Kim Jong Un (2nd R) and his wife Ri Sol Ju (R) visit a teppanyaki griddle in the restaurant of the Haedanghwa Health Complex in east Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 27 April (Saturday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the recently constructed Haedanghwa Health Complex in Pyongyang.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance at a banquet commemorating the 81st anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People’s Army [KPA].  He was joined by his wife, Ri Sol Ju (Ri So’l-chu).  Madame Ri’s last reported public appearance was in late February, when she watched a basketball game and attended a banquet with Dennis Rodman.

Also attending the visit were DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju,  VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the KPA General Political Department),  Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission [NDC]), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Gen. Kim Kyong Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Kyong Hui (KWP Secretary and KJU’s aunt), Kim Ki Nam (KWP Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department), Choe Tae Bok (KWP Secretary and SPA Chairman), Kang Sok Ju (DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier), Kim Yong Il (KWP Secretary and Director of the International Affairs Department),  Kim Yang Gon (KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department),  Kim P’yo’ng-hae (KWP Secretary and Director of Cadres’ Affairs), Kwak Pom Gi (KWP Secretary and Director of the Planning and Finance Department), Mun Kyong Dok (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang City [municipal] KWP Committee), Col. Gen. O Il Jong (Director of the KWP Military Affairs Department), Han Kwang Sang (Deputy Director of the KWP Finance and Accounting Department) Paek Kye Ryong (Director of the KWP Light Industry Department), Kim Kyong Ok (Senior Deputy [first vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department), Gen. Kim Yong Chol (Chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau and Vice Chief of the KPA General Staff) and Jon Il Chun (Deputy Director of the KWP Finance and Accounting Department), among others.

Kim Jong Un began his visit at Haedanghwa Health Complex’s basement garage.  According to KCNA, KJU “was pleased to see the completed complex, adding that he appreciated its design and construction after examining the information on it presented to him by the relevant field.”  He also visited the store and dining rooms on the complex’s first two levels.  He “highly praised the builders for constructing not only the shop but the dining rooms to suit their nature and meet the requirements of formative art,” according to KCNA.  KJU visited the restaurant where he remarked that “cooking is a science and art, [he urged] the cookers to steadily improve their skills and display creative ingenuity to serve customers with varieties of tasty and highly nutritive dishes” and had a commemorative photograph taken with the chefs.  KJU then went to the second and third levels of the Haedanghwa Health Complex where he visited the public baths, saunas a barber shop, hair salon skin treatment center, workout room, billiard room and other recreational facilities.  KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un “personally checked the temperature of water at the bath and learnt about service provided at a face treatment room” and “was pleased to see the wading pool. He was also pleased to go round various saunas built with peculiar building materials such as halite, agate and yellow earth.”  KJU also “learnt in detail about what kinds of sports apparatuses are there in the fitness hall and table-tennis hall” and whilst “watching the clock in the shape of billiard balls and billiard table on a wall of the billiard room, he praised the builders for having constructed the room in such a perfect manner that everything there is impeccable.”

KJU then visited the health complex’s e-library and, according to KCNA, said “a relevant field should systematically send various data and videos on cooking to the e-reading room” and he “stressed the need to supply a sufficient quantity of foodstuff necessary for cooking practice so that apprentices may acquire workable knowledge, saying that theory is not enough to acquire cooking skill.”  He also visited a coffee shop on the complex’s fifth floor.  According to KCNA Kim Jong Un said that “it is the firm resolution of the WPK to enable the Korean people, the best in the world, to fully enjoy wealth and glory under socialism, without tightening their belts again, he noted, underlining the need to build more modern service centers such as the Haedanghwa Health Complex impeccable in any aspect.”

Kim Jong Un (1) provides instructions on the renovation of Yanggakdo Stadium in Pyongyang. Also seen in attendance are Jang Song Taek (2), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (3) and Kim Jong Un’s wife Ri Sol Ju (4) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 29 April (Monday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Yanggakdo Stadium and attended the men’s football finals for the Mangyo’ngdae Prize at Kim Il Sung Stadium.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his visit to the Haedanghwa Health Complex.  KJU’s first visit was to the Yanggakdo Stadium which he ordered to be renovated.  Attending the visit was his wife, Ri Sol Ju (Ri So’l-chu), along with VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission [NDC]), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Col. Gen. Ri Yong Gil (Chief of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau) and other officials.

According to KCNA Kim Jong Un visited the stadium (originally opened in 1989) “with a plan to radically remodel the stadium as required by the new century.”  KJU visited the stadium historical exhibition where he “recollected with deep emotion the undying exploits they performed for the development of the Juche-based physical culture and sports.”  KJU then toured the stadium and ordered a series of renovations.  He said, “it is the intention of the Workers’ Party of Korea to turn the stadium into a football stadium which can represent stadiums of such type across the country as required by the new century.”  KJU also “formed a strong construction unit capable of carrying out the project in a brief span of time.”  KJU also remarked that “to develop physical culture and sports is an important work to augment the national power in every way, demonstrate the indomitable spirit and dignity of Military-First (So’ngun) Korea before the world and let all the service personnel and people dynamically step up the building of a thriving socialist nation full of national pride and self-esteem” and he “expressed expectation and belief that the relevant fields would successfully remodel the stadium as a football stadium to be impeccable in any aspect.”

Kim Jong Un (3) attends the men’s premier league football finals for the Mangyongdae Prize at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on 29 April 2013. Also watching the game with are Jang Song Taek (1), Ri Sol Ju (2) and Choe Tae Bok) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Su later attended the  men’s football (soccer) finals for the Mangyo’ngdae Prize National Sports Festival at Kim Il Sung Stadium.  Also in attendance at the football game were VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Taek, Gen. Hyon Yong Chol, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Ki Nam (Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department), Choe Tae Bok (KWP Secretary and SPA Chairman), Kim Yang Gon (KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department), Kim Yong Il (KWP Secretary and Director of the International Affairs Department), Kim P’yo’ng-hae (KWP Secretary and Director of Cadres’ Affairs), Kwak Pom Gi (KWP Secretary and Director of the Planning and Finance Department), Mun Kyong Dok (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang City [municipal] KWP Committee), Ju Kyu Chang (Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department), Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (Minister of the People’s Security), Kim Tong Il (Deputy [vice] Director of the KWP Workers’ Organizations Department) and “members of the State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission, officials of the party and armed forces organs, ministries and national institutions, those in the sports field, sportspersons, fans and Pyongyangites.”

The men’s football premier league finals for the Mangyongdae Prize between the Rimyongsu Sports Group and the Amnokgang Sports Group at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on 29 April 2013. The Rimyongsu Team beat the Amnokgang Team 2-1. (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

The match was played between two of the DPRK’s premier league teams, Rimyongsu and Amnokgang.  KCNA reported the two teams “advanced into the finals after proving successful at the men’s premier soccer league matches. They played good games, displaying high technique they have cultivated in day-to-day trainings” and that “Rimyongsu Team took the initiative from the beginning according to its tactics and made hot attacks.”  Rimyongsu led Amnokgang 2-0 in the first half and went onto win the game 2-1.  At the end of the match, Kim Jong Un “congratulated the footballers of both teams on playing a good match, expressing great satisfaction with their high technique.”

Kim Jong Un (1) greets DPRK athletes who received gold medals or placed in the top of their categories at international competitions held between February and April 2013. Also in attendance at the event held at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on 29 April 2013 are DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju (2), Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (3), and Minister of People’s Security Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (4) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

KJU also met with DPRK athletes who successfully participated in recent international competitions including long-distance runner Kim Kum Ok (who placed first in the 14th Asian Marathon Championship held in Hong Kong on 25 February 2013), wrestler Yang Kyong Il (who placed second in the men’s 55 kg freestyle at the 2013 Asian Wrestling Championship), gymnast Ri Se Gwang (who placed first in the vault event at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series in Doha in March 2013), wrestler Hwang Ryong Hak (who placed first in the men’s 60 kg freestyle at the 2013 Asian Wrestling Championships), Pak Yong Mi (who placed first in the women’s 48 kg freestyle at the 2013 Asian Wrestling Championships), judoka Hong Kuk Hyon (who placed first in the women’s 73 kg weight class at the Asian Judo Championships of 2013 in Bangkok in April 2013), weightlifter Ri Su Hyon (who won three gold medals in the women’s 44 kg competition at the 2013 International Weightlifting Federation’s Youth World Championships in Tashkent in April 2013), Kwon Yong Gwang (who won three gold medals in the men’s 62 kg competition at 2013 IWF Youth World Championships in Tashkent) and weightlifter Pak Jong Ju (who came in second overall and won two medals in the men’s 50 kg competition at the IWF Youth World Championships in Tashkent), along with “a coach and physical culture and sports guidance officials.”

