DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim inspects ongoing construction work on Nungra Islet in Pyongyang on 18 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
DPRK state media reported on 18 May (Saturday) that DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim visited ongoing construction on Nungra Islet in Pyongyang on 17 May. KCNA reports:
The project is making brisk headway at its final phase under the meticulous guidance of the dear respected Kim Jong Un, conveying the legend about love of leader Kim Jong Il for the people.
The soldier-builders engaged in the project have made remarkable progress in the project in the spirit of conducting an offensive at a breath in hearty response to the order of Kim Jong Un, supreme commander of the Korean People’s Army.
The premier looked round different places of the pleasure ground including the Rungna Dolphin Aquarium to acquaint himself in detail with the progress made in the project.
He underscored the need for the builders to translate into reality the supreme commander’s outlook on people.
He also underlined the need to fully ensure quality in the construction including the modern Rungna Wading Pool as required by the new century and touched upon issues arising in the project.
DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim is briefed about the construction of a water slide on Nungra Islet on 18 May 20120 (Photo: KCNA)
DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim (R) is briefed about the production process at Sakchu Textile Factory on 17 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
On 17 May (Friday) Choe Yong Rim was reported to have visited factories in Ch’angso’ng and Sakchu Counties, North P’yo’ngan Province on Thursday (16 May). KCNA reports:
Greater efforts are made for the development of the local industry in the county associated with the undying leadership feats of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.
Choe toured various places including the Changsong Foodstuff Factory undergoing a dramatic change to acquaint himself in detail with the technical updating and production, and met innovators to give them a pep-talk.
Then followed a consultative meeting.
It stressed the importance of the local industry in improving the standard of the people’s living.
It took steps for the solution of problems arising in invigorating the central and local industries, producing more quality consumer goods of diverse kinds and sprucing up the county.
That day the premier went round the Sakju Textile Factory and the Sakju Foodstuff Factory, too.
Touring the factories increasing production by keeping themselves in full capacity operation, he called for launching dynamic drive for improving the standard of the people’s living by actively tapping raw materials available in localities.
View of Kwaksan land reclamation (Photo: KCNA)
DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim (R) and DPRK Vice Premier and State Planning Commission Chairman Ro Tu Chol (L) attend the opening ceremony of the Kwaksan Tideland phase of land reclamation on 16 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA screen grab)
Prior to his visit to Ch’angso’ng County, Choe’s attended the opening ceremony of the Kwaksan land reclamation, which is linked to ongoing land reclamation projects in North P’yo’ngan Province. Land reclamation was part of Kim Jong Un’s remarks on land management, which were publicized earlier this month.
Workers and officials of the North Phyongan Province Tideland Reclamation Complex built breakwaters in sections extending several thousand meters linking Kwan, Talyang, Woejang and several other islets in a matter of one and half years, turning 1 600 hectares of tideland into cultivated land.
The completion of the projects made it possible for a huge farm to do safe farming and breed fishes and cultivate shallow-sea food. As a result, great progress was made in developing agriculture and improving people’s living standard and another change was made in the map of the country.
A ceremony of the completion of the projects took place on the spot Wednesday.
Present there were Choe Yong Rim, Ro Tu Chol and other officials concerned, officials and builders of the tideland reclamation complex and working people in Kwaksan County.
A letter of thanks from the Workers’ Party of Korea Central Committee was conveyed to the builders and officials, scientists and technicians who made distinguishing labor feats in the construction of the second-phase project.
The WPK Central Committee highly praised them for successfully building another monumental structure in the Songun era by displaying popular heroism and matchless devotion.
At the end of the ceremony, the participants went round different places of the completed project.
DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim tours the Kumyagang Army-People Power Station on May 5, 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
DPRK state media reported on 6 May (Sunday) that Premier Choe Yong Rim and DPRK Cabinet officials visited the Ku’myagang Army-People Power Station and the Ku’mya Youth Coal Mine in South Hamgyo’ng Province on 5 May (Saturday). KCNA reports:
The first leg of his visit was the Kumyagang Army-People Power Station. He held a consultative meeting after going round various places of the station.
It took measures for boosting the electricity production by operating the generating equipment in full capacity and underscored the need for the related units to supply equipment and materials necessary for the operation of the power station.
The next leg of his visit was the Kumya Youth Coal Mine.
He learned in detail about the coal production there before holding a consultative meeting of the officials concerned on the spot.
The meeting called on the officials to take good care of workers true to the dear respected Kim Jong Un’s noble idea of loving people and took measures for providing a satisfactory supply of coal badly needed by various fields of the national economy.
DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim tours Kumya Youth Coal Mine in South Hamgyong Province on 5 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
Choe Ryong Hae is briefed about the construction of the Pyongyang Folk Park (L) on 4 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
Choe Ryong Hae (3rd R) tours ongoing construction at Rungra Islet in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)
DPRK state media reported on 5 May (Saturday) that VMar Choe Ryong Hae, director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department (bureau) inspected ongoing construction work at Nungra Island and the Pyongyang Folk Park on 4 May (Friday). It was Choe’s second reported solo public appearance since his elevation to the National Defense Commission and the Political Bureau Presidium. KCNA reports:
The project is a giant undertaking to protect from flood the Rungra Pleasure Ground for People whose appearance is changing with each passing day according to the far-reaching plan of the WPK.
When the project is completed, it will help add beauty to the landscape of Rungra Islet and Panwol Islet and provide the people with a centre for a safer and highly civilized cultural and emotional life.
Having received the order of Supreme Commander Kim Jong Un, the solder-builders have made great achievements in carrying out every process of the project in a matter of just 40 odd days since the ground-breaking by displaying popular heroism and matchless devotion.
Going round different sections of the project, the director acquainted himself in detail with the progress made in the construction and the operation of vehicles. He also dropped in at bedrooms of soldier-builders and kitchens to learn about their living.
A consultative meeting took place at the work site.
Cranes at Tanchon Commerical Port (Photo: KCNA)
Crowd assembled for opening ceremony of Tanchon Port (Photo: KCNA)
Meanwhile, DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim spent several days in South Hamgyo’ng Province. On Thursday (3 May) Choe attended the opening of Tanchon Port. Among those who traveled out from Pyongyang for the port’s opening were Vice Premier and Chairman of the State Planning Commission Ro Tu Chol and KWP Secretary and Director of the Finance and Planning Department Kwak Pom Gi. During the 4th Party Conference in April, Ro and Kwak were elected alternate (candidate) members of the Political Bureau. Kwak was also elected the KWP Secretary and Director of the Finance and Planning Department. From June 2010 to April 2011, Kwak was chief party secretary for South Hamgyo’ng Province. KCNA reports:
The construction of the port with a cargo traffic capacity of millions of tons provides a guarantee for greatly contributing to developing the nation’s foreign trade and improving the people’s living standard.
A ceremony for the completion of the construction was held on the spot Thursday.
Present there were Choe Yong Rim, Kwak Pom Gi, Ro Tu Chol and other officials concerned, officials of the Ministry of Land and Marine Transport, builders and working people of industrial establishments in Tanchon City.
Read out there was a joint congratulatory message sent by the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the Cabinet of the DPRK to the officials and members of shock brigades who performed labor feats in the construction of the port.
The message highly praised them for successfully building another giant structure in the era of Songun greatly conducive to building an economic power true to the life-time desires and last instructions of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.
It expressed belief that they would perform greater feats in the efforts for the country’s prosperity united close around the WPK Central Committee headed by the dear respected Kim Jong Un.
Minister of Land and Marine Transport Kang Jong Gwan, in his speech made for the occasion, said the construction of the port was a brilliant fruition of the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il who initiated the construction of the port and worked heart and soul to translate the desire of the President into a reality till the last moments of his revolutionary life and the clear-sighted guidance and meticulous care of Kim Jong Un.
Speakers at the ceremony pledged themselves to carry out their tasks including dredging in a short span of time in the same spirit as displayed in the construction of the port.
At the end of the ceremony the participants looked round different places of the port.
On the same day, Choe Yong Rim, Ro Tu Chol and other Cabinet officials visited Tanch’o'n Smeltery and the Tanch’o'n Magnesia Factory. KCNA reports:
He went round the newly built cultural and welfare facilities and construction site of combined fire-proof materials production process.
Looking round the facilities he said that the officials should serve the convenience of the workers on a priority basis and look after their life with care, keeping deep in their minds the dear respected Kim Jong Un’s maxim of loving the people.
He also stressed the need to finish the construction of the fire-proof materials production process in a short period of time and keep the production going successfully by putting the production processes on a modern and scientific basis.
The premier went to the Tanchon Smeltery, which Kim Jong Il gave field guidance in his lifetime.
Touring various places of the Smeltery, he mentioned the need to increase the production of processed goods by introducing advanced technologies, setting up new processes, further heightening the level of technical skills and laying material and technical foundations for the timely and successful dressing of concentrated ores.
At a consultation meeting the premier stressed the need for everyone to turn out in the building of an economic power to register higher production records, remaining true to the noble intention of Kim Jong Il.
DPRK Choe Yong Rim (3rd L) is briefed about production at the Ryongsong Machine Complex in Hamhu’ng, South Hamgyo’ng Province on 4 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim tours the Hu’ngnam Fertilizer Complex in South Hamgyo’ng Province on 4 May 2012. Also seen in attendance is Vice Premier Ro Tu Chol (L) (Photo: KCNA)
On Friday (4 May), the same group visited factories in Hamhu’ng. KCNA reports:
He looked round the February 8 Vinalon Complex, the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex, the Ryongsong Machine Complex, the Hungnam Pharmaceutical Factory and renovated Sinhung Restaurant associated with footprints of leader Kim Jong Il.
