Chinese Special Envoy Wu Dawei (L) DPRK 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Kye Gwan (R)

DPRK 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Kye Gwan met China’s special envoy on Korean Peninsula Affairs Wu Dawei on 27 August (Tuesday).  According to KCNA Kim and Wu “met and had a friendly talk.”  Attending the meeting were officials from the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the PRC’s charge d’affaires ad interim.  Wu arrived in the DPRK on 26 August (Monday) and, according to DPRK state media was greeted at the airport by”functionaries from relevant sectors and the PRC charge d’affaires to the DPRK.”

KWP Secretary Pak To Chun (annotated), the DPRK’s leading official in the production of conventional and advanced weapons, attends a 9 September 2013 parade and demonstration marking the country’s 65th anniversary. Also seen in attendance are Kim Kyong Hui (L), Kim Ki Nam (2nd L) and Choe Yong Rim (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

Pak To Chun on the parade review platform in Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, attending a 9 September 2013 parade marking the DPRK’s 65th anniversary (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

The DPRK’s leading official in the production of conventional and advanced weapons has reappeared following a four-month absence from state media.  Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary and National Defense Commission [NDC] Member Pak To Chun attended the Worker-Peasant Red Guard parade and Pyongyangites’ demonstration held in Pyongyang on 9 September (Monday) to mark the 65th anniversary of the country’s foundation.  During the parade Pak stood on the parade review platform with other VIPs, standing between KWP Secretary Choe Tae Bok and Honorary Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium Vice President Choe Yong Rim.  Pak’s last observed appearance occurred in early May, when he attended sports competitions between workers in the public health sector.  Pak’s absence from the DPRK’s political culture was especially noticeable when he did not attend Kim Jong Un’s (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) tour of Jagang Province, where Pak was an influential KWP official and industrial manager.  When Pak failed to attend a number of events to mark the end of the active hostilities of the Fatherland Liberation (Korean) War in July, he was presumed to have been removed from office.  A number of reasons for Pak’s disappearance or possible dismissal were given, including the failure of a possible test launch of the Mususan intermediate range ballistic missile and allegations of corruption.  Pak To Chun’s disappearance from state media might be correlated to the rise and fall of Gen. Kim Kyok Sik.  Gen. Kim was appointed Chief of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Staff around the same time Pak disappeared.  Pak only re-emerged in DPRK public life after Gen. Kim Kyok Sik was removed as chief of the general staff.

Pak To Chun (L) accompanies Kim Jong Il on a tour of the Kanggye General Tractor Plant in December 2009 (Photo: KCNA).

Kim Jong Un applauds after a performance by the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces’ Song and Dance Ensemble for the 65th anniversary of the DPRK’s foundation, held at Ponghwa Art Theater in Pyongyang. Also in attendance is his wife Ri Sol Ju (L) (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

DPRK state media reported Tuesday (10 September) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) attended a concert for the 65th anniversary of the country’s founding given by the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces’ Song and Dance Ensemble.  Attending the concert were Ri Sol Ju (Kim Jong Un’s wife), Pak Pong Ju (DPRK Premier), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission), Gen. Ri Yong Gil (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Kim Kyong Hui (Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary and Kim Jong Un’s aunt), Kim Ki Nam (KWP Secretary), Gen. Choe Pu Il (Minister of People’s Security) along with “ members of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee, chief secretaries of the Provincial Party Committees, members of the central guidance organ of the Party in Pyongyang, deputies to the Supreme People’s Assembly, ministers of the Cabinet, service personnel of the KPA and the KPISF, scientists and technicians in the field of scientific research, teachers and researchers of universities in the city, overseas Koreans, diplomatic envoys of different countries and representatives of international organizations and military attaches of foreign embassies here and their wives and other foreign guests.”  Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his attendance at a Worker-Peasant Red Guards military parade and Pyongyangites’ demonstration in Kim Il Sung Square on 9 September.

The concert began “Song of the Proclamation of the People’s Republic” and included “male and solo chorus ‘Oh My Motherland of So’ngun,” “male guitar quartet ‘We Will Live Like in Those Days,” and “dance ‘The Post I Am Defending.’”  According to KCNA members of the KPISF Song and Dance Ensemble “highly praised the immortal exploits the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) performed by building a socialist power centred on the popular masses,the first of its kind in the history of the nation spanning five thousand years, and providing solid foundations for the eternal prosperity of the country” and they “sang the praises of the advantages of the socialist system in the DPRK and represented the pledge of all the service personnel and people to creditably defend the country.”  After the concert Kim Jong Un “congratulated the performers on their successful performance, waving to enthusiastically cheering performers and audience” and “appreciated the creators and artistes of the ensemble for greatly contributing to celebrating the 65th anniversary of the DPRK with splendor by devoting their creative wisdom and enthusiasm to make good preparations of the performance in a short span of time.”  

Scenes from a performance by the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces’ Song and Dance Ensemble, given to mark the 65th anniversary of the DPRK’s foundation (Photos: KCTV screengrabs).

DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju delivers a speech at a ceremony opening the U’nha Scientists’ Street residential area in Pyongyang on 11 September 2013. Also seen in attendance are Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Jang Jong Nam (2nd R) and Director of the KPA General Political Department VMar Choe Ryong Hae (R) (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

A ceremony opening the U’nha Scientists’ Street, a residential area in Pyongyang for research scientists and technicians, was held on 11 September (Wednesday).  Attending the ceremony were Pak Pong Ju (DPRK Premier), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), along with “other senior officials of the party, state and army, officials concerned and service personnel of the Korean People’s Army and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces, and officials and builders and those scientists and technicians who are to live in the new flats.”  Mun Kyong Dok, Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Committee, and Pak Pong Ju spoke at the ceremony.

According to KCNA in his speech, Pak “emphasized the need to regard it as main objective of construction to build dwelling houses and rest houses for personnel in the fields of science and education in the future as intended by Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) and implement the party’s idea of attaching importance to science and technology” and “called upon the officials and workers in charge of the management and the operation of those apartment houses, public buildings and welfare service facilities in the street to manage and operate all buildings and facilities in a responsible manner by embodying Kim Jong Il’s (Kim Cho’ng-il) patriotism to make sure that the party’s love for people reaches the scientists and technicians before anyone else.”  Pak also “called upon those scientists and technicians to achieve more fresh successes in their scientific researches to repay with more latest scientific successes the love and trust of Kim Jong Un, who provided modern dwelling houses and highly civilized and happy living conditions to them.”

Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang KWP Committee Mun Kyong Dok C) speaks during the ceremony opening the U’nha Scientists’ Street. Also seen in attendance are Minister of People’s Security Choe Pu Il (L) and President of the Second Academy of Natural Sciences Choe Chun Sik (R) (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

KPISF and KPA construction personnel, along with new residents, attend the U’nha Scientists’ Street grand opening in Pyongyang on 11 September 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs).

Senior officials of the DPRK leadership attend the ceremony including KWP Secretaries Kim Ki Nam (4th R), Choe Tae Bok (3rd R), Pak To Chun 2nd R) and SPA Presidium Vice President Yang Hyong Sop (R) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs).

Pak Pong Ju cuts a ceremonial tape opening the U’nha Scientists Stree in Pyongyang (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

After the speeches, Pak Pong Ju cut a ceremonial red ribbon  and ceremony participants toured the U’nha Scientists’ Street.

Yonhap noted that among the members of the DPRK central leadership attending the ceremony was Choe Chun Sik, President of the Second Academy of Natural Sciences.  Choe toured the scientists’ residential area with Kim Jong Un the previous day, and had last been prominently seen attending various celebratory and commemorative events following the DPRK’s launch of the U’nha-3 in December 2012.  At the opening ceremony, Choe was seen attired in a KPA dress uniform with the rank of Lt. General (sangjang) on the shoulder boards.  Also attending the ceremony was KWP Secretary Pak To Chun, a key leading manager of the DPRK weapons industry and Choe Chun Sik’s nominal boss.

Choe Chun Sik (annotated), President of the Second Academy of Natural Sciences, visits the scientists street with Kim Jong Un (L) and attends the opening ceremony (Photos: Rodong Sinmun, KCTV screengrab).

Pak Pong Ju, VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Gen. Jang Jong Nam, Pak To Chun and Kim Ki Nam tour an apartment in the U’nha Scientists’ Street in Pyongyang (Photos: KCTV screengrabs).