Kim Jong Un shook hands with the DPRK athletes and, according to KCNA, “highly praised them for proving successful at the recent international games and instilling the conviction of victory and optimism into the service personnel and people of the DPRK dynamically pushing forward the building of a thriving socialist nation despite harsh sanctions and strong pressure of the enemies.”  KJU also “expressed his belief that sports persons and coaches would undergo more intensive trainings to consolidate the successes achieved and fully demonstrate the honor of the country with gold medals at international games.”  Also attending KJU’s meet-and-greet were DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju, VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Taek, Gen. Hyon Yong Chol, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik, Kim Ki Nam, Choe Tae Bok, Kim Yang Gon, Kim Yong Il, Kim P’yo’ng-hae, Kwak Pom Gi, Mun Kyong Dok, Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il and members of the State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission.

Kim Jong Un (1) on the plaza in front of the Ministry of People’s Security headquarters in Pyongyang, prior to commemorative photo-ops on May Day (1 May) in Pyongyang. Also in attendance are Minister of People’s Security, Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (3) and Director of the KPSIF Political Bureau, Col. Gen. Ri Pyong Sam (2) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 1 May (Wednesday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) inspected the Ministry of People’s Security and watched a sports contest between DPRK public health workers, on International Labor Day (May Day).  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance at the DPRK premier league men’s football (soccer) finals for the Mangyo’ngdae Prize at Kim Il Sung Stadium.  First, Kim Jong Un visited the Ministry of People’s Security [MPS] and inspected Korean People’s Internal Security Forces [KPISF] Unit #2219.  Attending his visit to the MPS was VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department) and Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission [NDC] and Director of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Administration Department).

After arriving at MPS headquarters in Pyongyang, Kim Jong Un posed for commemorative photographs with MPS and KPISF personnel.  He also paid his respects to statues of Kim Il Sung, the late DPRK President and founder, and Kim Jong Il, the country’s late leader.  According to KCNA, KJU said “the erection of their statues at the ministry strikingly demonstrates the unshakable will of all people’s security persons and service personnel of KPISF to eternally hold the peerlessly great men in high esteem and devotedly defend the socialist system, a precious legacy bequeathed by the Generalissimos.”  He also “underscored the need for them to eternally hold the Generalissimos in high esteem as the sun of Chuch’e, firmly defend and glorify their undying revolutionary exploits with pure revolutionary conscience and strong sense of obligation.”  Kim Jong Un “gave important instructions to tighten people’s security and bolster up the combat capabilities of KPISF in every way” and remarked that “the Ministry of People’s Security and KPISF play a very important role for defending the socialist system, he said, adding that the people’s security persons and service personnel of KPISF should be deeply aware of their heavy yet honorable combat missions.”  

Kim Jong Un poses for commemorative photographs in front of the Ministry of People’s Security headquarters in Pyongyang on 1 May 2013 (Photos: Rodong Sinmun)

KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un “underlined the need to strengthen the people’s security organ and the internal security forces as units defending the policies of the party, strong guardians of socialism, merciless striking forces and reliable protectors of the lives and properties of the people” and said that “the enemies are now afraid of our single-minded unity around the party more than anything else and running the whole gamut of desperate and base moves to destabilize and bring down our society.”  KJU said “now that the enemies are working hard to bar our people from trusting and following the party with pure conscience and fixed will and alienate the masses from it, it is important to intensify the struggle to frustrate their moves,” “called for devotedly defending the party, social system and people, decisively foiling the ideological and cultural poisoning and psychological warfare of the enemies and mercilessly wiping out the undesirable and hostile elements who have foolish day dreams” and he “underlined the need for the ministry and the internal security forces to make full combat preparations to annihilate the U.S. imperialists and south Korean puppet group keen to stifle the DPRK and to creditably fulfill their missions and duties in the sacred struggle to provide a firm guarantee by dint of arms and law for the implementation of the party’s line on simultaneously pushing forward the economic construction and the building of nuclear force.”  He also noted that “our Chuch’e-oriented socialist country is invincible as the Korean People’s Army and KPISF, the two revolutionary armed forces of the WPK, are firmly defending the security of the country and people.”

Kim Jong Un poses for a commemorative photograph with officers and service members of Korean People’s Internal Security Forces Unit #2219 on 1 May 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un then inspected KPISF Unit #2219.  After his arrival, he presented the unit with a pair of binoculars and an automatic rifle during a short ceremony.  He then posed for commemorative photographs with officers and service members of the unit.  KJU toured the political education facilities, visited a mess hall, a dormitory, a cultural education classroom and a washroom.  KCNA reported that KJU was “satisfied to see good conditions in the bed room, praising the unit for keeping the wash-cum-bath room with a sauna attached neat and clean.”  During a visit to a classroom he “he underscored the need to train the soldiers to be strong in idea and faith by intensifying politico-ideological education among them.”

After his tour, he supervised a drill by the unit.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “highly appreciated their success in the drill and indicated tasks for bolstering up the combat capabilities of the unit” and “expressed belief that just as the service personnel of KPISF have always did, the soldiers of the unit would display a do-or-die will and matchless courage and thus become iron shields and fierce tigers devotedly defending the party, social system and people in their struggle to decisively foil the enemies’ moves to stifle the DPRK.”

Kim Jong Un (1) watches a sports competition of public health workers on 1 May 2013 with his wife Ri Sol Ju (2). Also in attendance are: Jang Song Taek (3), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (4), Pak Pong Ju (5), Kim Kyong Hui (6), Kim Ki Nam (7) and Kim Yang Gon (8). (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un’s next visit was his attendance at a sports contest between public health workers.  He was joined by his wife Ri Sol Ju (Ri So’l-chu) along with Pak Pong Ju (DPRK Cabinet Premier), VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Taek, Kim Kyong Hui (KWP Secretary, KJU’s aunt and head of the Kim Family), Kim Ki Nam (KWP Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department), Choe Tae Bok (KWP Secretary and Supreme People’s Assembly Chairman), Pak To Chun (KWP Secretary), Kim Yang Gon (KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department) along with “other senior officials of the party, the state and the army and workers in the field of public health.”  Also in attendance from the central leadership were: Gen. Kim Won Hong (Minister of State Security) Mun Kyong Dok (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang City [municipal] KWP Committee), Jo Yon Jun (Senior Deputy [1st Vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department), Col. Gen. Kim Chang Sop (Director of the Ministry of State Security Political Bureau), Col. Gen. Ri Pyong Sam (Director of the KPISF Political Bureau), Kim Kyong Ok (Senior Deputy [1st Vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department), Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol (Chief of the Military Security Command), Gen. Yun Jong Rin (Chief of the Guard Command) and Gen. Kim Yong Chol (Vice Chief of the KPA General Staff and Chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau).

The public health workers were divided into two teams–the Pot’onggang and Taedonggang teams.  KCNA reported of the sports competitions:

Male and female volleyball matches took place first.

The Pothonggang Team defeated its rival in the breath-taking male volleyball match and the Taedonggang Team trounced its rival in the female volleyball match.

Then followed table-tennis matches.

Men’s and women’s singles and doubles and singles of leading officials of the relevant units were played, drawing the attention of the spectators.

The Pothonggang Team won the men’s and women’s singles and men’s doubles while the Taedonggang Team emerged a winner in the women’s doubles.

The Pothonggang Team won the singles of leading officials of the relevant units.

The Pothonggang Team beat its rival 4:1 in the table-tennis matches.

A tug of war took place between the two teams.

The Pothonggang Team won the game.

According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “clapped his hands whenever the players displayed high technique.”  The results of the competitions were announced and prizes given to the participants.  At the end of the event, KJU “waved back to the enthusiastic cheers of the players and spectators and congratulated them on the successful games.”

Kim Jong Un talks to senior party and government officials accompanying him during a tour of the renovated Victorious Fatherland Liberation War (Korean War) Museum in Pyongyang (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the renovated Victorious Fatherland Liberation (Korean) War Museum which will reopen soon.  He was accompanied by Pak Pong Ju (DPRK Premier) VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), Kim Ki Nam (Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary of Propaganda and Agitation Department), Choe Tae Bok (KWP Secretary of Education and Science and Chairman of the Supreme People’s Assembly), Kim Yong Il (KWP Secretary and Director of International Affairs), Kim Yang Gon (KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department), Kim P’yo’ng-hae (KWP Secretary and Director of Cadres’ Affairs), Kwak Pom Gi (KWP Secretary and Director of Planning and Finance), Mun Kyong Dok (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang KWP Committee), Han Kwang Sang (Deputy [vice] Director of the KWP Finance and Accounting Department), Ri Ch’ae-il (Deputy [vice] Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department), Pak Tae Song (Deputy [vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department) and Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol (Chief of the Military Security Command).  Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his visit to Ku’msuan Palace on 8 July to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the death of his paternal grandfather, late DPRK founder and President Kim Il Sung.