Workers in Hamhung City are bringing about a great surge in the drive to build an economic power, true to the behests of Kim Jong Il.
He acquainted himself with the production at the complexes and factory and convened consultative meetings.
The meetings discussed the issues of increasing and stepping up the production of carbide and vinalon as well as fertilizers.
The meetings also took measures for pushing ahead with the production of custom-built equipment including high-performance compressor needed for various fields of national economy, increasing the production of medicines and finishing the renovation project at an early date.
Then, he went round Sinhung Restaurant.
He called on the employees of the Restaurant to perform their mission and role as servants for people, true to the Party’s slogan “We Serve the People!”
Choe Yong Rim tours the 8 February Vinalon Complex (Photo: KCNA)
Choe Yong Rim visits Sinhung Restaurant (Photo: KCNA)
National headquarters of the Kim Il Sung Youth League (L) and the Korea Democratic Women’s Union (R) in Pyongyang (Photo: Google image)
DPRK state media reported on 4 May (Friday) that the four major Workers’ Organizations will hold membership conferences “from late May to early June.” KCNA reports:
Conferences of the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League, the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea, the Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea and the Democratic Women’s Union of Korea are to be held here from late May to early June.
Discussed there will be the tasks of the working people’s organisations to hold in high esteem President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il as eternal leaders of the Party and revolution, carry through the decision of the Fourth Conference of the Workers’ Party of Korea and build a thriving socialist nation under the guidance of the dear respected Kim Jong Un.
It is not clear if the Workers’ Organizations’ conferences are linked to another large gathering in Pyongyang connected to boosting the country’s food supply. Good Friends reported on its website on 2 May (Wednesday) that “the new leadership decided to hold a homeland meeting in Pyongyang early in May with the intent of preparing measures to resolve the problem of food shortages. Three to four functionaries of related fields from each county, and even larger numbers from each city are continuing to gather in Pyongyang. . .the scale is second only to the party representatives’ conference held on 11 April.” Good Friends also reported that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n), “personally ordered the meeting to be held, saying that good methods of food production should be sought fundamentally.”
North Korean officials from across the country will meet in Pyongyang this month to discuss ways to boost agriculture in the food-scarce nation, a Seoul aid group said on Thursday.
The ‘Homeland Conference’ will focus on ways to expand farmland in the mountainous nation by cultivating rugged areas and inactive land, Good Friends said on its website.
The meeting will draw hundreds of people including central and local government officials, ruling communist party officials and other state agencies, making it as large as a party meeting last month, the aid group said.
Seoul’s unification ministry could not immediately confirm the reported meeting, for which the aid group gave no date.
The North suffered a famine which killed hundreds of thousands in the 1990s and severe food shortages continue. UN agencies said last November that three million people would need food aid this year and child malnutrition was rising.
Good Friends said the Pyongyang meeting would also consider a chronic workforce shortage in agriculture.
Many collectivised farms suffer high rates of absenteeism as farmers roam in search of roots and wild greens to compensate for grain shortages, it said.
Kim Jong Un (2nd R) applauds after members of the central leadership cut a ceremonial ribbon opening the Mansugyo Meat and Fish shop. Also in this image are VMar Ri Yong Ho (2nd L) and Gen. Kim Yong Chol (C) (Photo: KCNA)
DPRK state media reported that Kim Jong Un and other members of the DPRK central leadership attended the opening of a butcher-cum-fish monger called the Mansugyo Meat and Fish Shop on Wednesday (25 April). Also in attendance with Kim Jong Un were Kim Kyong Hui, Jang Song Taek, VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Mun Kyong Dok, Kim Yong Nam, VMar Kim Jong Gak, Choe Yong Rim, VMar Ri Yong Ho, Kim Yang Gon, Kang Sok Ju, Yang Hyong Sop, Choe Tae Bok, Kim Ki Nam, Gen. Kim Kyong Ok and Gen. Kim Yong Chol.
DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim (4th L), KWP Secretary Kim Kyong Hui (2nd R) and KWP Secretary Mun Kyong Dok (2nd R) cut a ceremonial ribbon. Kim Jong Un can be seen watching the ceremony in the background (Photo: KCNA)
KCNA reports:
The Mansugyo Meat and Fish Shop built on the bank of picturesque Pothong River in Pyongyang started its business on Wednesday.
The 3-storey shop covers 5 000 plus square meters.
Its ground floor has counters of fresh and frozen fish and processed fish while the first floor counters of meat including beef, pork, goose, turkey and quail and processed foodstuff.
The second floor has a restaurant serving steak.
The opening ceremony was held on Wednesday.
The dear respected Kim Jong Un appeared at the shop to congratulate its opening.