Mun Kyong Dok, Kim Ki Nam, Gen. Jang Jong Nam, Yang Hyong Sop and Pak Pong Ju tour a classroom in the U’nha Scientists Street in Pyongyang (Photos: KCTV screengrabs).

Kim Jong Un tours a 3D movie theater at Ru’ngra People’s Pleasure Park in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

DPRK state media reported on 14 September (Sunday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited two new attractions at the Ru’ngra People’s Pleasure Park and the renovation of the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium.  Attending Kim Jong Un’s visits were Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission and Director of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Administration Department), Ri Jae Il ( Senior Deputy Director of the KWP Propaganda and Agitation Department) and Ma Won Chun  (Deputy KWP Department Director).  Attending his visit at Rungra People Pleasure Park was Pak Chun Hong (Deputy KWP Department Director).  Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his attending at the foundation anniversary concert of the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces’ Song and Dance Ensemble.

Kim Jong Un first visited a 3D Theater recently constructed on Ru’ngra Islet.  He  toured various room in the movie theater and was briefed about the theater’s construction.  He watched the movies Winners and Don’t Wait for Us.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “praised the officials and technicians of the Mokran Video for having successfully produced 3D films requiring latest technology by devoting all their creative wisdom and enthusiasm” and said that “it is important to successfully blend rhythms with themes of films in order to let youth, children and working people feel interesting in the imaginary world the same way they do in reality, while watching 3D films.”  He also “underscored the need to put the operation of the cinema on normal footing by successfully carrying out plans for showing films and controlling equipment as the cinema is to be visited by many people in the future,” “noted that it is necessary to build such cinemas not only in Pyongyang but also in each provincial capital” and said that “the appearance of the modern cinema would help make people’s laughter ring out more loudly at the pleasure park.”  Kim Jong Un also toured a video arcade on Ru’ngra Islet.  According to KCNA he said that the “video games rooms are a gift the WPK presented to the people underscoring the need to raise the sense of responsibility and role of the service persons and successfully manage equipment if their operation is to be put on normal footing and schoolchildren and working people are to be provided with best convenience.”  He was also briefed about the management of the Ru’ngra People’s Pleasure Park and the construction of an outdoor music performance.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “stressed the need for the employees of the pleasure park to manage it better as it is visited by many people and regularly operate it in the spirit of devoted service to people.

Kim Jong Un tours Ru’ngra People’s Pleasure Park (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) visits the renovation of the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium. Also seen in attendance is NDC Vice Chairman Jang Song Taek (2nd R) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un also visited the renovation of the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium.  He toured the stadium “for hours” and issued instructions on floor construction, expanding the stadium’s capacity, locker rooms and other facilities.  According to KCNA he “highly praised officials and workers of the Guidance Bureau for Overseas Construction for admirably performing the task assigned to them by the party for the remodeling of the stadium.”  He also noted that “thestadium with a long history has been successfully remodeled as required by the new century at a time when a new heyday of construction is unfolding” and expressed “expectation and conviction that the officials and employees of the stadium would always glorify the immortal leadership exploits of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il by managing and operating the stadium on a regular basis.”

Kim Jong Un (3rd L) watches senior women’s competitions during the 2013 Asian Cup and Interclub Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships in Pyongyang on 15 September 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun) Also in attendance are his wife Ri Sol Ju (2nd L), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (L), Pak Pong Ju (4th L) and Kim Ki Nam (5th L) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) watched senior women’s weightlifting competitions at the Ryugyo’ng Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium in Pyongyang on 15 September (Sunday).  Among those in attendance were his wife Ri Sol Ju (Ri So’l-chu), Pak Pong Ju (DPRK Premier), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission and Chairman of the State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission), Gen. Jang Jong Nam (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Ki Nam (Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department), Ri Yong Su (Director of the KWP Workers’ Organizations Department), and “other senior party, state and army officials, as well as Pyongyang citizens.”  Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his visit to the renovation of Pyongyang Indoor Stadium.

Before the competition, Kim Jong Un met with senior officials of the International Weightlifting Federation and the Asian Weightlifting Federation.  According to KCNA “theythanked him for making sure that necessary steps were taken so that the championship could be held successfully” and said that “his presence was great support and encouragement to the AWF and great honor and happiness for them as well.”  Kim Jong Un said “he was very pleased to see weightlifters from different countries playing in Pyongyang with sports enthusiasm sweeping across the DPRK and public interest in sports steadily increasing in the country” and “appreciated the big efforts made by AWF, IWF and other related bodies for the successful opening of the championship.”  He watched the senior women’s 63 kg and 69 kg competitions.  DPRK women weightlifters Ri Jong Hwa, Ryo Un Hui and Jo Pok Hyang and Chinese weightlifter Long Dingling  received gold medals.  According to KCNA Kim Jong Un applauded ”in congratulation of their success” and “expressed the conviction that the championship drawing men and women players from over 10 countries and regions would serve as an important occasion in boosting exchange and cooperation among sportspersons and further developing the weightlifting techniques.”

Over view of senior women’s competitions at the 2013 Asian Cup and Interclub Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championship at Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium in Pyongyang on 15 September 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

(Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Members of the DPRK central leadership attend the national meeting of post and telecom workers at the 25 April House of Culture on 16 September 2013. Seen in attendance (L-R) are: DPRK Vice Premier and State Planning Commission Chairman Ro Tu Chol, KWP Secretary Kwak Pom Gi, KWP Secretary Kim Ki Nam, DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju and Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Jang Jong Nam (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

A national meeting of managers and workers in the DPRK’s post and telecommunications sector was held at the 25 April House of Culture in Pyongyang on 16 September (Monday).  Attending the meeting were DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju, Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Jang Jong Nam, Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary Kim Ki Nam, DPRK Vice Premier Jon Sung Hun, Chief KWP Provincial Committee Secretaries along with “officials of party and armed forces organs, the Cabinet, working people’s organizations, ministries, national institutions, party and power organs of provinces, cities and counties, exemplary personnel in posts and telecommunications service and officials of relevant units.”

DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju reads a letter from DPRK supreme leader Kim Jong at a national meeting of post and telecom workers in Pyongyang on 16 September 2013 (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

DPRK Vice Premier Jon Sung Hun reads the meeting’s official report (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

View of participants at a national meeting of workers in the post and telecom sector, held at 25 April House of Culture in Pyongyang on 16 September 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs).

View of the leadership platform at the post and telecom workers’ meeting in Pyongyang on 16 September 2013. In this image are: Ju Kyu Chang, Ro Yu Chol, Kwak Pom Gi, Kim Ki Nam, Pak Pong Ju, Gen. Jang Jong Nam, Mun Kyong Dok and Gen. Choe Pu Il (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

Pak Pong Ju read a letter by Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) “On Bringing About a Fresh Turn in Posts and Telecommunications” which said that “Generalissimos Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) advanced Chuch’e-oriented idea and theory concerning the posts and telecommunications service, indicated orientation and ways of modernizing it as required by the developing revolution and devoted themselves to its modernization” and clarified tasks and ways for the personnel in the posts and telecommunications service to preserve and glorify the immortal exploits of the Generalissimos for the development of Chuch’e-oriented posts and telecommunications and put the service on the world’s advanced level as early as possible by devotedly carrying out the WPK’s policy on posts and telecommunications.”  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un’s letter also “called on all the participants to bring about a fresh turn in the service by successfully discharging their honorable duties and missions in the spirit of devotedly serving the country and people.”  Jon Sung Hun delivered the meeting’s report which “referred to the remarkable development made by the service thanks to the patriotic devotion and energetic leadership provided by the Generalissimos” and said that “the posts and telecommunications service has successfully performed its mission and role in the important work for building a thriving nation and improving the people’s living standard.”  A series of speakers followed the reading of the letter and report.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (R) meets with Kim Kye Gwan, first vice foreign minister of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2013. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

Chinese media reported that DPRK 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Kye Gwan met with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi on 17 September (Tuesday).  During the meeting, according to Xinhua, Yang told Kim that “the China-DPRK relationship is at a crucial stage that connects the past and the future. Both sides should keep up with the times, grasp opportunities and tackle challenges to advance the healthy, stable development of bilateral ties” and  that “the six-party talks are an effective mechanism for realizing denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and maintaining peace and stability of the peninsula and Northeast Asia, as well as an important platform for relevant parties to improve relations.”  Yang also said that “China hopes relevant parties make concerted efforts to strive for an early resumption of the six-party talks.”  Kim Kye Gwan said that “the DPRK-China friendship should carry on, and bilateral ties should be strengthened” and “the six-party talks are an important platform for achieving denuclearization of the peninsula. DPRK supports China’s effort to restart the talks and is willing to keep in-depth communication with China.”  