View of the exterior of the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and memorial tower in Pyongyang (Photos: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un talks to senior party and government officials during a tour of the renovated Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un and senior party and government officials tours the renovated Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

According to KCNA the museum was “newly built as required by the 21st century and its area and the Monument to the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War turned into a general education center to mark the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War under the grand plan and energetic guidance of Kim Jong Un, who has successfully carried forward the ever-victorious history and tradition started on Mt. Paektu.”  Kim Jong Un toured different exhibitions and galleries in the museum and was briefed about the various artifacts, images and other items on display.  He praised the KPA construction personnel who worked on the museums renovation.  He said “the ceremony for opening the museum is planned to be held grandly” and “noted the museum is a treasure-house of the country, a theatre showcasing confrontation with the U.S. and an important base for anti-U.S. education.”  Kim Jong Un also said that “the excellent rebuilding of the museum and the improvement of the surrounding landscape will contribute to educating the servicepersons and people in President Kim Il Sung’s Chuch’e-oriented military idea, anti-imperialist revolutionary idea and outstanding commanding arts, and helping them carry forward the fighting spirit and soul of the forerunners” and “called for making good preparations for the opening and showing the fixed will of Songun Korea to always emerge victorious by carrying forward the tradition of victory displayed by the preceding generations.”

Kim Jong Un (C) poses for a commemorative photograph with Assistant General Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party Abdullah al-Ahmar in Pyongyang on 24 July 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) met with Syrian Ba’ath Arab Socialist Party Assistant General-Secretary Abdullah al-Ahmar and other members of a Syrian delegation on 24 July (Wednesday).  Attending the meeting with Kim Jong Un were Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department Kim Ki Nam, KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Kim Yang Gon and 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Kye Gwan.  The Syrian delegation arrived in Pyongyang earlier on 24 July and were received at Pyongyang Sunan Airport by KWP Secretary and Director of International Affairs Kim Yong Il, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hyong Jun and Haissam Saad, interim charge d’ affaires of the Syrian Embassy in the DPRK.  The delegation is one of many foreign delegations and groups visiting the DPRK to participate in events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the victory/armistice of the Fatherland Liberation War (Korean War).  Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his visit to the construction of a children’s hospital and dental hospital in Pyongyang.

According to KCNA, al-Ahmar “offered warmest congratulations to Marshal Kim Jong Un and the friendly Korean people on behalf of President Bashar Al-Assad and the Syrian people on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War and expressed best wishes for Kim Jong Un’s good health and happiness and for the Korean people’s success in the efforts to build a thriving nation” and he “expressed belief that the relations of friendship and cooperation that exist between the Syrian Arab Republic and the DPRK would continue growing strong in the interests of the two peoples.”  Kim Jong Un “warmly welcomed the delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic which made a long trip to come to the DPRK for taking part in the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War and extended a militant salute to President Bashar Al-Assad and the Syrian people.”  According to KCNA Kim Jong Un said “he was pleased to meet” al-Ahmar who had met with late DPRK founder and President Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) on several occasions.  Kim Jong Un “noted it is a great encouragement to the Korean people that the party and government of Syria dispatched the delegation to the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the victory in the war.”  Kim Jong Un also “exchanged with the guests views on the issue of boosting the bilateral relations and other issues of mutual concern including the regional situation.”

Kim Jong Un’s meeting with Syrians “proceeded in a friendly and amicable atmosphere.”  After the DPRK-Syrian interaction, Abdullah al-Ahmar presented a gift to Kim Jong Un, who “expressed deep thanks.”

Kim Jong Un and senior DPRK officials meet with a Syrian delegation in Pyongyang on 24 July 2013. The Syrian delegation arrived earlier in the day to participate in events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of active hostilities of the Fatherland Liberation War (Korean War) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un attends a men’s football (soccer) game between the Ryongaksan and Pot’onggang Teams at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on 14 August 2013, one day ahead of Liberation Day (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

View of a men’s football (soccer) game between the Yongaksan and Pot’onggang Teams at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on 14 August 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) attended a men’s football (soccer) game between the Ryongaksan and Pot’onggang teams at Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) Stadium in Pyongyang on 14 August (Wednesday).  Also attending the game were Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Political Bureau members and alternates including 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, Chairman of the State Physical Culture and Sports Commission  and Director of the KWP Administration Department), Col. Gen. Jang Jong Nam (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Kyong Hui (KWP Secretary and Kim Jong Un’s aunt), Kim Ki Nam (KWP Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department), Choe Tae Bok (KWP Secretary and Chairman of the Supreme People’s Assembly), Kang Sok Ju (DPRK Vice Premier), Gen. Kim Won Hong (Minister of State Security), Kim Yang Gon (KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department), Kim Yong Il (KWP Secretary and Director of International Affairs), Kim P’yong-hae (KWP Secretary and Director of Cadres’ Affairs), Kwak Pom Gi (KWP Secretary and Director of the Finance and Planning Department), Mun Kyong Dok (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang KWP Committee), Ro Tu Chol (DPRK Vice Premier and Chairman of the State Planning Commission), Gen. Choe Pu Il (Minister of People’s Security) and Jo Yon Jun (Senior Deputy [1st Vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department), along with “members of the State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission, leading officials of the support organizations for various sports events, officials of the party, armed forces and power organs, working people’s organizations, the Cabinet, ministries and national institutions, those in the sports field, sportspersons, working people from all walks of life and school youth and children in the city.”  Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his visit to the construction of two apartment towers earmarked for Kim Il Sung University science faculty and researchers.

The game began with a kick-off from the Pot’onggang Team.  According to KCNA, “Ryongaksan Team made attempts to score goals through flank attack and short passes which helped a forward make strong kick 16 m from goal mouth, scoring the first goal at around 33rd minute of the first half” and “when the Pot’onggang Team had a chance of penalty kick, its forward scored a goal through his skillful kick at around 36th minute of the first half.”  The game was tied at halftime.  In the second half “back of the Ryongaksan Team made a smart heading, scoring a goal at around 11th minute of the second half.”  The Ryongaksan Team beat the Pot’onggang Team 2-1.  According to KCNA, after the game Kim Jong Un “expressed great satisfaction over the nice match and congratulated the players on their success.”

The 2013 Asian Cup and Interclub Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championship (top) and 10 September Prize Martial Arts Contest (bottom) were held in Pyongyang during 10-18 September 2013 (Photos: KCNA)

During 12 September to 17 September Pyongyang hosted an international and domestic sports competitions.  The 2013 Asian Cup and Interclub Weightlifting Tournament (under the auspices of the International Weightlifting Federation) was held at Ryugyo’ng Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium from 12 September to 17 September and the DPRK national martial arts competition for the 10 September Prize occurred at the Taekwondo Hall from 12 September to 18 September.

The opening ceremony for the Asian Cup Weightlifting Championships was held at Ryugyo’ng Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium in the center of Pyongyang on 12 September.  The championships involved about 200 weightlifters hailing from 15 countries in Asia.  During the opening ceremony speeches Cha Hui Rim, Chairman of the Pyongyang City People’s Committee, “sent thanks to the International Weightlifting Federation and the Asian Weightlifting Federation for their sincere cooperation for the successful Championship.”  Ali Moradi, General Secretary of the Asian Weightlifting Federation, “extended his thanks to Marshal Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) as he took a measure for successful Championship in the DPRK, sincerely congratulating the Korean people who significantly celebrated the foundation day of the DPRK” and DPRK Minister of Physical Culture and Sport Ri Jong Mu “noted that the Championship marks an important occasion of exchanging successes and experiences achieved in the wrestling development in the Asian region and deepening the friendship.”  During the opening ceremony, the ROK (South Korea) flag was raised and after ROK.      According to the ROK Government this was the first time ROK athletes participated in an international competition in the DPRK and the last occasion that ROK athletes competed in the DPRK was an October 2008 exhibition soccer (football) games.

The 2013 Asian Cup and Interclub Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championship was held at Ryugyo’ng Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium in Pyongyang from 12 to 17 September 2013 (Photos: KCNA).

On the third day of competition, the ROK national anthem was played after ROK weightlifter Kim Woo-sik placed first in the 85 kg Interclub junior men’s weight class.  On the fourth day of competition, Kim Jong Un attended the senior women’s 63 and 65 kg competition.  Prior to the competition’s start he met with senior officials of the AWF and the IWF, telling them that “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.”  In the end, the DPRK came in first in the medal count with 149 medals, 80 of which were gold.  China came in second in the medal county with 87 medals, 27 of which were gold and the ROK team placed third in the total medal count with 72 medals.  The complete results for the Interclub Junior Championships are available here [PDF] and those for the Asian Cup Junior Championship are available here [PDF].