Attended there were Kim Yong Nam, Choe Yong Rim, Choe Ryong Hae, Ri Yong Ho and other senior party, state and army officials and officials concerned.
Looking round the interior of the shop, Kim Jong Un expressed great satisfaction with the solider builders having built the shop to be loved by the people.
He ardently said leader Kim Jong Il would have seen the shop with the highest service level.
He advanced tasks to manage and operate the shop.
He visited the shop construction site in January and indicated the orientation and ways for construction, underlining the need to provide the best convenience to the consumers.
Kim Jong Un inspects a refrigerator case. Also in attendance are VMar Choe Ryong Hae (R) and Gen. Kim Kyong Ok (2nd R), who is a member of the Party Central Military Commission and deputy director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department (Photo: KCNA)
Kim Jong Un’s presence at the ribbon cutting and tour of the premises established the shop’s opening as a #1 event. However, KJU was not observed cutting the ceremonial ribbon in front of the shop’s entrance; instead the ribbon was cut by his aunt, Kim Kyong Hui (party secretary for light industry) and Mun Kyong Dok, Pyongyang KWP Secretary, among others. This activity (or lack thereof) contrasts with his cutting the ceremonial ribbon to open the KPA Arms and Equipment Exhibition. This indicates that Kim Jong Un still has a passive public role on economic affairs, while retaining an active role in security and military matters.
Kim Jong Un (2nd L) gestures at a fish tank. Gen. Kim Yong Chol is at the left (Photo: KCNA)
With recent statements by the KPA Supreme Command excoriating and threatening South Korean political leaders, the prominent position of Gen. Kim Yong Chol at KJU’s side may incite queasiness in some Pyongyang watchers. Gen. Kim heads the Reconnaissance General Bureau, whose mission is anti-ROK military and intelligence operations.
Kim Jong Un was also reported as having attended a commemorative photo session with the personnel involved in the construction of the KPA Arms and Equipment Exhibition. The photo-op was KJU’s last reported public appearance. KCNA reports:
Kim Jong Un waved back to the soldier-builders enthusiastically cheering him, overcome with excitement, and extended a warm salute to them.
He warmly congratulated them and had a photo taken with them.
He repeatedly praised them for their laudable exploits, noting that they successfully built the exhibition as a gift to leader Kim Jong Il, greatly contributing to adding shine to the Songun revolutionary exploits performed by the great persons of Mt. Paektu, helping the service personnel of the KPA and people deeply grasp the history of the army of the WPK and thus encouraging them in their efforts to build a thriving socialist nation.
Kim Jong Un expressed belief that the solider-builders would make a positive contribution to the cause of building a thriving nation by fully displaying patriotic devotion and popular heroism in the defence of the country and socialist construction in the future, too.
Present at the photo session were senior officials of party and armed forces organs Choe Ryong Hae, Ri Yong Ho, Kim Jong Gak, Jang Song Thaek, Kim Yong Chun, Kim Ki Nam, Pak To Chun, Hyon Chol Hae, Kim Won Hong, Ri Myong Su, Ju Kyu Chang, Kim Chang Sop, Ri Pyong Sam, Choe Pu Il, Son Chol Ju, Pak Jae Gyong, Kim Yong Chol, Jo Kyong Chol, Yun Tong Hyon, Kim Su Hak and Ri Jae Il.
Photo released by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 6, 2012 shows the inauguration ceremony held at the Huichon power station in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on April 5, 2012. The DPRK said on April 6 that its Huichon power station has started operations, which will help ease electricity shortages in the capital. The power station, located in Jagang Province, will also help protect cultivated land and residential areas along the Chongchon River from flooding, and ensure an ample supply of water to the industrial establishments in Huichon and Namhung areas, according to official media reports. (Xinhua/KCNA)
The DPRK opened the Hu’ich’o'n Power Station in Chagang Province on Thursday (5 April). Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam, DPRK Cabinet Premier Choe Yong Rim, National Defense Commission [NDC] Vice Chairman and Minister of the People’s Armed Forces VMar Kim Yong Chun, KWP Secretary Choe Tae Bok, KWP Secretary and Director of General Affairs Tae Jong Su, Gen. Yun Jong Rin and DPRK Vice Premier and State Planning Commission Chairman Ro Tu Chol were among the members of the central leadership to attend the opening ceremony. Choe Yong Rim delivered the keynote address. Choe was last reported to have visit the construction site of Huichon Power Station on 20 February 2012. Xinhua reports:
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Friday that its Huichon power station has started operations, which will help ease electricity shortages in the capital.
Premier Choe Yong Rim told an inauguration ceremony on Thursday that the Huichon power station was “a brilliant fruition of the wise guidance of late leader Kim Jong Il,” official newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported.
The power station, located in Jagang Province, will also help protect cultivated land and residential areas along the Chongchon River from flooding, and ensure an ample supply of water to the industrial establishments in Huichon and Namhung areas, according to official media reports.