Kim Kye Gwan is the surprise guest at a one-day conference (or workshop) Retrospects and Outlooks: A Decade of the Six-Party Talks organized by the Chinese Government to mark the tenth anniversary of the Six Party Talks and the eighth anniversary of the 19 September 2005 Joint Statement.  Accompanying Kim to China for the conference were Ri Yong Ho, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Choe Son Hui, a deputy department directors at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  During his address at the conference Kim said the DPRK is ”ready to enter the six-party talks without preconditions” and said that “preconditions” stipulated by the US and ROK “are in violation of the spirit of the Sept. 19 Joint Statement” and “attaching preconditions to our offer of dialogue would cause mistrust.”  Kim also said that “denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula is a dying wish of our late leaders and our country’s policy goal” and “we support the six-party talks, and we are willing to resume dialogue under the framework of the six-party talks, including a small-scale dialogue.”   PRC Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the conference that “no one should attempt to bring chaos to this region or pursue selfish interests” and “recently, there have been positive changes on the Korean Peninsula. . .The situation has moved from a high degree of tensions to relative relaxation, and from strong and serious confrontation to the restart of talks.  The situation on the peninsula is still fragile and uncertain.  Therefore, the parties should properly handle and approach the situation, exercise restraint, avoid provocative measures against each other in order to maintain the current momentum of relaxation.”

Kim Jong Un (4th L) visits the construction of the Munsu Swimming Complex (formerly known as the Munsu Wading Pool) in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

DPRK state media reported on 17 September (Tuesday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the construction of the Munsu Swimming Complex (formerly known as the Munsu Wading Pool) in Pyongyang.  Attending the visit were Senior Deputy [1st Vice] Director of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Propaganda and Agitation Department, Ri Jae Il, and KWP Department Deputy Directors  Pak Tae Song and Ma Won Chun.  Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his attendance at a senior women’s weightlifting competition of the 2013 Asian Cup and Interclub Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships, held at Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium in Pyongyang on 15 September (Sunday).

A view of the waterslides under construction at Munsu Swimming Complex in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

A view of indoor swimming pools within one of the three pyramids under construction at Munsu Swimming Complex in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un gets an overview of the construction of the Munsu Swimming Complex in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

The Munsu Swimming Complex under construction in Pyongyang (top) is modeled on the swimming and entertainment facilities at the Kim family’s residential compound in Ryongso’ng District in Pyongyang (Photos: Rodong Sinmun and DigitalGlobe).

The first two pages of the 18 September 2013 digital edition of Rodong Sinmun, the Korean Workers’ Party daily newspaper showing Kim Jong Un’s visit to the swimming complex (Photos: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un toured the swimming complex’s main lobby where he issued instructions on erecting a statue of his father, late DPRK leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) “with profound reverence.”  He also toured the complex’s store to take  ”steps to build it in such a manner as to make it preserve its nature as a service facility and provide things necessary for swimming.”  Kim Jong Un also toured the complex’s water slides, a wave pool, wading pools as well as other sports facilities and indoor swimming pool.  According to KCNA he “praised the builders for ensuring quality in the project as required by the construction methods.”  He also toured a restaurant at the swimming complex to issue instructions on furniture and cooking utensils.   Overlooking the swimming he complex he said that  ”it is important to rationally distribute buildings and facilities in the plottage, adding that the complex is an example in the most rational use of a building site.”  He also asked a mosaic of sea creatures be installed at the indoor swimming pool.

According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “underscored the need to scrupulously organize the work for successfully operating the complex from now as its construction has reached its final phase.”  He noted “the atmosphere in the construction site is quite different from others” and “added one may know well that the project is being undertaken by the People’s Army.”  He expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the soldier-builders have waged a high-pitched drive day and night, opening a bright prospect for unconditionally winding up the project within the period fixed by the WPK.”  He said that “it has become possible to present people with a world-class swimming complex by completing it by the WPK anniversary. . .it is a great thing service personnel have done in taking the lead in devotedly carrying out the WPK’s plan for building a highly civilized socialist state.”  Kim Jong also said “that once he assigns any task to the People’s Army, it performs a world-startling miracle, so he is pleased to give any job to it” and noted “that fresh achievements are being made in every work site of the People’s Army for building a thriving socialist nation, he said that the WPK and the supreme commander are proud of having such an army.”  He also affirmed that he was right when he decided to build the complex with trust reposed in the People’s Army” and said that “the complex, being built by our own efforts, proves once again that when we are determined to do something, there is nothing impossible.”  According to KCNA Kim Jong Un “said with a broad smile that when the construction of such a complex equipped with all conditions at the world’s level is completed, people will like it very much, adding that he feels very pleased to think about it.”  He also pointed out that “not many days are left till October 10″ and told ” commanding officers to meticulously conduct operations to push ahead with the project as planned without fail and direct efforts to arousing increased enthusiasm among soldier-builders.”  Kim Jong Un “as the supreme commander once again called upon the soldier-builders to successfully complete the project before the WPK anniversary to present it to the people.”

A floral wreath from Kim Jong Un at the memorial bust of his grandmother Kim Jong Suk at Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery in Pyongyang on 22 September 2013 (Photo: KCNA).

A floral wreath laying ceremony were held at the memorial bust of Kim Jong Suk (Kim Cho’ng-suk) at the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery in Pyongyang on 22 September (Sunday) to mark the 64th anniversary of her death.  Similar wreath-laying ceremonies were held the same day in front of Kim Jong Suk statues in Hoeryo’ng, North Hamgyo’ng Province (her birth place) at the Kim Jong Suk Naval Academy in South Hamgyo’ng Province and the Kim Jong Suk General Military Academy.  Kim Jong Suk (1917-1949) was the first wife of late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and mother of late DPRK leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) and current Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary Kim Kyong Hui.  Kim Jong Suk died in Pyongyang on 22 September 1949 due to complications from an extra-uterine pregnancy.

Attending the wreath laying ceremony at the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery were Kim Yong Nam (President of the Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium), Pak Pong Ju (DPRK Premier), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), along with other senior KWP, KPA and DPRK Government officials.  A floral wreath sent by Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) was delivered to the memorial bust, as well as wreath jointly sent by the KWP Central Committee, the SPA Presidium and the DPRK Cabinet.  Wreaths sent by the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces, the Ministry of People’s Security and from “working people’s organizations, ministries, national institutions, KPA units, scientific, educational and media institutions, joint national organizations of the Korean Children’s Union, party and power bodies, factories and farms in Pyongyang” were also delivered.  According to KCNA, “participants paid silent tribute to her, recollecting her revolutionary life.”

Floral wreaths delivered to the memorial bust of Kim Jong Suk to mark the 64th anniversary of her death in Pyongyang on 22 September 2013 (Photo: KCNA).

Members of the DPRK central leadership visit Kim Jong Suk’s memorial bust at Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery in Pyongyang to mark her death anniversary on 22 September 2013. Among those in attendance are: Gen. Kim Won Hong (L), Gen. O Kuk Ryol (2nd L), VMar Ri Yong Mu (3rd L), VMar Kim Yong Chun (4th L), Gen. Jang Jong Nam (5th L), Gen. Ri Yong Gil (6th L), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (7th L), Kim Yong Nam (8th L), Pak Pong Ju (9th L), Kim Ki Nam (10th L), Choe Tae Bok (11th L), Pak To Chun (12th L) and Yang Hyong Sop (13th L) (Photo: KCNA screengrab).

Members of the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League and Young Red Guards salute Kim Jong Suk’s memorial bust in Pyongyang on 22 September 2013 (Photo: KCNA screengrab).

DPRK citizens pay their respects to the memorial bust of Kim Jong Suk, wife of late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung, on 22 September 2013 (Photo: KCNA screengrab).

Kim Jong Suk’s obituary (Photo: KCTV/NKLW archive photo).

Kim Chunk Guk in Nicosia, Cyprus on 16 September 2013 (Photo: Office of the President of the Republic of Cyprus).