The DPRK’s 8th National Martial Arts Contest for the 10 September Prize opened at the Taekwondo Hall in Mangyo’ngdae Sports Village in Pyongyang on 12 September.  10 September refers to the date in 1992 when late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) inspected the Taekwondo Hall in Mangyo’ngdae.  The contest involved over 250 participants from 15 teams and included taekwondo, karate, wushu and Paduk (Go) competitions.  Taekwondo sparring, Wushu matches and Paduk contests were held during 13-15 September.  On 16 September, men’s and women’s taekwondo pattern and breaking competitions were held, along with Paduk mixed doubles.  In the men’s pattern competition, Ham Chung Ryol (national team) came in first, Ra Kyong Hun (of Sunch’o'n Cement Complex Team) came in second, Ri Phil Hun (South Hwanghae Provincial Team) came in third and Hyon Chang Ryul (North P’yo’ngan Provincial Team) came in fourth.  In the women’s pattern competition, Sim Il Ok (North Hwanghae Provincial Team) came in first, Kim Pom Mi (national team) came in second, Kim Ji Hyang (national team) came in third and Ri Hyang Mi (North Hwanghae Provincial Team) came in fourth.  In the special skills competition, Ri Song Il (North Hwanghae Provincial Team) placed first in the men’s category, and Kim Il Hwa (national team) placed first in the women’s category.  In the mixed Paduk doubles, Jang Ri Gyong and Kim Song Won (Pyongyang Team) won Group A, and Kim Kyong Hui and Song Hyon Jin (South Hamgyo’ng Provincial Team) won Group B.

The 8th National Martial Arts Championships were held at Taekwondo Hall in Pyongyang from 12 to 18 September 2013 (Photos: KCNA).

(Photos: KCNA screengrabs)

The last day of  the contest, 17 September, included demonstration competitions in which competitors “successfully destroyed the targets by front fist, knife-hand, elbow, side kick and turning kick requiring great strength and skills.”  Ri Phil Hun (South Hwanghae Provincial Team) came first in the men’s individual demonstrations, and Ri Yon A (Kangwo’n Provincial Team) came first in the women’s individual demonstrations.  The South Hamgyo’ng Provincial Team placed first in the men’s team demonstration with the Pyongyang Team placing second and the North Hwanghae Provincial Team placing third.  The Kangwo’n Provincial Team placed first in the women’s team demonstrations, with the Pyongyang Team placing second and the South Hwanghae Provincial Team placing third.  The 10 September Prize’s closing ceremony was held on 18 September and attended by Kim Kyong Ho (Chairman of the Korean Taekwando Committee) along with “officials concerned, players, coaches, Pyongyang citizens and students.”  In the taekwondo standings, the North Hwanghae Provincial Team came in first place, the Kangwo’n Provincial Team came in second and the South Hamgyo’ng Provincial Team placed third.  In Paduk, the Pyongyang Team took first, with the South Hamgyo’ng Provincial Team placing second and South P’yo’ngan Provincial Team placing third.  In overall team standings, the North Hwanghae Provincial Team came in first, Pyongyang Team came in second and South Hamgyo’ng placed third.

The 10 September Prize contest occurred whilst the DPRK’s International Taekwondo Federation [ITF] negotiates with its ROK counterpart the World Taekwondo Federation [WTF] for cross participation in their competitions.  WTF President Choue Chung-won met with ITF President Jang Ung during the International Olympic Committee’s 125th Session in Argentina (held during 7 to 10 September).  According to KBS World, Choue said “both sides could sign a memorandum of understanding as early as next month in Russia when the 2013 World Combat Games opens.”

Having concurrently hosted an international and domestic sports competition may be the consummation of the role of the State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission, ten months after it was established.  Andray Abrahamian writes on the DPRK’s recent emphasis on sports on 38 North:

Winning prestigious sporting events is a major impetus for the “let’s-all-love-sports” campaign. Sporting triumphs may also provide an outlet for nationalist rallying during geopolitically calmer times. One can imagine a situation in the coming years where Pyongyang’s strategic goals will require some sort of détente or at least negotiations with the US and South Korea. Should such a détente occur, North Korea would need to avoid testing any ballistic or nuclear technologies for a period of time in order not to scupper any cooperation that might develop. It would be extremely useful then to have other victories to inspire patriotic pride. Sports, as in any country, can provide this.

Certainly, pointing to sporting victories will be easier than pointing to economic ones if Pyongyang maintains its ambivalence to reform. While the new leadership has demonstrated some interest in economic policy experimentation, the reticence to change that was the hallmark of the Kim Jong Il era is still evident. Both national sporting victories and the urban beautification projects that center around leisure activities—the rollerblading rinks, basketball courts and swimming pools—can be read as a means of buying time, while economic and foreign policy options are explored.

Overall, the sports campaign is also congruous with Kim Jong Un’s brand. As we’ve seen in the past year, the younger Kim has had a distinct niche carved out on his behalf. He clearly projects an approachable, friendly leadership style; one newish song is called “Friendly Comrade Kim Jong Un,” lest there be any doubt. Perhaps most importantly, however, rather than avoid the issue of his age, his public relations team has embraced it, emphasizing his youth, vitality and energy. Promoting sports at a mass-participatory and competitive level has a high degree of cogence with this branding process.

According to an 11 August article in Sankei Shimbun, Kim Jong Un’s “national sports” policy finds DPRK Cabinet ministries and other power organizations sponsoring specific sports events.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for basketball, the Korean Workers’ Party United Front Department is “the main sponsoring organization” for football (soccer) and the Ministry of Foreign Trade is responsible for archery.  Taekwondo is now sponsored and managed by the Ministry of Physical Culture and Sports.  The State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission, according to Sankei, “is focusing on earning good sums of foreign currency” and the “Commission’s discussions are not limited to only sports policy but also extend to diplomatic and domestic issues, causing some to see the Commission as a core “shadow” regime organization.”

KPA General Staff (NK Leadership Watch graphic)

The Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Staff issued a statement on 7 October (Monday) which said that the KPA’s “the units of all services and army corps level of the KPA received an emergency order from its supreme command on October 5 (Saturday) to reexamine the operation plans already ratified by it and keep themselves fully ready to promptly launch operations any time” in response to ongoing joint US-ROK maritime exercises under way in the East Sea (Sea of Japan).  The General Staff described the routine exercises, scheduled from 30 September to 13 October involve the aircraft carrier USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group and include anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare drills, air defense exercises and education and cultural exchanges.  The KPA General Staff also said that the US “should bear in mind that the more frequently and the deeper its imperialist aggression forces’ nuclear strike means including the nuclear carrier enter the air above the vicinity of the Korean Peninsula and waters off it, the more unpredictable disasters their actions will cause” and that the “U.S. should bear in mind that the Korean people and army are highly alerted to promptly and confidently cope and foil blatant provocations of any hostile forces in the world with its own powerful military muscle.”

According to KCNA, the spokesman for the KPA General Staff statement said:

The situation on the Korean Peninsula is now getting strained again though the tension had been defused thanks to the patient efforts on the part of the DPRK.

This is entirely attributable to the persistent anti-DPRK military confrontation of the U.S. and Japanese aggressors and south Korean puppet forces.

As already reported, the nuclear-powered carrier strike group of the navy of the U.S. imperialist aggression forces entered Pusan Port again at dawn of October 4. It participated in the DPRK-targeted joint naval maneuvers which had been under way secretly in the East Sea of Korea since September 30.

This strike group is made up of the U.S. super-large nuclear-powered carrier George Washington with at least 100 nuclear bombs aboard, many guided-missile destroyers, cruisers, submarines and escort warships, etc.

It is reported that the strike group will get involved in the DPRK-targeted large-scale joint naval strike maneuvers in the South Sea of Korea from Tuesday together with warship groups of the Japanese aggression forces and south Korean puppet navy.

Now the U.S. imperialists are openly advertising that the drills to be staged with the aircraft carrier task force as an axis are a planned military offensive to pressurize the DPRK in a bid to deter its possible “provocations” including nuclear test and missile launch and lead it to “changes” desired by them.

This clearly proves that the remarks of such high-ranking officials of the U.S. Obama administration as the secretary of State that the U.S. neither pursues a hostile policy towards the DPRK nor has the will to attack it are sheer lies.

The gravity of the situation is that all these military moves are timed to coincide with the adoption of the “tailored deterrence strategy” presupposing a preemptive strike at the DPRK between the master and its servant.

In this connection, the units of all services and army corps level of the KPA received an emergency order from its supreme command on October 5 to reexamine the operation plans already ratified by it and keep themselves fully ready to promptly launch operations any time, watching with high vigilance every move of the U.S. and Japanese aggressors and the puppet forces.

The U.S. should bear in mind that the more frequently and the deeper its imperialist aggression forces’ nuclear strike means including the nuclear carrier enter the air above the vicinity of the Korean Peninsula and waters off it, the more unpredictable disasters their actions will cause.

The U.S. will be wholly accountable for the unexpected horrible disaster to be met by its imperialist aggression forces’ nuclear strike means as it is deploying them regardless of the time.

In this regard the DPRK invariably holds that if the U.S. administration stands for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and is interested in the peace and security in the region, the U.S., not the DPRK, should make a decision to move first.

Because it is none other than the U.S. which adopted an extremely hostile policy toward the DPRK, spawned the nuclear issue on the peninsula and has posed a constant nuclear threat to it.

The U.S. should bear in mind that the Korean people and army are highly alerted to promptly and confidently cope and foil blatant provocations of any hostile forces in the world with its own powerful military muscle.