The Central Committee and Central Military Commissions of the Workers’ Party of Korea sent a joint congratulatory message to builders and members of shock brigades.
The party “will always remember the heroic feats performed by the builders who erected a gigantic structure for the country’s prosperity and its people’s happiness,” the message said.
The message said it took only three years to complete the construction of the power station, a project which normally needs more than 10 years to finish.
The Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly issued a decree on April 1 awarding the Kim Il Sung Prize for the design of the Huichon power station.
DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim delivers the keynote address during an opening ceremony of Huichon Power Station in Jagang Province on Thursday, April 5 (Photo: KCNA)
Photo released by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 6, 2012 shows the Huichon power station in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The DPRK said on April 6 that its Huichon power station has started operations, which will help ease electricity shortages in the capital. The power station, located in Jagang Province, will also help protect cultivated land and residential areas along the Chongchon River from flooding, and ensure an ample supply of water to the industrial establishments in Huichon and Namhung areas, according to official media reports. (Xinhua/KCNA)
North Korea said Friday that it has dedicated a new hydroelectric power plant in its central northern area bordering China, a project long touted as a symbol of its bid for the construction of a “strong and prosperous state.”
“The construction of the Huichon Power Station has been completed in the DPRK,” the North’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, adding that a dedication ceremony took place on Thursday.
DPRK is the acronym for the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
“The builders finished the construction of the power station in a matter of three years though it would have taken more than a decade at normal pace,” the KCNA said.
Chronic shortage of electricity and other energy has long been one of the problems beleaguering the North’s moribund economy, which has been under sanctions by the international community due to its nuclear and missile tests.
“The completion makes it possible to more satisfactorily settle the shortage of electricity in Pyongyang, protect cultivated land and residential areas along the River Chongchon from flooding and ensure an ample supply of industrial water to the industrial establishments in the Huichon and Namhung areas,” KCNA said.
The plant, which has a generating capacity of 300,000 kilowatts, was launched by late leader Kim Jong-il, who reportedly visited the construction site eight times before his death last December to order an early completion of the project.
North Korea has designated 2012 as a moment in its history to rise as “a great, powerful and prosperous nation” — a propaganda slogan that was spearheaded by Kim Jong-il.
New economic goals were announced in 2009 that called for undertaking major construction projects as well as modernizing farms and factories in time for the centennial birth of the communist country’s founder, Kim Il-Sung, on April 15.
Earlier, North Korea announced plans to launch a satellite on the back of a long-range rocket as part of the April celebrations. The international community has urged Pyongyang to cancel the launch, warning that it would be seen as a violation of a ban on missile activity.
The opening of the Huichon Power Station in Jagang Province, north of Pyongyang, was the first big ceremony in a month of celebrations timed for the April centenary of the birth of late President Kim Il Sung.
The power station on the Chongchon River, which had been under construction for more than three years, was a favored project of late leader Kim Jong Il. Kim had visited the project at least five times before his December death.
Son Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s new leader, visited the construction site with his father in August 2011.
The power station is North Korea’s largest, with two dams and a network of tunnels. The dams harness water from the Jangja and Chongchon Rivers. Construction on a second power station further down the Chongchon River is due to begin soon, said the top officials who spoke at Thursday’s ceremony.
North Korea suffers from an acute power shortage.
New economic goals announced in 2009 called for undertaking major construction projects such as the Huichon Power Station as well as modernizing farms and factories in time for the April 2012 festivities.
North Korea will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Kim Il Sung’s birth on April 15.
North Korea also has announced plans to launch a satellite on the back of a long-range rocket as part of the celebrations. The United States and other nations have urged Pyongyang to cancel the launch, warning that it would be seen as a violation of a ban on missile activity.
Ku'msusan Memorial Palace was the setting of a meeting of the KPA and renaming ceremony on 16 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
On 16 February (Thursday) Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) and other members of the central leadership commemorated what would have been Kim Jong Il’s official 70th birthday at Ku’msusan Memorial Palace. The main event was a renaming ceremony whereby Ku’msusan was renamed Palace of the Sun, in advance of displaying KJI’s remains once the preservation process is complete. Speaking at the ceremony were SPA Presidium President Kim Yong Nam and Chief of the KPA General Staff Ri Yong Ho. Kim publicized the decision to rename the palace, while Ri spoke about the political loyalty of the Korean People’s Army [KPA]. After the speeches, a cavalcade of MLRS, armored personnel carriers, towed missiles, KPA personnel and members of the Worker-Peasants’ Red Guard processed through Ku’msusan Plaza.