DPRK Ambassador Kim Chun Guk presented his letter of credence to the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades on 16 September.  Ambassador Kim serves as the DPRK Ambassador to Italy and the Republic of Cyprus is one of his six nonresident postings.  Attending the meeting were DPRK officials, Cyprus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides, Director of the Office of the President Panayiotis Antoniou and Protocol ChiefNearchos Palas.DPRK state media reported on 23 September (Monday) that during the meeting President Anastasiades “sincerely hoped for fresh success of the DPRK government and people in their efforts for social development, improvement of people’s livelihood and national reunification” and that “the split of the Korean Peninsula imposed on the Koreans against their will causes escalation of tension and confrontation. “

Kim Chun Guk passed along the greetings of DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) and official head of state, Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium President Kim Yong Nam (Kim Yo’ng-nam) to President Anastasiades.  Kim said that “at present, under the wise leadership of H.E. Kim Jong Un, everything is going well in the country. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea maintains its political stability and all Korean people have full confidence in their better future” and summarized recent national political events which he said “demonstrated the true character of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, with all people firmly united around leader Kim Jong Un with one mind.”  Kim said that “The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Government has concentrated all its efforts on economic construction and improving the living standards of the people. That’s why it is imperative for us to create a peaceful environment. The Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea remains consistent in its stands to achieve peace, reunification and common prosperity in the Korean peninsula by improving relations between the north and the south. The sincere and constant efforts of the Government have brought new positive changes in the relations between the north and the south at present.”

Kim Chun Guk referred to the recent agreement to reopen the Kaeso’ng Industrial Zone (complex) and to the now aborted agreement on “the reunion of separated families.”  He also said the DPRK proposed interactions with the US to “continue to make all efforts to ease tension and achieve lasting peace and stability in the Korean peninsula in the future too.”  Ambassador Kim remarked that “it is a consistent policy of the Government to develop relations with EU countries, including Cyprus. Cyprus deserves to be highly appreciated due to its efforts devoted to the unity and development of the EU during its term as chair state of the EU in 2012″ and told President Anastasiades that the DPRK supports “your efforts to achieve peace and prosperity of all Cyprus people by realizing unification of the country. Both of our two countries are small and have suffered from the country division for a long time.”  Kim Chun Guk also said “we hope that the friendly and cooperative relations between our two countries would be further developed and expanded in the political, economic and cultural areas. I wish Your Excellency success in your responsible work.”

According to the Republic of Cyprus’ Presidential office, President Anastasiades welcomed Kim Chun Guk to Cyprus and said:

Your presence provides us with a first-rate opportunity to review extensively our bilateral relations and seek ways and means in strengthening them. The signing of bilateral Agreements constitutes the first step in that direction.

Your Excellency: one time too many, the Korean Peninsula has occupied the front pages of the news; most of the times however, not for good reasons. Because of the ordeal the Korean people had to go through in the War of 1950-53 and the enormous losses in human lives they sustained, we believe it is high time for tension and confrontation to give their way to serious talks about cooperation, reconciliation and, why not, reunification.

The division of the Peninsula in 1945, aside from the manifest injustice it created against the Korean people, has left a huge scar to the present day, an indelible mark. It has also created gratuitous tension, provocations and confrontations. North East Asia has no need of those; the rest of world can live without them as well. It is for these reasons we all look forward to the resumption of serious negotiations for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The agreement on the Kaesong industrial complex must be praised for it shows once more the stamina, determination and the willingness of the two governments to work closely for the common good of their citizens. The same applies for another agreement concluded, which deals with a purely humanitarian issue: the reunion of families who have been separated since 1950. In both cases, despite adversity and the many and seemingly insuperable obstacles, hope has never faded. Progress was the result.

Excellency: the re-launching of the negotiations under the aegis of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in the framework of his Good Offices Mission, aiming at a fair, viable and mutually acceptable settlement to the Cyprus question based on the relevant Security Council Resolutions and the principles upon which the EU operates, remains our first priority.

The settlement must serve, above all, the legitimate interests and be for the benefit of the people of Cyprus as a whole and not for any third country. The negotiations must be properly and thoroughly prepared in order to ensure that the aforementioned objectives are jointly and unequivocally shared and that the negotiations will bear fruit. We cannot afford another failure. It is also my firm conviction that the substantive involvement of the European Union in this procedure is desirable.

Mr Ambassador: you can be assured that in the execution of your duties you may rely on the understanding and the cooperation of myself and the government. On my part, I would appreciate your conveying to H.E. Mr Kim Jong-un, First Secretary of the Worker’s Party of Korea, First Chairman of the National Defense Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army, a warm message of friendship and wishes for the well-being and prosperity of the people of his country”.

Kim Jong Un tours the construction of the Munsu Swimming Complex in Pyongyang. Also seen in attendance is his uncle, NDC Vice Chairman Jang Song Taek (2nd L) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

DPRK state media reported on 22 September (Sunday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the construction of the Mirim Riding Club and the Munsu Swimming Complex in Pyongyang.  He was accompanied by VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission and Director of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Administration Department), Pak Tae Song (Deputy KWP Department Director) and Ma Won Chun (Deputy KWP Department Director).  Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was another visit to the Munsu Swimming Complex.

Kim Jong Un’s first stop was the Munsu Swimming Complex where, according to KCNA, “soldier-builders are now waging a high-pitched drive day and night, pushing ahead with the project at the final phase in hearty response to the appeal of the supreme commander for successfully completing the construction by Oct. 10, the anniversary of the WPK.”  In the indoor swimming pool’s lobby, Kim Jong Un “praised painters of the Mansudae Art Studio for having drawn a panoramic picture of the sea shore in perspective” to complement a statue of late leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) which will eventually be installed.  He said the indoor swimming pool looked “wonderful,” that “it admits sunrays” and he told the soldier-builders to paint the pillars of the slides with white color so that they may look fresh and nice.”  He also “told officials to hang a large clock on the wall of the pool and set up sound equipment to add to its cheerful atmosphere” and that “it is necessary to provide it with mirrors and hairdryers, etc. in order to ensure best convenience to the visitors.”  He instructed construction personnel “to properly furnish the complex with furniture such as amusement tables in its different places including the balcony of the restaurant.”  At an indoor sports facility Kim Jong Un “highly praised the soldier-builders for having successfully built the hall in a brief span of time in hearty response to the order of the supreme commander though it was not included in the original design” and added that “it was very good to build the hall in the indoor swimming pool and the KPA carries out whatever task assigned to it.”  Kim Jong Un “noted that if volleyball and basketball courts are built and a springboard is laid in the hall, youth and children will like them.”

View of the Munsu Swimming Complex in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

He ”was satisfied to see the walls of the swimming pool being decorated with pictures of seagulls, dolphins, water drops, etc” at the complex’s outdoor swimming pool and “he learned in detail about the assembling of various types of slides and the constructed wading pools and highly appreciated the success made in it.”  According to KCNA Kim Jong Un “told officials to build a room for first aid treatment and an observation tower so that rescue measures may be taken” and that “the swimming complex can be inaugurated only when all these conditions are provided.”  Kim Jong Un “underscored the importance of taking thorough measures for protecting the complex in winter” and he noted that “it is good that the complex is being built in such a way as to ensure the supply of geotherm so that the complex may consume electricity as less as possible.”  He also instructed the “planting trees of good species and creating a larger area of lawn inside and around the complex” and said that he “was very pleased to picture” the appearance of the area surrounding the swimming complex.   Kim Jong Un also said “that the dramatic change in the appearance of the area of Munsu is a miracle which can be worked only by the KPA possessed of the spirit of unconditionally carrying out any task under any circumstances” and he  ”once again highly praised the soldier-builders for their feats.”