The same day (5 October) that the General Staff states that “the units of all services and army corps level of the KPA received an emergency order from its supreme command on October 5 to reexamine the operation plans already ratified by it and keep themselves fully ready to promptly launch operations any time,” an editorial denouncing the joint US-ROK military exercises was published in Rodong Sinmun which said, in part:

The maneuvers to provoke a war of northward aggression by the US imperialists and South Korean puppet warmongers are heading toward a reckless stage. As reported, the South Korean puppets are attempting to bring in the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier “George Washington” and perpetrate a joint maritime exercise in the East Sea of Korea. The fact that a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is crawling into South Korea at an acute juncture when North-South relations lie between dialogue or confrontation is an issue that should not be overlooked with indifference. For warmongers at home and abroad to deploy a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in a large-scale joint maritime exercise opposing us is very dangerous, reckless behavior aimed at destroying the atmosphere of dialogue and peace and once again driving the situation toward the worst confrontational phase, as well as a direct challenge and overt military threat to our peaceful efforts.

Although the puppets have clamored that this war exercise is an “annual” event and “preparation against provocation,” there is no one who will heed such cheap wordplay. The very fact that a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which is equipped with all types of cutting-edge firepower equipment such as scores of latest fighter jets and missiles and commands 20 ships — including a nuclear submarine, cruiser, and destroyer — is a serious military provocation and a prelude to a war of northward aggression. Moreover, given the fact that the USS “George Washington” is a war monster that gained notoriety in the hotspots of the world in the past, the situation is very grave.

The United States and the puppet warmongers have already carried out a nuclear strike exercise targeting us while continuously introducing nuclear strategic bombers in the airspace above South Korea during the “U’lchi Freedom Guardian” joint military exercises held last August. Following this, they are frantically attempting to conduct joint maritime exercises by once again bringing in a nuclear-powered nuclear aircraft carrier. This clearly shows what reckless stage the war provocation attempt of northward aggression by warmongers at home and abroad has reached.

There are three differences between the General Staff’s 7 October statement and the 5 October Rodong editorial.  The General Staff’s statement refers to an “an emergency order from its supreme command” and it says that KPA service branches and corps units are “fully ready to promptly launch operations.”  The statement also directly alludes to US Secretary of State John Kerry’s remark on 2 October that “We are prepared to have a peaceful relationship with North Korea. We are not engaged in regime change. We are prepared to sign a non-aggression agreement — providing North Korea decides to denuclearize and to engage in legitimate negotiations to achieve that end.”  The KPA General Staff’s statement follows up another 7 October statement of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea (f.k.a. the Committee for the Reunification of the Fatherland) reacting to the US-ROK policy of “bilateral strategy for tailored deterrence” announced at the 45th Security Consultative Meeting held between US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and ROK Minister of National Defense Kim Kwan-jin in Seoul on 2 October:

The U.S. is trying to ignite a nuclear war while talking about “sign of the use of nuclear weapons” by the DPRK on the Korean Peninsula, the statement noted, and went on:

The military confab for aggression has created a touch-and-go situation in which an accidental case or a misjudgment may lead to a nuclear war.

It is illogical for the Park Geun Hye regime to cry out for “dismantlement of nuclear weapons” and “denuclearization” of the DPRK while openly revealing its scheme for a nuclear war against the DPRK in league with the U.S.

The U.S. and the puppet regime are trying hard to put political and military pressure on the DPRK, deter the DPRK’s offensive for dialogue and peace and escalate the tensions through frantic nuclear war provocation moves and thus attain without fail their aggression purposes. This only heightens the indignation of the army and people of the DPRK.

Should the U.S. and the puppet forces opt for the provocation of a nuclear war against the DPRK, defying its warnings, it will resolutely counter them.

The U.S. imperialists and the puppet forces should not run amuck, clearly aware of the spirit of the army and people of the DPRK to annihilate enemies.

The General Staff’s statement also builds on a lengthy statement released by the National Defense Commission [NDC] Policy Department on 4 October (Friday) which contained only generic references to the ROK “conspir(ing) outsiders under the pretext of leading the DPRK to ‘change.’”  Unlike the the General Staff’s statement, the NDC Policy Department’s statement was a catalogue of the DPRK’s grievances against the ROK including the Park Administration’s approach to inter-Korean relations, a speech made by ROK President Park Geun-hye and ROK military parade that included the Hyunmoo-2 short-range ballistic and the Spike anti-tanks missiles.  The NDC Policy Department statement was paired with one on 5 October (Saturday) from the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea.  This appears to be a publicity tactic by the DPRK’s image makers in which a statement issued from a key security organization is released with a statement from a key civilian organization.  In releasing the KPA General Staff’s statement, the process was reversed; the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea statement was the lead-in for that of the General Staff.  This may be a matter of balancing the institutional affiliation of the DPRK’s message bearers.  It could indicate a certain degree of solidarity (and policy agreement) among senior DPRK military and civilian policymakers on the country’s interactions and relations with the ROK.

DPRK National Defense Commission (Photo: NK Leadership Watch Graphic)

This was the first statement released by the KPA General Staff since April 2013, a period in which inter-Korean relations were tense and security on the Korean Peninsula was fragile.  In April the KPA General Staff issued two statements, one on 4 April which objected to the B-52 bomber’s participation in joint US-ROK military exercises and another on 12 April which denied DPRK involvement in cyberattacks on ROK institutions.

The statement also marked the first significant public activity by the General Staff since the August 2013 appointment of Gen. Ri Yong Gil as chief.  Gen. Ri, former commander of the hardline forward-deployed V Army Corps, attended a 29 March 2013 meeting chaired by DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) at which “he signed the plan on technical preparations of strategic rockets of the KPA, ordering them to be standby for fire so that they may strike any time the U.S. mainland, its military bases in the operational theaters in the Pacific, including Hawaii and Guam, and those in south Korea.”  Also attending the meeting was Gen. Kim Yong Chol, Vice Chief of the KPA General Staff and Director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, who manages the NDC Policy Department.

DPRK National Defense Commission as of May 13, 2016 (Photo: NK Leadership Watch graphic)

The DPRK National Defense Commission [NDC] issued an “open letter” on May 20 (Friday) which claimed that its “proposal for the north-south military authorities’ talks is the best and greatest realistic way for ensuring peace of the country and the security of the nation.”  The NDC timed the release of this letter so that some level of inter-Korean interactions might take place in order to avoid another crisis as happened during August 2015.

According to KCNA, the NDC also said:

But the south Korean authorities categorically denied the DPRK’s proposal for the military authorities’ talks, terming it “propaganda offensive bereft of sincerity” and “camouflaged peace tactics”. They went the lengths of crying out for “strong counteraction” while talking about such unreasonable logic as “denuclearization first and dialogue next”.

The NDC of the DPRK solemnly urged the south Korean authorities as follows to put under control the prevailing catastrophic situation created in the north-south relations through dialogue and negotiations:

The south Korean authorities should immediately respond to the DPRK’s proposal for jointly paving the way for ending all the hostile acts, stumbling blocks fostering mistrust and confrontation and hindering the improvement of relations between the north and the south, and for building military confidence.

All kinds of hostile acts rattling the nerves of the opposite side and slandering it including psychological broadcasting and leaflet-scattering operations being waged in frontline areas are by no means unrelated to the responsibilities of the military authorities of both sides.

The continued grim situation under which both sides level their guns at each other with the Military Demarcation Line imposed by outside forces and the hotspot waters in the West Sea in between would inevitably lead to armed conflict and the outbreak of a war.

Fostering trust and dialogue, not mistrust and confrontation, is the the best way and urgent and pressing task for paving a wide avenue to peace and prosperity under the touch-and-go situation.

The south Korean authorities should clearly bear in mind that the prospect for improving the north-south relations can be opened only through dialogue and negotiations.

The south Korean authorities should positively respond to the DPRK’s proposal for opening bilateral military dialogue at the earliest date for settling all the problems arising in easing military tension on the Korean peninsula and improving the north-south relations.

Army, be it in the north or the south, has the mission to safeguard the peace and security of our country and nation.

It is the responsibility and duty of the military authorities in all aspects to remove the danger of a war and defuse tension on this land.

It is neither possible to achieve peace through the recourse to arms nor possible to ensure security through mud-slinging and hostility.

It is for this reason that we wish to put all matters of concern on the military negotiating table and settle them through frank discussion.

The south Korean authorities have to clearly understand that they can not have any reason or pretext to deny this if they have intent to improve the present north-south relations.

The south Korean authorities should meet the great expectation of all Koreans by actively supporting the bold and practical measures that would help ensure peace of the country and the security of the nation.

Now is the time when a single action speaks louder than hundreds of words.

No matter how dear peace may be, talking is not enough to ensure it. The nation may be get inveigled in the whirlwind of war and suffer from a horrible disaster in the end.

It is necessary to decisively break with the inglorious past and make a fresh start.

The north and the south should join hands and take a giant stride forward to defuse military tension and the danger of conflict on the Korean peninsula and to open a new chapter for the improvement of the north-south relations and for the movement for national reunification.