KCNA reports:
Kim Yong Nam, Choe Yong Rim, Ri Yong Ho, Kim Kyong Hui, Kim Yong Chun, Kim Jong Gak, senior party, state and army officials, commanders of the KPA services and arms, officials of the party, armed forces, power bodies, social organizations, ministries and national institutions, men and officers of the Korean People’s Army and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces, officials in the fields of science, education, culture and arts, public health and media, persons of distinguished services and labor innovators also attended.
Present there on invitation were overseas Koreans including the delegation of the Koreans in Japan for commemorating the Day of the Shining Star and the chief of the Pyongyang mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front, diplomatic envoys and representatives of international organizations and members of military attaches corps here.
They observed a moment’s silence for Kim Jong Il.
A joint decision of the Central Committee and the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the DPRK National Defence Commission, the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People’s Assembly and the DPRK Cabinet was made public to rename the Kumsusan Memorial Palace the “Kumsusan Palace of the Sun”.
A ceremony of the service persons of the three services of the KPA followed.
All the participants paid highest respects to the portrait of smiling Generalissimo Kim Il Sung and the portrait of smiling Generalissimo Kim Jong Il, the founder and builder of the revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK.
A 21 gun-salute boomed amid the playing of “Song of General Kim Il Sung” and “Song of General Kim Jong Il”.
Chief of KPA General Staff Ri Yong Ho, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK, made an address.
He, reflecting the iron faith and will of the KPA, the army of the President and Kim Jong Il and the army of the Supreme Commander, pledged to share the destiny with the party forever even though the earth might break down, the sky fall and the land collapse.
Then the portrait of smiling Kim Jong Il entered the plaza, escorted by columns of colors.
Columns of the units of the three services of the KPA marched by, carrying flags of the Supreme Commander, the WPK and the military to the tune of music of a brass band.
Kim Jong Un held his hand to salute them.
The columns of multiple launch rocket system, missiles and armored cars passed through the plaza.
At the end of the march, he waved back to the enthusiastic, cheering masses.
A view of the rostrum in front of Ku'msusan Memorial Palace on 16 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
Political Bureau Presidium Member and Chief of the KPA General Staff, VMar Ri Yong Ho (5th L) delivers a keynote address at a meeting of the KPA service branches on 16 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
A BTR rolls through Ku'msusan Plaza at a meeting commemorating Kim Jong Il's birthday on 16 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
Prior to the KPA meeting and naming ceremony, KJU along with members of the central leadership and a variety of DPRK elites visited a portrait of KJI mounted on marble in one of Ku’msusan’s reception rooms. Among the elites who queued up were the inaugural recipients of the Order of Kim Jong Il, including his widow Kim Ok.
Kim Jong Un stands in front a portrait of Kim Jong Il inside Ku'msusan Memorial Palace
A woman who resembles Kim Ok (R), KJI's last known wife and a manager at the National Defense Commission, looks at a portrait of KJI after bowing to the image with other DPRK elites on 16 February 2012
KCNA reports:
Accompanying him were Kim Yong Nam, Choe Yong Rim, Ri Yong Ho, Kim Kyong Hui, Kim Yong Chun, Kim Ki Nam, Choe Thae Bok, Yang Hyong Sop, Kang Sok Ju, Jang Song Thaek, Kim Jong Gak, Kim Yang Gon, Kim Yong Il, Pak To Chun, Choe Ryong Hae, Thae Jong Su, Kim Phyong Hae, Mun Kyong Dok, Ju Kyu Chang, U Tong Chuk and Kim Chang Sop, officials of the C.C. and the Central Military Commission of the WPK and the DPRK National Defence Commission, staff members of the KPA Supreme Command, commanding officers of KPA large-combined units, chief secretaries of the provincial committees of the WPK, and leading officials of ministries and national institutions.
The chief of the guards of honor of KPA three services and the Worker-Peasant Red Guards made a salute to the portrait of smiling Generalissimo Kim Jong Il.
Seen before the portrait was a floral basket in the joint name of the Central Committee and the Central Military Commission of the WPK, the DPRK National Defence Commission, the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly and the Cabinet of the DPRK.
Written on the ribbons of the floral basket were letters reading “The great leader Comrade Kim Jong Il is immortal”.
Kim Jong Un, together with senior party, state and military officials, paid deep respects to Kim Jong Il in humble reverence while looking up to his portrait.
An image of Kim Jong Il's office building is projected during this song performance at a concert commemorating his birthday (Photo: KCNA)
The new leader attended an orchestra concert, apparently held on Friday, along with top members of the ruling elite, according to Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency.
“Kim Jong-un waved to the enthusiastically cheering audience. The audience observed a moment’s silence in memory of Kim Jong-il in the humblest reverence,” KCNA said.
“Its performers represented the unbounded yearning and reverence of the service personnel and the people for Kim Jong-il who laid an eternal foundation for the prosperity of the country and its people’s happiness, undergoing for decades all sorts of sufferings which nobody else in this world has ever experienced,” it said.