Kim Jong Un tours the construction of the Mirim Riding Club in east Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

View of the construction of Mirim Riding Club in east Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un’s next stop was to the Mirim Riding Club.  He toured the “indoor riders training hall, service center for riders, outdoor spectators’ seats, circular riding training ground, riding school, stables, etc. to learn about the progress made in the construction.”  According to KCNA he “was greatly satisfied to learn that soldier-builders are pushing ahead with the construction of various buildings qualitatively at the final phase as required by the design of the club and methods of construction” and “pleased to see the soldier-builders pressing ahead with the construction of the horse-breeding institute and the epizootic hospital at a rapid speed as he instructed them while providing field guidance to the construction site in last August.”  Whilst watching the construction of a wall “he underscored the importance of successfully applying antiseptic treatment to it so that the quality of timber is preserved and it is prevented from getting rotten.”  Kim Jong Un was then briefed about the outdoor equestrian tracks.  He said that “it looks nice” and that “it is better to plant acacia along the line inside the track.”  He was informed that “the track has been built with famous Kaeso’ng weathered gneiss mixed with salt in order to increase the capacity for preserving humidity and sterilization efficacy” and  ”underlined the need to take thorough measures for providing the best convenience to the riders.”  On the grass track he said that “So’ngch’o'n golden turf of Korea is the best for riding track as it is strong in vitality and resistance to stamping.”  He was briefed about the riding club’s landscaping then went up a hill to see the club.

According to KCNA he “ stressed the need to plant fir trees which offer foliage in all seasons and maple trees along with flower shrubs” and said that “it is good to plant willow trees around the artificial pond which will have artificial falls and beach in order to add to the scenic beauty.”  He said  ”it is important to build a walking road for visitors’ stroll on horse and cosy pavilions so that they may have good rest” and “it is necessary to steadily push ahead with the work for creating greenery after the construction of the riding club is over.”  Kim Jong Un “stressed the need to make good preparations to operate the club as it is near completion” and remarked on his “belief that the soldier-builders would unconditionally finish the construction of the riding club as scheduled as it is the WPK’s gift to the people.”

DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju tours Pukch’ang Thermal Power Complex. Among those in attendance is DPRK Vice Premier and State Planning Commission Chairman Ro Tu Chol (2nd R) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

DPRK state media reported on 5 November (Tuesday) that Premier Pak Pong Ju visited the Sunch’o'n Chemical Factory, Pukch’ang Thermal Power Complex and the To’kch’o'n Area Coal Mining Complex .  Pak first visited Sunch’o'n Chemical Factory where he “held a consultative meeting,” according to KCNA, “to discuss the issue of keeping its production going at a high rate and measures to be implemented by the relevant units to ensure the supply of necessary raw and other materials.”  Pak also toured Pukch’ang Thermal Power Complex and held a meeting with its managers and employees.  The meeting “underscored the need for the officials to bring about innovations by meticulously organizing and commanding the production in keeping with high zeal of the workers, deeply aware of the important duty to be performed by the complex for power production” and “took measures to ensure that relevant domains increase their roles.”  After his visit to the power complex Pak visited one of the mines that supplies coal to the Pukch’ang power complex.  At the Chenam Mine of the To’kch’o'n Area Coal Mining Complex, Pak Pong Ju held a meeting with mine officials that “called for carrying out the monthly and quarter yearly plans for coal production without fail to contribute to increasing the power production and the improvement of the people’s living standard. It also took necessary measures.”

Kim Pyong Ryul (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Pyong Ryul, a member of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Central Committee and immediate past president of the DPRK Supreme Court (DPRK Central Court) died on 4 November (Monday) at the reported age of 83.  Kim’s death was announced in DPRK state media through an obituary published by the KWP Central Committee.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) sent a floral wreath to Kim Pyong Ryul’s funeral “to express deep condolences over his death.”

Kim Pyong Ryul began his career during the late 1950s as a guidance officer in the KWP Education Department (currently part of the KWP Science Education Department).  He held successive positions in the Education Department working as a section chief, deputy and senior deputy (1st vice) director.  In 1968 Kim was appointed Chief Secretary of the North P’yo’ngan KWP Provincial Committee, a position he held until 1989.  In 1974 he was interim Chairman of the North P’yo’ngan Provincial People’s Committee.  Kim traveled to the former Soviet Union in 1972 as member of a KWP-DPRK Government delegation and to China in 1979 at the head of delegation from North P’yo’ngan Province.  In 1989 ill health compelled him to resign as North P’yo’ngan’s leading party official and he moved to Pyongyang to receive medical treatment at the Ponghwa Clinic.  In 1990 Kim was appointed Chief KWP Secretary of the Central People’s Committee (currently the Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium).  In 1991 Kim was promoted to the military rank of Lieutenant General and appointed to serve as member of the Guard Command’s Political Bureau.

At the first session of the 10th SPA in September 1998, Kim Pyong Ryul was appointed Chief Justice and President of the DPRK Central Court (Supreme Court) and a member of the SPA Legislation Committee.  He was reappointed head of the court at the first session of the 11th SPA in September 2003 and the 12th SPA in April 2009.  In 2005 he led a delegation of DPRK attorneys to participate in a lawyers’ conference in Beijing.  Kim also signed legal cooperation and extradition agreements with Vietnam in 2002, China in 2003, Ukraine in 2004 and Russia in 2006.  In January 2010, he accompanied late leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) on a visit to the Court’s renovated offices and its new courthouse.  By 2012, Kim Pyong Ryul was semi-retired.  He vacated his seat on the SPA Legislation Committee and became an advisor to the Supreme Court.

Kim Pyong Ryul was the son of Kim Jung Gwon, a member of the Wangqing County Young Communist League who participated with late DPRK president and founder Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng)  in anti-Japanese guerrilla activities in northeastern China and died in the early 1930s.  Kim attended Mangyo’ngdae Revolutionary School, served for several months during the Fatherland Liberation (Korean) War and studied at the Czech Technical University in Prague during the mid-1950s.  He was elected a member of the Party Central Committee at the 5th Party Congress in 1970 and he was first elected a deputy (delegate) to the SPA in 1972.  He retained both positions until his death.  He was promoted to KPA Lt. General in 1991 and was promoted to General in October 1995.  Kim retired from the KPA in 1998 ahead of his appointment to the DPRK Supreme Court.  Kim had close ties to the Kim Family.  He was a diligent worker with a pragmatic personality who was quite effective in implementing policy.

Jang Song T’aek (C) talks with Kanji (Antonio) Inoki (L), a member of the House of Councillors, and Kenshiro Matsunami (R), Chancellor of Nippon Sport Science University in Pyongyang on 6 November 2013 (Photo: KCNA).

Jang Song T’aek, Chairman of the DPRK State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission and Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission, met a sports delegation from Japan in Pyongyang on 6 November (Wednesday).  Jang met with Kanji (Antonio) Inoki (Member of the House of Councillors), members of Inoki’s entourage, and a delegation of the Nippon Sport Science University led Kenshiro Matsunami (University Chancellor).  Attending from the DPRK were Ri Jong Mu (Minister of Physical Culture and Sports), Kim Song Nam (Deputy Director of the Korean Workers’ Party International Affairs Department), Ma Chol Su (Secretary of the DPRK-Japan Friendship Association), Sin Tong Gyu (Rector of he Korea University of Physical Education) and other officials.

Jang Song Taek, Kanji Inoki and a Japanese sports delegation watch a women’s university basketball game at Pyongyang Indoor Stadium on 6 November 2013 (Photo: KCNA screen grab).

(Photos: KCNA)

Jang and the Japanese delegation also watched basketball games at Pyongyang Indoor Stadium.  Also in attendance were “basketball experts, fans and citizens including students in Pyongyang.”  The games were between DPRK and Japanese men’s and women’s university teams.  According to KCNA “ players created chances for scoring through diversified and well-organized attack and accurate passes between two or three players to serve the teams’ tactical intention and that “spectators enthusiastically applauded the players when they scored goals.”  Korea University of Physical Education won both games.

Kim Jong Un stands in front of Jon Pyong Ho’s casket at the Sojang Club in Pyongyang on 9 July 2014 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) extended his condolences at the wake of former Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] Secretary for Munitions Industry and National Defense Commission Member Jon Pyong Ho at Sojang Club in Pyongyang on 9 July (Wednesday).  Accompanying him were Hwang Pyong So (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), Gen. Ri Yong Gil (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Pak To Chun (WPK Secretary for Machine-Building Industries; Jon’s successor), Col. Gen. Yun Tong Hyon (Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Jo Chun Ryong (Chairman of the Second Economy Commission), Ju Kyu Chang (Vice Chairman of the Second Economy Commission) and Choe Chun Sik (President of the Second Academy of Natural Sciences).