There is nothing to be afraid of and nothing impossible if all members of the resourceful and homogeneous Korean nation pool their intention and efforts.

The south Korean authorities should behave with discretion as members of the Korean nation, not misjudging the warm sincerity and great magnanimity of the DPRK.

All the Koreans will soon be able to see bold and practical measures to be taken by the DPRK to defuse confrontation and the danger of conflict on the Korean peninsula and achieve the sacred cause of national reunification, the most cherished desire of the Korean nation.

WPK Vice Chairman and WPK Political Bureau Member Kim Yong Chol (left) meets with Cuban President Raúl Castro in Havana on May 24, 2016 (Photo: Granma/Revolution Studios).

Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] Vice Chairman, WPK Political Bureau and and WPK Executive Policy Council Member Kim Yong Chol visited Cuba during May 23 to May 26.  Traveling to Cuba with Kim were Ri Yong Chol (deputy director of the WPK International Affairs Department) and Kim Jong Sik (deputy director of the WPK Munitions (machine-building) Industry Department).

On May 24, Kim met with Cuban President Raúl Castro.  Also in attendance from the DPRK was Ambassador to Cuba Pak Chang Yul.  Attending from Cuba were: José Ramón Machado Ventura (2nd Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee),  Salvador Valdés Mesa (member of the Communist Party of Cuba Political Bureau and a Cuban Vice President) and José Ramón Balaguer Cabrera (director of the Communist Party of Cuba’s International Relations Department).  According to Granma, the meeting took place in a “fraternal atmosphere” in which “both sides confirmed the interest to continue deepening the historical relations that bind the two parties, the two governments and the peoples.”

During his meeting with Raúl, Kim Yong Chol passed along a personal letter from Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) and asked Raúl to convey Jong Un’s greetings to Fidel Castro.  Kim Yong Chol congratulated Raúl on his re-election as the Communist Party of Cuba’s [CPC] 1st Secretary and the completion of the CPC’s 7th Party Congress.

Kim Yong Chol noted “with appreciation that the party and government of Cuba laid down a line suited to the actual conditions of the country while consistently adhering to the socialist principles and are achieving big successes in building socialism.”  Kim expressed thanks “to Cuba for sending full support and encouragement to the WPK and the Korean people, remaining true to the revolutionary sense of obligation” and also expressed “the invariable stand of the WPK to develop the comradely and fraternal relations with the CPC true to the behests of President Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il).”  Raúl Castro congratulated the WPK on the 7th Party Congress and said that he “wholeheartedly respects Kim Jong Un and wishes to meet him without fail in the future…Kim Jong Un is identical to Kim Il Sung, the founder of the WPK and his writing style clearly proves that he full of wisdom and enthusiasm.”  Raúl said that the “relations between the two countries are the comradely and fraternal ones proved by history…its is the firm stand of the party and government of Cuba to further develop the friendly and cooperative relations with the DPRK.”

Kim Yong Chol accompanied by CPC International Relations Department Director José Ramón Balaguer Cabrera pays tribute at the José Martí monument in Havana on May 23, 2016 (Photo: KCNA).

On May 23 (Monday), Kim Yong Chol and the WPK delegation paid a floral wreath at the José Martí monument in Havana’s Revolution Square.  Kim and the WPK delegation paid tribute to Martí then toured area around the monument and memorial.

Also on May 23, the WPK delegation met with senior CPC officials at the CPC Central Committee office building.  Leading the talks from the CPC was Salvador Valdés Mesa (a Cuban Vice President and a member of the CPC Political Bureau).  The WPK and CPC briefed one another about their parties’ recent activities.  Kim Yong Chol said that Kim Jong Un “is attaching great importance to the friendly relations with Cuba provided by President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il” and noted that Jong Un personally “sent the WPK delegation to Cuba this time.”  Kim Yong Chol told the CPC officials that Jong Un’s report at the 7th Party Congress “comprehensively reviewed the brilliant victory and successes registered by the WPK, army and people of the DPRK under the banner of Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism in the period under review and indicated the strategic line and tasks for accomplishing the cause of socialism.”  Kim stressed that that the 7th Party Congress elected Jong Un as WPK Chairman “reflecting the unanimous will and desire of all party members, service personnel and people.”  Kim Yong Chol congratulated the CPC on its own 7th Congress and he “highly appreciated the leadership role of the CPC which firmly adhering to the principle of socialism while directing efforts to the political and ideological education among the people including the new generation.”

The WPK delegation meets with CPC representatives at the CPC Central Committee office building in Havana on May 23, 2016 (Photo: KCNA).

Salvador Valdés Mesa said that CPC’s 7th Party Congress reviewed “the work on implementing the line and decision pursuant to the orientation of the fresh socio-economic policy and discussed the issue of formulating the theory of socialist construction in Cuba and completing it.”  The CPC’s congress “worked out the plan for developing the national economy till 2030 in the direction of keeping the socialist nature and stressed the need to ensure the monolithic leadership of the CPC and adhere to the idea of Fidel based on Marxism-Leninism.”  Salvador Valdés Mesa congratulated the WPK for its 7th Party congress as “the historic one which reviewed the great victory and success made in socialist construction over the past 35 years and the significant one which showed the picture of the DPRK advancing toward the world,”

The WPK and CPC also “exchanged views on the matter of further developing the friendly and cooperative relations between the two parties and two countries and other matters of mutual concern.”

Two THAAD interceptors and a Standard-Missile 3 Block IA missile were launched resulting in the intercept of two near-simultaneous medium-range ballistic missile targets during designated Flight Test Operational-01 (FTO-01) on September 10, 2013 in the vicinity of the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll/Reagan Test Site and surrounding areas in the western Pacific. The test demonstrated the ability of the Aegis BMD and THAA (Photo: Missile Defense Agency/DOD)

According to KCNA, the statement from August 13, 2016 (Saturday) said:

What traitor Park uttered this time is, as commented by the public at home and abroad, little short of her self-acknowledgment of THAAD’s critical impact on human health and surrounding environment and serious catastrophic consequences to be entailed by it across south Korea.

There is a saying that an intended crime deserves severer punishment than the crime committed, unaware of it. Traitor Park has left no means untried to introduce THAAD into south Korea by deceiving the public at any cost though she knows that it is good for nothing. Lurking behind this is her ill-minded intention to make all Koreans fall victim to the U.S. policy of aggression.

THAAD is not for protecting the lives of the south Korean people but for shielding the U.S. imperialist aggressor forces present in south Korea and a source of trouble that will only serve the purpose of the US policy of seeking to dominate the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia. This fact can by no means be covered up.

Park would be sadly mistaken if she calculates she can calm down the enraged public including the inhabitants of Songju County with the above-said rhetoric. She cannot but be called a wicked traitor without an equal.

The only solution to the controversial issue of THAAD lies in scrapping the decision to deploy THAAD bringing a nuclear disaster to the south Korean people and in resolutely eliminating the group of traitors that created such danger on behalf of all Koreans, not in “examining the third place.”

All Koreans in the north, the south and abroad desirous of peace against war will have to stage a more dynamic struggle to foil the reckless moves of the Park group to deploy THAAD, the thrice-cursed crime challenging the nation and history.

DPRK leadership attend a ceremony at Tangun’s tomb. Seen in attendance are: Yun Jong Ho [a], Choe Jin Su [b], Kim Yong Dae [c], Kim Wan Su [d] and Pak Myong Chol [e] (Photo: Korean Central TV).

A memorial service for Tangun was held.  Vice Chairman of the Council for Reunification of Tangun’s Nation Yun Jong Ho (Yun Cho’ng-ho) delivered a report in which he said that “President Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) found out the ancestral father of the nation, who had been regarded as a mythical being, and demonstrated the good qualities of the Korean nation all over the world, adding their immortal exploits will be handed down through the age” and which “praised Marshal Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) for glorifying the DPRK as the world’s advanced and highly civilized nation and a thriving power true to the will of the great leaders.”

View of the ceremony (Photo: Korean Central TV).

Yun, in the report, remarked that it is an “intolerable tragedy that our fellow compatriots are suffering pain and misfortune from national division by outside forces” and  noted “all Koreans should adhere to and thoroughly implement the immortal program for reunification: the three principles of national reunification, the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration.”  Yun ” called on all fellow compatriots to turn out in the efforts for accomplishing the national historic cause of building a reunified power, dignified and prosperous, on this land.”

Ryu Mi Yong (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Ryu Mi Yong [Ryu Mi-yo’ng], Member of the Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium, chairwoman of the Ch’o’ndoist Ch’o’ngu Party Central Committee, co-chairwoman of the Democratic Front for the Unification of the Fatherland and member of the North Side Headquarters of the National Alliance for the Country’s Reunification, passed away from lung cancer in Pyongyang on the afternoon of November 23 (Wednesday).  An obituary issued jointly by the SPA Presidium, the Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Country and the Ch’o’ndoist Ch’o’ngu Party Central Committee noted that “even if Ryu Mi-yo’ng has passed away, the exploits that she performed for the country and the nation shall last forever.”

