MSC] by Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol (Cho Kyo’ng-ch’o'l).

Gen. U (annotated) talks with KWP Secretary Kim Ki Nam during Kim Jong Il's May 2009 visit to the training center for the command element of KPA Unit #10215 (Photo: KCNA)

Gen. U attends a concert by the U'nhasu Orchestra in October 2011 (Photo: KCNA)

During 2009 and 2010, U Tong Chuk became State Security’s public face and acted as its chief functionary, while Kim Won Hong appeared to continue to discharge the functions of MSC chief.    U’s status was gradually enhanced as he was promoted to General in April 2010 and elected as an alternate to the Political Bureau and CMC in September 2010.  In 2010 and 2011 Gen. U supervised investigative activities which resulted in a number of officials and cadres being dismissed from office, incarcerated or executed.  In 2011 Gen. U led a major personnel housecleaning at State Security, which resulted in the removal of dozens of domestic managers and operatives.  U also supervised the relocation of several intelligence branch offices outside the DPRK.    As Kim Jong Il’s health eroded during 2011, Gen. U was well-positioned to tie up any loose ends before and after KJI passed away.  Gen. U was identified as one of the “death angels” involved in the dismissals and executions of officials in the Ministry of People’s Armed Forces and KPA General Staff.

As reports of these purges began to appear in March 2012, Gen. U withdrew to the shadows.  The question Pyongyang watchers might ask is whether Gen. U inadvertently had the wrong cadre clipped or if it was always intended for him to make his public position untenable.

Rocket on Launch Pad

Officials of the Korea Committee for Space Technology [KCST] have placed the U’nha-3 carrier rocket on its launch pad at the Sohae Launch Facility in Tongch’ang-ri, Ch’o'lsan County, North P’yo’ngan Province.  U’nha-3 was unveiled to visiting foreign media, along with what was said to be the Kwangmyo’ngso’ng-3 satellite [KMS-3].  Xinhua reports:

The rocket for Pyongyang’s planned satellite launch later this month has been installed on the launch pad, Xinhua correspondents saw at the launch site Sunday.

A official said at the scene that the Unha-3 rocket, which is slated to blast off during the April 12-16 window and send an “earth observation” satellite into space, is yet to be fuelled.

Xinhua was among the foreign media invited to visit the launching station, control and command center and some other places.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) announced last month its plan to launch the Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite to mark the 100th birthday of late leader Kim Il Sung, which has triggered global concerns.

Daily Yomiuri reports:

The injection of liquid fuel will start after the second- and third-stage units are assembled, the sources said.

Despite strong opposition by Japan, the United States, South Korea and other countries to the plan, the latest development shows North Korea has entered the final stage of preparations for the launch.

The setting up of the first-stage booster was confirmed by analysis of data from a U.S. reconnaissance satellite.

According to the sources, the first-stage booster was assembled vertically on the launchpad, which is about 50 meters high, at the new missile base in Tongchang-ri completed last year.

U.S. and South Korean authorities believe the second- and third-stage units will be set up by early this week, followed by the injection of liquid fuel from an underground facility.

The liquid fuel used by North Korea is said to be highly corrosive, making it difficult to store in a fuel tank for a long time after its injection, according to military experts. For this reason, the fuel will be injected a few days before the launch.

“No delays have been seen thus far, from the transportation of the missile body to the base to its assembly. We believe the launch will be carried out as announced,” a source said.

North Korea announced it will launch the rocket in the period from April 12 to 16.

Starting Wednesday, North Korea is scheduled to hold a series of political events, including a representatives’ meeting of the Workers’ Party of Korea. During this meeting, the North’s new leader, Kim Jong Un, is expected to assume the hermetic country’s highest posts, such as the general secretary of the party.

Another diplomatic source said North Korea will “fire the missile by April 15, [to celebrate the] 100th [anniversary of the] birthday of late President Kim Il Sung…and the completion of the power succession.”

Meanwhile, the launch of the U’nha-3 and Kwangmyo’ngso’ng-3 satellite may not be the only test carried out by the Korean Workers’ Party (KWP) Central Committee’s Machine-Building Industry Department and its subordinate organizations, the Second Economy Commission and Second Natural Sciences Academy.  South Korean officials say that ongoing excavation and construction activities near P’unggye-ri, Kilchu County, North Hamgyo’ng Province suggest the DPRK may conduct a third underground nuclear detonation, likely HEU.  Yonhap reports:

Satellite images show the communist nation digging a new tunnel underground in the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in the country’s northeast, where it conducted two previous nuclear tests, first in 2006 and then in 2009.

The construction is believed to be in its final stage, the official said.

“North Korea is making clandestine preparations for a third nuclear test at Punggye-ri in North Hamkyong Province, where it conducted two nuclear tests in the past,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

Commercial satellite imagery showed piles of earth and sand at the entrance of a tunnel in the Punggye-ri site. The soil is believed to have been brought to the site to plug the tunnel, one of final steps before carrying out a nuclear test blast.

A nuclear test following a long-range missile test fits the pattern of North Korean behavior.

In 2006, the provocative regime carried out its first-ever nuclear test, three months after the test-firing of its long-range Taepodong-2 rocket. The second nuclear test in 2009 came just one month after a long-range rocket launch.

The North says it will fire off its Unha-3 long-range rocket between April 12-16 to put what it claims is a satellite into orbit. But regional powers believe the launch is a pretext to disguise a ballistic missile test banned under a U.N. Security Council resolution.

Sources said the North is believed to have put the rocket on a launch pad in the country’s northwest on Friday.

The North’s nuclear and missile programs have long been a regional security concern. The country is believed to have advanced ballistic missile technology, though it is still not clear whether it has mastered the technology to put a nuclear warhead on a missile.