Kim Jong Un and senior officials of the Korean People’s Army and the Workers’ Party of Korea pay their respects in front of Jon Pyong Ho’s casket in Pyongyang on 9 July 2014 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

A floral wreath from KJU was placed in front of Jon’s casket along with floral wreaths from the WPK Central Committee, the WPK Central Military Commission, the DPRK National Defense Commission, the Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium, the DPRK Cabinet, the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces and other government, party and security institutions.  Beside Jon’s casket stood a KPA honor guard.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “paid a silent tribute to the memory of the deceased and went round the bier with sorrow for the death of a veteran revolutionary who had devoted himself to the work for glorifying the immortal revolutionary exploits performed by President Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) in developing the national defense industry till the last moments of his life.” KJU then met members of Jon Pyong Ho’s family “to express his sympathy with them.”

In attendance with Kim Jong Un were: Lt. Gen. Choe Chun Sik (1); Ju Kyu Chang (2); Jo Chun Ryong (3); Pak To Chun (4); VMar Hwang Pyong So (5); Gen. Ri Yong Gil (6); Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (7); and, Col. Gen. Yun Tong Hyon (8) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Jon Pyong Ho lies in repose at Sojang Club in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Jon Pyong Ho’s state awards, titles and commemorative watches displayed at the foot of his casket (Photo: KCTV).

Members of Jon Pyong Ho’s family attend his funeral at the Sojang Club in Pyongyang on 10 July 2014 (Photo: KCTV).

Members of Jon Pyong Ho’s national funeral committee on 10 July 2014 in the front row (L-R): WPK Secretary of Propaganda and Agitation Kim Ki Nam (at microphone); DPRK Vice Premier and State Planning Commission Chairman Ro Tu Chol; WPK Secretary for International Affairs Kang Sok Ju; WPK Secretary for Machine-Building Industry Pak To Chun; WPK Secretary for Workers’ Organizations Choe Ryong Hae; SPA Presidium President Kim Yong Nam; KPA General Political Department Director VMar Hwang Pyong So; Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Hyon Yong Chol; and, Minister of State Security Gen. Kim Wo’n-hong (Photo: KCTV).

The state funeral and burial ceremony for the former Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] Secretary of Munitions Industry and DPRK National Defense Commission [NDC] Member Gen. Jon Pyong Ho (1926-2014) was held in Pyongyang on 10 July (Thursday).  Attending the funeral were Kim Yong Nam (Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium President), VMar Hwang Pyong So (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department) and other members of Jon’s national funeral committee, along with various officials and functionaries of the WPK, KPA, DPRK Government, the DPRK’s military industrial complex, the Pyongyang City WPK Committee and members of Jon’s family.  The service began with a moment of silence for Jon, who casket was carried out of the Sojang Club as mourning music played.

Jon Pyong Ho’s grandson bearing a photo of Jon whilst members of the national funeral committee escort Jon’s casket from the Sojang Club in Pyongyang on 10 July 2014 (Photo: KCNA).

Burial ceremony of Jon Pyong Ho at the Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery in Ryongso’ng District in Pyongyang on 10 July 2014 (Photo: KCNA).

A floral wreath from Kim Jong Un is brought to the burial service by members of a KPA honor guard (Photo: KCNA).

The funeral cortege departed for the Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery in Ryongso’ng District in Pyongyang.  According to KCNA, the cortege route was lined by DPRK citizen who “expressed deep condolences over the loss of Jon Pyong Ho who devoted himself to the victory of the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e, the revolutionary cause of So’ngun (Military-First) till the last moments of his life, possessed of intense loyalty to the party and the leader.”  At Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery a burial service was held.  Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Hyon Yong Chol delivered a eulogy.  In his eulogy, according to KCNA, Gen. Hyon remarked that  “the death of such a veteran revolutionary as Jon Pyong Ho is a big loss to the WPK and the Korean people because he passed away at a time when the dignity and might of the DPRK are being fully demonstrated and a bright prospect for the Korean revolution is unfolding thanks to the So’ngun leadership of Marshal Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n).  Though Jon Pyong Ho passed away, the feats he performed for the party and the revolution, the country and its people will last forever.”

Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Hyon Yong Chol delivers a eulogy at a burial ceremony for Jon Pyong Ho on 10 July 2014 (Photo: KCTV).

Members of Jon Pyong Ho’s national funeral committee attending the burial ceremony, in the front row (L-R): WPK Secretary and SPA Chairman Choe T’ae Bok; WPK Secretary for International Affairs Kang Sok Ju; Minister of State Security Gen. Kim Wo’n-hong; Minister of People’s Security Gen. Choe Pu Il; WPK Secretary for Cadres’ Affairs Kim P’yo’ng-hae; and, WPK Secretary for Planning and Finance Kwak Pom Gi (Photo: KCTV).

Senior officials of the DPRK’s military industrial complex attend a burial ceremony for Jon Pyong Ho at Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery in Ryongso’ng District, Pyongyang, on 10 July 2014. Among those in attendance is Hong Sung Mu (right) (Photo: KCTV).

Following the eulogy Jon’s remains were interred and “bereaved families of the deceased and members of the state funeral committee spread earth on the grave.”  Floral wreaths from Kim Jong Un, the WPK Central Committee, the Party Central Military Commission [CMC], the DPRK National Defense Commission, the SPA Presidium, the DPRK Cabinet, the KPA General Political Department, the KPA General Staff, the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces and other party, government and security institutions were placed in front of Jon’s grave.  The burial service participant then engaged in another moment of silence.

Members of Jon Pyong Ho’s family and members of his national funeral committee bow during a graveside service at Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery in Pyongyang on 10 July 2014 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Floral wreaths surround Jon Pyong Ho’s grave in the Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un smokes a cigarette during his visit to the construction of a terminal at Pyongyang Airport (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un tours the construction of Terminal #2 at Pyongyang Airport. Also seen in attendance are VMar Hwang Pyong So (1st left), Ma Won Chun (3rd left) and Director of the DPRK General Bureau of Civil Aviation Kang Ki Sop (2nd right) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

DPRK state media reported on 11 July (Friday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the construction of a terminal at Pyongyang Airport.  Attending the visit were VMar Hwang Pyong So (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department) and Ma Won Chun (Director of the National Defense Commission Design Department).  KJU’s last observed appearance was his visit to the wake of Jon Pyong Ho.

Kim Jong Un tours the construction of Terminal #2 at Pyongyang Airport in the Sunan District (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un views the progress of the construction of an airport terminal (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un talks with civil aviation officials during a tour of the construction of a terminal at Pyongyang Airport (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

After arriving at the construction site, KJU was briefed on the progress of the construction and layout of the Terminal #2.  He noted that ” the soldier-builders have successfully carried out the construction of the terminal as intended by the party” and said he “was pleased with their work.”  According to KCNA KJU praised the KPA construction workers “for having done a lot of work” and “indicated the tasks to be fulfilled to wind up the construction and ways to do so.”  He said that “the Terminal of Pyongyang International Airport is like a gateway to Pyongyang and the face of the country” and “underscored the need to build it as a proud edifice in the era of the Workers’ Party both in architectural style and contents and as befitting the appearance of the highly civilized socialist nation.”  He said that “it is important to firmly preserve the Chuch’e character in architecture” and he instructed “officials to introduce the world trend and good experience of other countries into the construction of the terminal and, at the same time, make sure that national identity is preserved in it.”

Kim Jong Un also “underscored the need to build the arrival lounge, the lounge for departure formalities, departure lounge, resting lounge, interview room and restaurant, etc. for the best convenience of passengers and to be impeccable in the aspects of architectural beauty and formative art” and he “underlined the need to equip the terminal with all modern facilities and build service facilities in a peculiar manner and make thorough arrangements for service from now.”  KJU proposed that airport staff be prepared “to improve the service and specified tasks and ways for doing so” and “called for building more service facilities including hotel and bus stops near the terminal and energetically pushing forward a project for face-lifting the environment of the area of Sunan where the terminal is located.”  He also “stressed the need for the soldier-builders to enhance their responsibility and role and for the Cabinet, the ministries and national institutions to render positive material and moral assistance to the builders in order to finish the construction of the terminal as scheduled.” He noted that “construction of Terminal No. 2 of the airport is the project to which the party pays particular attention” and  “expressed expectation and conviction that the soldier-builders would successfully complete the project qualitatively and thus build the terminal as an impeccable monumental edifice in the era of So’ngun (Military-First).”