Ryu was the widow of former ROK Foreign Minister, diplomat, military commander and Unification Ministry advisor Choe Deok-sin [Ch’oe To’k-sin], who also served as head of the Ch’o’ndoist Ch’o’ngu Party Central Committee and was a vice chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the County (formally known as the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland).  Ryu and Choe emigrated to the United States in 1976 and defected to the DPRK in 1986.  When they defected to the North, they left behind five children, two of whom Ryu reunited with on August 16, 2000 during inter-Korean family reunions held in the South.

Ryu’s career in DPRK politics did not effectively begin until 1990, after her husband’s 1989 death.  In March 1990 she held the position of advisor to the Korean Ch’o’ndoist Church and she was elected to the 9th Supreme People’s Assembly in April the same year.  In April 1991 she became a member of the Central Committee of the North Side Headquarters of the Alliance for the Country’s Reunification.  She became a member of the Ch’o’ndoist Ch’o’ngu Central Committee in 1993 and chairwoman of the church’s central guidance committee in 1994.  She was also appointed as a Vice Chairwoman of the Korean Religionists Council and, in September 1997, was appointed head of the Consultative Council for the Reunification of Tangun Nation.

Ryu Mi Yong’s Funeral Committee (Photo: NK Leadership Watch/Rodong Sinmun).

Ryu Mi Yong was re-elected to the Supreme People’s Assembly in 1998.  At the first session of the 10th SPA, she was elected to the SPA Presidium.  During the Sunshine Years, Ryu visited the ROK and participated in numerous inter-Korean events and interactions in both the North and the South.  She was re-elected to the SPA and the SPA Presidium in 2003, 2009 and 2014.  As a senior member of the DPRK leadership, she regularly attended various public events and her last observed appearance was during late 2015.  Ryu Mi Yong was a recipient of the Order of the National Flag, 1st Class, the National Reunification Prize, the Order of Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng), the Order of Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) and other state awards and citations.

A small funeral committee has been organized.  Ryu Mi Yong’s wake will be held November 24 (Thursday) at Sojang Club in Pot’onggang District (Pot’onggang-kuyo’k) and her funeral service will be held on the morning of November 25 (Friday).  Her second son, who resides in the ROK, traveled to the DPRK earlier this week and is currently in Pyongyang to attend the funeral.  

According to Ryu Mi Yong’s obituary:

She was a patriotic political figure who devoted herself to the prosperity of the nation and independent reunification of the country, true to the noble patriotic idea of President Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il).

Born as the only daughter of Ryu Tong Yol (Ryu Tong-y’ol), a patriot, in an alien land on Feb. 14, Chuch’e 10 (1921) in the dark period of the Japanese imperialist colonial rule, she suffered the bitter sorrow of being a member of the stateless nation. Covering the road of checkered career in pursuit of genuine patriotism, she wandered in south Korea and overseas. Thanks to the profound trust and love of the great leaders she could make a dramatic U turn in her life and enjoyed a worthwhile life after permanently settling in the DPRK together with her husband Choe Tok Sin (Ch’oe To’k-sin).

She worked as adviser to the Central Guidance Committee of the Ch’o’ndoist Association of Korea, chairwoman of the Central Committee of the Ch’o’ndoist Ch’o’ngu Party, chairwoman of the Council for the Reunification of Tangun’s Nation, deputy to the SPA of the DPRK and member of the Presidium of the SPA. She fully supported the line of the building of a powerful socialist country of the Workers’ Party of Korea and its line of achieving national reunification and made positive efforts for implementing them.

She revered Marshal Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) as God of the nation and the sun of salvation of the world and the people and worked heart and soul to bring earlier a new day of unity of all Koreans and country’s reunification till the last moments of her life.

She was awarded Order of Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng), Order of Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il), National Reunification Prize and many other state citations for her feats performed for the great unity of the nation and the accomplishment of the cause of national reunification.

SPA Presidium Vice President Yang Hyong Sop speaks at a graveside service for Ryu Mi Yong on November 24, 2016 at Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery in the suburbs of Pyongyang (Photo: Korean Central News Agency).

The funeral for Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium Member and Ch’o’ndoist Ch’o’ngu Party Central Committee Chairwoman Ryu Mi Yong (Ryu Mi-yo’ng) was held on November 24 (Thursday).  Attending the funeral were members of Ryu’s family, members of her funeral committee including SPA Presidium Vice President Yang Hyong Sop (Yang Hyo’ng-sop), Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] Vice Chairman for Intelligence and South Korean Affairs Kim Yong Chol (Kim Yo’ng-ch’o’l), Korean Social Democratic Party Central Committee Chairman Kim Yong Dae (Kim Yo’ng-tae), as well as officials and cadres of the WPK Central Committee, the SPA Presidium, the Ch’o’ndoist Ch’o’ngu Central Committe, the Korean Social Democratic Party Central Committee, the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the County, the Secretariat of the Democratic Front for the Reunification of Korea Central Committee, the Buddhist Federation of Korea Central Committee, the Christian Federation of Korea Central Committee and the Catholic Association of Korea Central Committee.

Departing for the cemetery, members of Ryu Mi-yo’ng’s family carry her portrait and her state awards in front of her casket at the Sojang Center in Pot’onggang-kuyo’k in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA).

Ryu Mi Yong’s casket is brought to her family grave (Photo: KCNA).

Mourners gathered at the Sojang Club in Pyongyang and observed a moment of silence after which Ryu Mi Yong’s casket was conveyed by a funeral cortege to the Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery.  Yang Hyong Sop spoke at a grave side service.  He said that Ryu’s demise “a renowned woman political activist was a great loss” and emphasized that “even though her heart stopped beating, the feats she performed for the country and nation shall remain forever.”

SPA Presidium Vice President Yang Hyong Sop delivers a eulogy at the graveside service for Ryu Mi Yong on November 24, 2016 at the Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA).

Members of Ryu’s family and senior inter-Korean officials Yun Jong Ho and Pak Myong Chol attend the graveside service (Photo: KCNA).

A floral wreath from Kim Jong Un is placed next to Ryu Mi Yong’s and Choe Tok Sin’s grave (Photo: KCNA).

After Yang’s eulogy and remarks from a member of her family, Ryu Mi Yong’s remains were interred with those of her husband, former ROK Foreign Minister Choe Tok Sin (Ch’oe To’k-sin), in his grave.  Members of her family and of her funeral committee shoveled dirt over the grave.  Floral wreaths from Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n), the WPK Central Committee, the SPA Presidium, the Ch’o’ndoist Ch’o’ngu Party Central Committee and other DPRK institutions were placed before the grave.  Then, mourners observed another moment of silence.

Photo of the venue at the People’s Palace of Culture in Pyongyang where a joint conference on implementing New Day Speech tasks for reunification was held on January 18, 2017. The photo appeared on the bottom right of page two of the January 19, 2017 edition of the WPK daily newspaper Rodong Sinmun (Photo: Rodong Sinmun/KCNA).

A joint conference focused on implementing the tasks for reunification outlined in Kim Jong Un’s (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) New Year’s Day Address was held at the People’s Palace of Culture in Pyongyang on January 18 (Wednesday).  The joint conference gathered DPRK Government officials, senior officials of the DPRK’s three political parties, senior officials and representatives of inter-Korean, social and workers organizations.  Attending the conference were Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam (Kim Yo’ng-nam), Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] Vice Chairman for Intelligence and South Korean Affairs and Director of the WPK United Front Department [UFD] Kim Yong Chol (Kim Yo’ng-ch’o’l), DPRK Vice Premier and State Planning Commission Ro Tu Chol (Ro Tu-ch’o’l) Korea Social Democratic Party Central Committee Chairman Kim Yong Dae (Kim Yo’ng-tae), Kimilsungist-Kimjongilist Youth League Central Committee 1st Secretary Jon Yong Nam (Cho’n Yo’ng-nam) along with functionaries of the North Side Committee for Implementing the June 15 Joint Declaration, the Pan-National Alliance for Korea’s Reunification and the Pan-National Alliance of Youth and Students for Korea’s Reunification.

The conference’s agenda was “on opening up a broad avenue to independent reunification by the concerted efforts of all Koreans this year of significance, true to the New Year Address of respected Supreme Leader Comrade Kim Jong Un.”  Chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country of the DPRK Ri Son Gon (Ri Son-ko’n) delivered a report.  Speeches were delivered by Kim Yong Dae, Jon Yong Nam and Chairman of the Religious Believers Council or Korea Kang Ji Yong (Kang Chi-yo’ng).

The report and speeches noted that Jong Un “in his New Year Address called for opening up a broad avenue to independent reunification by the concerted efforts of all Koreans this year marking the 45th anniversary of the July 4 Joint Statement and the 10th anniversary of the October 4 Declaration and indicated overall tasks and ways to put the proposal into practice.”  The reporter and speakers “fully supported and approved the line and policy of national reunification advanced by the Supreme Leader in his New Year Address as an immortal grand program for accomplishing the cause of the country’s reunification by pooling will and efforts of all Koreans.”  The report and supporting speeches “stressed the need for all Koreans in the north and the south and abroad to accelerate the nationwide grand march towards reunification by their united efforts and thus glorify this year as a very significant year in bringing about a new phase of independent reunification.”