On Friday (17 February) members of the central leadership congregated at the Mokran House for “a splendid reception.” Like the unveiling ceremony of the Kim equestrian statuary at Mansudae Art Studio, neither Kim Jong Un nor Kim Kyong Hui were reported to have attended this event. Among the named banquet attendees were “staff members of the Political Bureau.” The last known mention of Political Bureau staff was at a similar banquet commemorating the party’s official anniversary on or around 11 October 2011, which was the same time KJI was dictating his “behests.”
Present there were Kim Yong Nam, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK and president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK, Choe Yong Rim, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK and premier, Ri Yong Ho, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK and chief of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army (KPA), Kim Yong Chun, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., WPK and vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and minister of the People’s Armed Forces, Kim Ki Nam and Choe Thae Bok, members of the Political Bureau and secretaries of the C. C., the WPK, Yang Hyong Sop, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., WPK and vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly, Ri Yong Mu, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., WPK and vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, O Kuk Ryol, member of the C.C., WPK and vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, Kang Sok Ju, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., WPK and vice-premier of the Cabinet, Jang Song Thaek, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK and vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission, Kim Jong Gak, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK and first vice-director of the General Political Bureau of the KPA, Kim Yang Gon, Kim Yong Il, Pak To Chun and Choe Ryong Hae, alternate members of the Political Bureau and secretaries of the C.C., the WPK, Kim Rak Hui, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., WPK and vice-premier of the Cabinet, Thae Jong Su and Kim Phyong Hae, alternate members of the Political Bureau and secretaries of the C.C., WPK, Mun Kyong Dok, alternate member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the C.C., the WPK and chief secretary of the Pyongyang City Committee of the WPK, Ju Kyu Chang, alternate member of the Political Bureau and department director of the C.C., the WPK, U Tong Chuk and Kim Chang Sop, alternate members of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK, and staff members of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK, members of the C.C., the WPK, members of the Party Central Military Commission, leading officials of the NDC and armed forces organs, officials of ministries and national institutions, men and officers of the KPA and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces and others.
Ri Yong Ho made a speech there.
He said it was the greatest honor of the service personnel and people of the DPRK and the great fortune of Kim Il Sung’s nation that they have lived and made revolution, holding Generalissimo Kim Jong Il in high esteem as the sun of their destiny and their father.
The army and people of the DPRK will always remember Generalissimo Kim Jong Il who performed the undying feats on behalf of the times and history as a human being, revolutionary and the people’s father, he noted, and continued:
The history of Kim Jong Il’s Songun revolutionary leadership is given steady continuity thanks to the dear respected Kim Jong Un.
The world will clearly see what historic miracles Songun Korea will perform under the leadership of Kim Jong Un after letting Kim Jong Il lie in state.
At the reception a performance was given by artistes of the Wangjaesan Art Troupe.
A large loyalty rally of DPRK students and youths was held at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on 14 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
Meanwhile, earlier this week, the Kim Il Sung Youth League and Korean Children’s Union conducted several events including initiation ceremonies, study tours and regional meetings. On Tuesday (14 February), the KISYL held a mass loyalty rally for Kim Jong Un at KIS Stadium:
Speeches followed a report by Ri Yong Chol, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League.
The reporter and speakers said Kim Jong Il was born in Mt. Paektu, a holy mountain of revolution, being possessed of all personalities and qualities as befitting a great man. He wisely led the army and people of the DPRK till the last moments of his life, thereby performing undying feats on behalf of the era and history, they added.
They recalled that the fatherly General strengthened the league into the ranks of vanguard going with the August name of President Kim Il Sung and wisely led it so that it can creditably fulfill its mission and role as reliable political reserves of the Party.
They called upon all youths to uphold Kim Jong Il as an eternal sun of Songun Korea for all ages and materialize his lifelong desire.
They vowed to take the lead in the drive for realizing the Workers’ Party of Korea’s strategy for the prosperity of the country upholding the flame of Hamnam, keeping in mind his priceless aphorism that youths are prime-movers who make the whole country alive.
They appealed to hold high the torch of revolution bequeathed by Kim Jong Il and be loyal to Kim Jong Un and accomplish the revolutionary cause of juche, the cause of songun revolution, loudly singing “Korean Youth March”.
Attending the meeting were Choe Thae Bok, Choe Ryong Hae, officials concerned and those of the youth league and youth and students here.
Similar meetings took place in each city and county of the DPRK.
Members of the Kim Il Sung Youth League at loyalty rally on 14 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
While senior officials attended the central report meeting for KJI’s birthday on Wednesday, earlier that day the Korean Children’s Union held its own national meeting at the Taekwando Hall in Mangyo’ngdae. In 2011, some KCU-related events were held outside Ku’msusan Memorial Palace.
Attending the meeting were representatives of the KCU from all provinces, schoolchildren in Pyongyang and pupils joining it.