Kim Jong Un visits the Ku’msusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang on February 16, 2015. Also in attendance (L-R) are Gen. Ri Yong Gil (Chief of the KPA General Staff), VMar Hwang Pyong So (Director of the KPA General Political Department) and Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces).

Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his visit to the construction of Mirae Scientists Street

Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n), accompanied by senior officials of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] and the DPRK’s national security community, visited Ku’msusan Memorial Palace of the Sun at midnight KST on February 16 (Monday) to commemorate the birth anniversary of his father, late DPRK leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il).  Among those accompanying him were VMar Hwang Pyong So (Director of the KPA General Political Department), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Gen. Ri Yong Gil (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Gen. Kim Won Hong (Minister of State Security), Col. Gen. So Hong Chan (1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Lt. Gen. Kim Chun Sam (Director of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau and 1st Vice Chief of the General Staff), Lt. Gen. Pak Yong Sik (Deputy Director of the KPA General Political Department) and Lt. Gen. Ryom Chol Song (Deputy Director of the KPA General Political Department).

The visit began in Ku’msusan’s statue hall where the head of the KPA honor guard saluted the statues of KJI and DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng).  Floral baskets from Jong Un and from the KPA were placed in front of the statues.  Kim Jong Un “together with other visitors, paid high tribute to the statues,” according to KCNA.  Jong Un proceeded to a chamber containing KJI’s preserved remains where he “paid homage to Kim Jong Il in the humblest reverence for him.”  Afterward, Jong Un and the senior KPA officials visited a room containing various titles and diplomas that KJI accumulated, a remembrance hall and rooms containing KJI’s electric cart, his personal boat and his personal (and customized) Mercedes Benz S-Class sedan.

A KPA honor guard with floral baskets from Kim Jong Un (right) and the KPA (left) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un bows whilst senior Korean People’s Army officials salute in front of statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il at Ku’msusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang at midnight on February 16, 2015 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un addresses an expanded meeting of the WPK Political Bureau in Pyongyang on February 18, 2014 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his visit to Ku’msusan at midnight on February 16  

An expanded meeting of the Worker’s Party of Korea [WPK] Central Committee Political Bureau was held at the WPK Central Committee #1 Office Building in Pyongyang on February 18 (Wednesday).  It was the second meeting of the WPK’s top decision making body this month (a meeting of WPK Political Bureau members and alternates was held on February 10).  In contrast to last week’s meeting, Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) attended.  Also in attendance were presidium, regular and alternate (candidate) members of the WPK Political Bureau.  Present as observers were DPRK Cabinet Vice Premiers, WPK Central Committee Department Directors and Senior Deputy (1st Vice) Directors, WPK Central Committee Department and DPRK Government section chiefs, Chief Secretaries of WPK Provincial Committees, chief functionaries and “leading officials of commissions, ministries, national institutions, working people’s organizations and armed forces organs.”

View of the platform at the WPK Central Committee #1 Office Building in Pyongyang, the venue for the February 18, 2015 expanded meeting of the WPK Political Bureau (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

View of participants of the expanded meeting of the WPK Political Bureau in Pyongyang on February 18, 2015 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

On the platform for the meeting were: (first row) VMar Ri Yong Mu; Choe Tae Bok; Kim Ki Nam; Choe Ryong Hae; Kim Jong Un; VMar Hwang Pyong So; Pak Pong Ju; Pak To Chun; Kang Sok Ju, and (second row) Jo Yon Jun; Kim Yang Gon; VMar Hyon Chol Hae; Choe Yong Rim; Yang Hyong Sop; Gen. Kim Won Hong; Kwak Pom Gi;  O Su Yong.

The Political Bureau meeting had two agenda items: a status report with speeches on the implementation of late DPRK leader Kim Jong Il’s (Kim Cho’ng-il) “behests,” and an “organizational matter.”  Choe Tae Bok (WPK Secretary for Science and Education and Chairman of the Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA]) opened the meeting.

WPK Secretary and SPA Chairman Choe Tae Bok begins the meeting (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Choe Ryong Hae (member of the WPK Political Bureau Presidium, WPK Secretary and Chairman of the State Physical Culture and Sports Commission) delivered a report about the first agenda item, addressing “the work done for the past three years to implement the behests of Kim Jong Il.”

WPK Secretary and WPK Political Bureau Presidium Member Choe Ryong Hae delivers the meeting report (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

According to KCNA, Choe said, in part, that:

The past three years were a period in which the army and people of the DPRK waged a dynamic struggle to thoroughly implement the behests of Kim Jong Il under the leadership of Kim Jong Un and years of victories and changes that demonstrated the great attraction and vitality of Kim Jong Il’s idea and cause all over the world.

The eternity and invincibility of Kim Il Sung’s (Kim Il-so’ng) nation and Kim Jong Il’s Korea were demonstrated to the whole world and signal achievements assuring the bright future of the great Paektusan nation were achieved. These are entirely ascribable to the wise guidance provided by Kim Jong Un who is unconditionally implementing to the letter without an inch of deflection or a step of concession the behests of Kim Jong Il, regarding them as important guidelines.

Shortcomings were manifested in the work for implementing the behests of Kim Jong Il over the past three years, let us bring about a radical turn in implementing the behests of Kim Jong Il by improving their ideological viewpoint and work style and manner.

DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju (left), WPK Propaganda and Agitation Department Senior Deputy Director Ri Jae Il (center) and Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (right) address the expanded WPK Political Bureau meeting (Photos: Rodong Sinmun).

Jagang WPK Provincial Committee Chief Secretary Kim Chun Sop (left), North P’yo’ngan WPK Provincial Committee Chief Secretary Ri Man Gon (center), and KIS Youth League Central Committee Chairman Jon Yong Nam (right) address the expanded WPK Political Bureau meeting (Photos: Rodong Sinmun).

Choe’s report was followed by speeches from Pak Pong Ju (DPRK Premier), Ri Jae Il (Senior Deputy Director of the WPK Propaganda and Agitation Department), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Chun Sop (Chief Secretary of the Jagang WPK Provincial Committee), Ri Man Gon (Chief Secretary of the North P’yo’ngan WPK Provincial Committee) and Jon Yong Nam (First Chairman of the Kim Il-so’ng Youth League Central Committee).  According to KCNA, these speakers “made analysis of the achievements and shortcomings made in their own sectors and units and lessons drawn from them in the work to implement the behests of Kim Jong Il over the last three years.”

Participants at the expanded WPK Political Bureau meeting (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

The Political Bureau passed a resolution titled “On Holding Fast to Behests of the Great Comrade Kim Jong Il as Eternal Guidelines for Our Party and Revolution and Carrying Them out to the Last.”  According to KCNA:

The behests of Kim Jong Il, great image of the powerful Paektusan nation and eternal leader of the WPK and the Korean people, serve as a textbook of the Korean revolution and scientific and encyclopedic important guidelines that indicate the way of building a thriving socialist nation and winning the final victory of the Juche revolution.

Kim Jong Un is showing in practice how the behests of Kim Jong Il should be upheld and translated into reality.

Reflecting the revolutionary faith and will and ardent desire of the army and people of the DPRK, Kim Jong Un made sure that Kim Jong Il was held forever in high esteem at the top post of the WPK and the state and the Ku’msusan Palace of the Sun was remodeled on the noblest level as the sacred temple of Chuch’e and that statues of President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il were erected on Mansu Hill and in provincial seats and major units, thus making their beaming images shine all over the country.

Kim Jong Un resolutely laid bare and foiled the moves of the modern-day factional elements who challenged the monolithic leadership of the party, thus putting the ideological oneness of the entire party and the whole society on the highest level and bringing the flower garden of the single-minded unity into full bloom by carrying forward Kim Il Sung’s and Kim Jong Il’s noble outlook on the people and the rising generation.

While putting forward the KPA as the reliable pioneers party and strong buttress upholding the Songun revolutionary cause of the party in the van, Kim Jong Un developed it into the powerful Paektusan revolutionary army capable of defeating enemy’s provocation at a single stroke, built world-class edifices through army-people coordinated operations and brought about a shining victory in the struggle for building an economic power and improving the standard of people’s living.

The resolution called for conducting the work for implementing the behests of Kim Jong Il as the primary tasks and unconditionally carrying out them to the last without an inch of deflection and a single step of concession.

It underscored the need for the party organizations to conduct an intensive political and ideological offensive for giving full play to the mental power of the masses in implementing the behests of Kim Jong Il.

The resolution called for making sure that all efforts are channeled into the implementation of his behests to thoroughly establish the monolithic leadership system of Kim Jong Un and uphold and preserve the leadership exploits of the party and add brilliance to them.

It underlined the need to unconditionally carry out the behests of Kim Jong Il to the letter by tenaciously pushing forward the work till their vitality is displayed in practice.

It called on the officials, commanding cadres of the revolution, to be standard bearers and vanguard fighters in the all-out charge for devotedly implementing the behests of Kim Jong Il.

The resolution stressed the need to wage an all-party intensive campaign against abuse of power, bureaucratism, irregularities and corruption.

It underscored the need for the officials to dedicate themselves to the party and revolution, society and the collective and take it as due revolutionary ethics and revolutionary party discipline to work and live simple-mindedly, uprightly and honestly as intended by Kim Jong Il.

It underlined the need for the officials to devote their blood and sweat to solving knotty problems in the people’s living and difficult problems of people, deeply aware of the noble intention of Kim Jong Un who is dedicating himself to the people.

The resolution called on the party organizations and political bodies at all levels, the Cabinet and the relevant organs to conduct organizational and political work and take administrative and working measures to implement the above-said resolution.

After the WPK Political Bureau “adopted” this resolution, it turned to “the organizational matter” about which KCNA did not elaborate.  However, it most likely involved the dismissal and appointment of members of the WPK Central Committee’s power organizations (i.e. Political Bureau, Secretariat, department directors) and possibly revising the function and role of the power organizations.

Kim Jong Un delivers a closing speech at the WPK Political Bureau expanded meeting in Pyongyang on February 18, 2015 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

The meeting ended with a speech by Kim Jong Un, described by KCNA as a “historic conclusion.”  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un said:

The meeting which was held at the important historic period of the Korean revolution reviewed the achievements, experience and shortcomings made in the struggle to carry out the behests of Kim Jong Il and lessons drawn from them and discussed and decided on important issues arising in successfully carrying out his behests.

Through the past three-year-long struggle to carry out the behests of Kim Jong Il we deeply cherished the unshakable faith that the lines and policies set forth by him and his teachings are textbooks of revolution and if we work as taught by him, there is nothing impossible and the final victory belongs to us.

It is the fixed will of the WPK and the army and people of the DPRK to implement to the letter Kim Jong Il’s behests without an inch of deflection and without a step of concession and translate his plan and desire into a reality on this land.

We should wage a dynamic struggle to build a thriving socialist nation and accomplish the historic cause of national reunification under the unfurled banner of great Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism.

We should do all work as intended by Kim Jong Il and as he did, regarding his behests as the important guidelines as befitting his faithful soldiers and disciples.

Party organizations should conduct the organizational and political work in a fresh and viable manner so that the officials, party members and working people may turn out as one with the revolutionary faith, fighting spirit and revolutionary pluck to devotedly carry out the teachings of Kim Jong Il and the party’s policies under any condition.

All party organizations should put on record without omission all the teachings and instructions Kim Jong Il gave to their domains and units, bring them home to officials and other working people and thus help them deeply grasp his behests.

The party organizations should wage unique and dynamic political work pulsating with the breath of the times and motivate the people so that the revolutionary spirit of Mt. Paektu, the spirit of blizzards of Paektu prevail throughout the country and a high-pitched drive for creation and innovation is waged in all worksites.

Units associated with the leadership of Kim Jong Il should take the lead in implementing his behests to the letter.

It was the most important behest sand lifetime desire of Kim Jong Il to provide the people with an affluent and happy life.  President Kim Il Sung’s and Kim Jong Il’s behests concerning the problems of food and clothing essential for the living should be carried out before any other behests.

The leading officials of the party and the state and all other officials should look back with conscience whether they have worked as required by the revolution and in its interests true to the intention of Kim Jong Il at the important posts entrusted to them by the party, and work with their sleeves rolled up to thoroughly carry out his behests and party policies with extraordinary resolution and enthusiasm.

Not a few officials including those of economic guidance organs lack responsibilities in their work and fail to fulfill their role as masters.

I urge these officials to conceive from a fresh angle and wage in an innovative way all work with their feet planted in reality and looking at the world.  These officials should work and live simple-mindedly, uprightly and honestly with conscience.

All domains and units should judge well whether any work is contrary to the people’s demand and interests and do the work without their burden and inconvenience.

Nothing is impossible and no fortress is insurmountable as long as there is the bright blueprint for building a rich and powerful country indicated by Kim Jong Il and the revolutionary enthusiasm and great strength of all service personnel and people who are turning out as one in the revolutionary spirit of Paektu true to the call of the party.

The U.S. imperialists and their followers are making desperate efforts to block our advance but the Korean revolution is dynamically advancing along the landmark of victory set by the party

I call on all the people to uphold the spirit of the enlarged meeting of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee and bring about a revolutionary turn in the struggle to implement the behests of Kim Jong Il, confident of victory.

One Too Many Meetings and a Thousand Hidden Heroes Behind

As noted above, this was the second meeting of the Political Bureau in a little over a week.  This is somewhat unusual.  From 2011 until 2014, DPRK state media only publicized seven (7) Political Bureau meetings.  Today’s gathering brings the total up to nine (9).  The last time the DPRK’s political calendar was altered so dramatically was in 2010 with a pair of SPA meetings.**  The rules for such things are not completely inflexible, but according to the WPK’s bylaws the Political Bureau need only meet once a month.  The question now (as in 2010) is what happened or changed during the past eight days that would necessitate two Political Bureau meetings in such quick succession? Or, what did or did not happen in advance of last week’s Political Bureau meeting that necessitated a second and expanded gathering?

GPD Mafia Represent

All of the uniformed senior security officials on the expanded Political Bureau meeting’s platform (rostrum) have past or current career experience in the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department [GPD].  VMar Hwang Pyong So is the GPD’s current director.  National Defense Commission Vice Chairman Ri Yong Mu held a series of positions in the GPD from the 1950s until the 1970s, including a stint as director in the mid-1970s.  VMar Hyon Chol Hae, called back from the deck chair of his semi-retirement, is a former deputy director in the GPD.  Minister of State Security Gen. Kim Won Hong spent the early portion of his career as a political commissar in the GPD before migrating to the Military Security Command [MSC].  Delivering the meeting report was Choe Ryong Hae, the immediate past GPD Director.  The presence of current and past GPD personnel on the platform appears to be tied to Kim Jong Un’s recurring remarks about the necessity of political education and ideological indoctrination during military field inspections in 2014.  At one inspection last year Jong Un said one military unit’s “serious defects” were because “the party committee of the unit failed to successfully do the party political work, the work with the commanding officers and soldiers to help them perform their revolutionary duties.”

Speakers Without Status

With the exceptions of the Pak Pong Ju and Gen. Hyon Yong Chol, the four (4) other officials who spoke after Choe Ryong Hae are full or alternate members of the WPK Political Bureau.  The standard practice, what separates full Political Bureau members from alternate Political Bureau members, is that alternate members (let alone observers) generally do not participate in Political Bureau meetings.  These four speakers could be new Political Bureau members and alternates, elected shortly thereafter under the pretext of the “organizational matter,” or they could be designated by Jong Un for some other career advancement.   Also, two of these speakers, Kim Chun Sop and Ri Man Gon, are the leading party officials of provinces that have major munitions factories and sites that are part of the DPRK’s WMD and space programs.

Where is Kim Yong Nam?

The major absence at today’s expanded meeting of the Political Bureau was SPA Presidium President Kim Yong Nam, the country’s nominal head of state.  Kim’s last observed appearance was at a rally in early January.  Despite state media reports of Kim sending greetings and condolence messages to foreign heads of state, he was conspicuously absent from various events and festivities commemorating Kim Jong Il’s birth anniversary.  His ceremonial duties, such as delivering the report at the birth anniversary central report meeting, were assumed by Choe Ryong Hae.    Kim Yong Nam is part of a cohort in the old guard which has previously resisted Kim Jong Un and his close aides so there is a moderate chance Kim Yong Nam is being eased out of office.  On the other hand, Kim is 87 years old so his absence at the Political Bureau meeting could be due to old age and ill health.

**The 2nd session of the 12th SPA gathered on April 9, 2010, the 3rd session of the SPA was announced on May 18, 2010 and convened on June 7, 2010.**