Present there on invitation were Choe Thae Bok, Yang Hyong Sop, Choe Ryong Hae, Mun Kyong Dok and officials concerned, officials of party organs and the youth league in
Pyongyang, war veterans and persons of merit.
Ri Yong Chol, first secretary of the C.C., the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League, in his report said that Kim Jong Il who always paid deep attention to the work for bringing up successors to the revolution led the KCU members to make long journeys for the songun revolution under the leadership of the party.
The reporter called on all KCU members to actively learn from the glorious childhood and youthhood of Kim Jong Il to study hard and sincerely take part in their organizational life and thus establish sense of organization and discipline to prepare themselves as pillars of songun Korea.
Then followed an admission ceremony of the KCU.
Led by Choe Ryong Hae, secretary of the C.C., the Workers’ Party of Korea, pupils admitting the KCU took an oath.
Officials, war veterans and persons of merit put red ties around their necks and pinned KCU badges on their chests.
Congratulatory speeches were made by Pak Chan Su, lecturer at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, Pang Sung Son, principal of Pyongyang Secondary School No. 1, and Labor Hero and People’s Sportswoman Jang Kyong Ok.
The speakers told them to hold father Kim Jong Il in high esteem forever and become genuine KCU members intensely loyal to the dear respected Kim Jong Un.
Synchronized swimmers performing a routine at an exhibition titled "Yearning Will Last Forever" at Ch'angkwang Health Complex in central Pyongyang on 15 February 2012 (Photo: KCNA)
PRC Ambassador to the DPRK Liu Hongcai (2nd R) attends a ribbon cutting at the Hyesan-China Joint Venture Mineral Company in Yanggang Province on 19 September 2011. Also in attendance are Minister of Extractive Industries Kang Min Chol (2nd L) and Ryanggang Chief KWP Secretary Kim Hui Taek (4th L) (Photo: PRC Embassy in the DPRK)
The DPRK and China formally began operations of a copper mine in Hyesan, Ryannggang Province, on Monday (19 September). The opening ceremony at the mine occurred nearly four (4) years after the two countries agreed to jointly develop the project in November 2007. Opening the Hyesan mine was delayed at several points, with one report claiming that dozens of Chinese workers were camped out near the mine, but local DPRK officials prevented them from performing any work and harassment from local police. Xinhua reports:
Hyesan-China Joint Venture Mineral Company, a large joint project between China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), started operation at Hyesan of Ryanggang province on Monday.
The mineral company was jointly set up by Wanxiang Resources Limited Company of China and the Ministry of Mining Industries of the DPRK on Nov. 1, 2007. Its main business was to produce and sell copper.
DPRK Mining Industries Minister Kang Min Chol and Chinese ambassador Liu Hongcai attended the opening ceremony.
Kim Chol, chairman of the people’s committee of the Ryanggang province, said at the ceremony that the joint venture was one of the symbols of the development of the DPRK-China friendship and would be a model of modernization, science and economic benefits.
Liu believed the company would make profits for both sides, benefit the two peoples and promote traditional China-DPRK friendship.
Speaking program at Hyesan Copper Mine prior to the opening of the Hyesan-China Joint Venture Mineral Company on 21 September 2011. Seen attendance are PRC Ambassador to the DPRK Liu Hongcai (4th L), Ryanggang Chief KWP Secretary Kim Hui Taek (3rd R) and Minister of Extractive Industries Kang Min Chol (2nd R) (Photo: PRC Embassy in the DPRK)
Kim Jong Il on a guidance tour of the Mansudae Street apartments in October 2009. (Photo: KCNA)
One accomplishment used in support of Kim Jong Un’s (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) hereditary succession is the construction of an apartment complex in Mansudae Street. KJU’s contribution to the project has been implicitly underscored in official propaganda as part of a litany that includes land reclamation projects, CNC technology, vinalon and other economic projects. In reports from Japanese media and discussions with individuals who’ve traveled to the DPRK and met with DPRK elites, KJU’s management of the project has been used to buttress his open-mindedness and flexible approach to problem solving (i.e. willingness to deliver bad news to the center, purchasing building materials from abroad). GlobalVoices blogger Lee Yoo Eun links to a ROK citizens’ journalism site that features photographs of the interior of one of these apartments, from which the photos below were taken. NK Economy Watch has written comprehensively about the Mansudae apartments here.
Stairwell and window in a building of the Mansudae Street apartment complex in central Pyongyang
A hot water heater and tub in the bathroom of a residential unit of the Mansudae Street apartment complex in central Pyongyang
A view of a sitting room in an occupied unit at Mansudae Street apartment complex in central Pyongyang
A view of a room in an occupied unit of Mansudae Street apartment complex. At the right is a calendar depicting Kim Jong Suk (Kim Cho'ng-suk), mother of Kim Jong Il and Kim Kyong Hui