The conference approved a pan-Korean appeal.  The appeal, alitany  noted that 2017 is the anniversary of the July 4 Joint Statement and the 10th anniversary of the October 4 Declaration and, according to KCNA said:

Let us positively struggle to implement the line and policy of independent reunification full of ardent patriotism, cherishing the high pride and great honor of being members of Kim Il Sung’s (Kim Il-so’ng) nation!

All Koreans should vigorously pave the road of reunification under the uplifted banner of national independence and great unity!

Let us resolutely oppose and reject all war drills wrecking peace and stability on the Korean peninsula!

Let all Koreans in the north and the south and abroad unequivocally support the reunification by federal formula transcending differences in ideology and social system and carry on the positive struggle to realize it!

Let us wage a nation-wide struggle to improve the north-south relations and root out the source of acute military conflict between them and danger of a war!

Let us resolutely smash the anti-DPRK confrontation moves of the south Korean authorities, the main factor of deteriorating the north-south relations and cancer-like entity standing in the way of their improvement!

Let all Koreans who love peace energetically wage a nation-wide sacred struggle for defusing the military conflict and the danger of a war between the north and the south and building peace mechanism!

The south Korean authorities should not thoughtlessly take issue with the DPRK’s exercise of the right to self-defense but respond to the latter’s sincere efforts to prevent the military conflict between the north and the south and ease the tension!

They should halt at once the reckless arms buildup and anti-north war drills escalating the tension on the Korean peninsula!

Let us bring a pan-national grand meeting for reunification to success to usher in a heyday of the nation-wide reunification movement!

Let all Koreans in the north and the south and abroad achieve solidarity, alliance and unity on the principle of subordinating everything to the country’s reunification, the cause common to the nation!

Let us positively struggle to realize the pan-national grand meeting for reunification to be attended by political parties and organizations including the authorities of the north and the south and compatriots from all walks of life at home and abroad!

Let us resolutely frustrate the challenges of the anti-reunification forces at home and abroad going against the nation’s desire for reunification!

Let us deal a heavy blow at the U.S. domination and interference aimed to carry out the strategy to dominate Asia-Pacific while keeping south Korea under its occupation forever!

Let us hold high the torch of justice and resolutely wipe out the group of traitors who block the road of reunification, leaving the interests of the nation to the tender mercy of outside forces after failing to discern the principal enemy of the nation!

The U.S. should clearly face up to the inexhaustible might of the DPRK and the trend of the times and make a courageous decision to roll back its anachronistic hostile policy toward the DPRK!

It should roll back at once its national estrangement policy aimed to instigate the confrontational maniacs forsaken by the public to perpetuate the division!

The international community setting store by independence and peace should lift up the voices opposing the U.S. and its vassal forces standing in the way of peace and reunification on the Korean peninsula!

The DPRK’s government, political parties and organizations once again ardently appealed to all Koreans in the north and the south and abroad to turn out as one in the sacred struggle to glorify 2017, the year promising great changes, as a significant year of bringing about a new phase of independent reunification in hearty response to the patriotic call of the peerlessly great man

Han Sang Ryol, an priest and political activist who has been in the DPRK for two months, tours the West Sea Barrage in Namp'o in August, 2010. The DPRK has announced that Han's return to the ROK was posponed until 20 August (Photo: KCNA)

The DPRK has not offered any official word on the squid fishing boat and 7 crew members seized in the East Sea last Sunday (8 August), but the DPRK’s Red Cross has informed its ROK counterpart that Han Sang Ryol has postponed his return to the South by five days.  Han was originally set to leave on 15 August (Sunday), which is also the anniversary of the liberation of the Korean Peninsula, but his departure has been delayed by five days.  Han Sang Ryol is a 60-year old priest and political activist from the ROK who traveled to Pyongyang on 12 June through Beijing.  He has spent the last two months in the DPRK as a guest of the state, making numerous public speaking and media appearances, touring the country and posing for many photographs.

A South Korean pastor, who has been on an unauthorized trip to North Korea, has delayed his planned return home until Aug. 20, according to Pyongyang’s state media Saturday.

Rev. Han Sang-ryol had planned to come back to the South via the heavily armed border on Sunday, Liberation Day, which marks Korea’s independence from Japan’s colonial rule. He has been in the North since June 12, reportedly giving speeches denouncing South Korean President Lee Myung-bak.

On Saturday, the North’s Red Cross notified its South Korean counterpart that Han will return home on Aug. 20 through the border village of Panmunjom, according to Pyongyang’s Korean Central News Agency. The KCNA gave no reason why the planned return has been postponed.

The North’s Red Cross “asked the South Korean Red Cross to inform the relevant institution of this so that it may take necessary measures,” the KCNA said.

Officials in Seoul said Han will be arrested as soon as he steps on South Korean soil.

JoongAng Ilbo reports on the legal ramifications once Han returns to his home country.  This report was written prior to the announcement that Han’s return was delayed.

According to the prosecution officials, an arrest warrant for Han has already been issued on the charges of violating the ban on South Koreans visiting North Korea without permission and violating the National Security Law for anti-government remarks he made while in the North.

The Lee administration is “committing anti-reunification and treacherous crimes by cutting off inter-Korean relations,” Han was quoted as saying in Pyongyang, referring to Seoul’s trade sanctions following the sinking of the Cheonan.

North Korea’s Red Cross has sent a letter to its South Korean counterpart requesting safe passage for Han on his return.

Analysts suspect that the North may use Han to exert pressure on Seoul.

North Korea may demand that South Korea not arrest Han in return for releasing the South Korean fishing boat Daeseung 55 and its seven sailors captured last weekend, according to observers.

The North’s notification of Han’s return was received hours after the South sent a message through the Red Cross asking for the immediate return of the Daeseung 55. The North has not yet commented on the vessel’s capture.

A plan by Han to cross through Panmunjom without an agreement by the UN Command is a clear violation of the armistice, said a Unification Ministry official. Han, a co-founder of the Korea Alliance for Progressive Movement, a pro-unification civic group, entered the North on June 12 through the North Korean embassy in Beijing.

Dong-a Ilbo reports on the political and cultural circumstances that will greet Han’s return.  Like the report above, it was published prior to the announcement that Han’s return was delayed.

To welcome Han’s return, the civic organization and two other groups will hold Sunday morning a prayer meeting for peace on the Korean Peninsula and improvement in inter-Korean relations at the parking lot of Imjingang Station in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.

Representatives of the groups told reporters at the United Christian Center in a statement Thursday, “The Rev. Han visited North Korea to improve inter-Korean relations. So his visit shouldn’t be seen as pro-North Korea or praising the North,” adding, “We urge the prosecution to withdraw its plan to prosecute him.”

For their part, conservative groups will hold events blasting Han’s visit near the Unification Bridge in Munsan, Gyeonggi Province. They will stage a performance in which a person playing Han will be bound with a rope and sent back to the North.

A council on restoration of national identity comprising conservative organizations such as the Korea Freedom Federation spoke to reporters Friday at the Korea Press Center. “The government should sternly punish pastor Han for breaking the law and assisting anti-government activities by leftist organizations like the People’s Solidarity for Social Progress.”

Bong Tae-hong, head of the conservative group Right Korea, said, “We cannot sit idly by and watch progressive groups hold welcome rallies for the Rev. Han. We will take counteraction by holding a news conference right next to them.”

The expected clash between conservatives and progressives has put police on high alert. National Police Agency Commissioner General Kang Hee-rak held an emergency meeting Friday to deploy 1,500 police officers to areas near Imjingak Sunday to prevent trouble.

Kim Jong Il greeting Zhou Yongkang, chief of the PRC's Central Political and Legislative Committee at a luncheon hosted during Zhou's trip to the DPRK (Photo: CCTV)

Kim Jong Il met with and hosted a lunch party for PRC senior party official, Zhou Yongkang, and a PRC delegation.  Zhou arrived in Pyongyang late last week with his delegation, to attend events for the 65th anniversary of the KWP’s foundation.  Zhou attended (with KJI) a mass games performance on Saturday and the military parade on Sunday.  KCNA:

Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and chairman of the National Defence Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, on Monday received a delegation of the Communist Party of China led by Zhou Yongkang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee and secretary of the Central Commission of Politics and Law of the CPC, on a visit to the DPRK.
Present there were Kim Yong Il and Kim Yang Gon, alternate members of the Political Bureau and secretaries of the Central Committee of the WPK.

On behalf of the collective leadership of the CPC including General Secretary Hu Jintao, Zhou Yongkang once again warmly congratulated Kim Jong Il on the successful holding of the WPK conference and on his reelection as general secretary of the WPK and on its 65th birthday. Then he presented Kim Jong Il with a gift prepared by the delegation.

In reports about Zhou’s trip to the DPRK, the new Chief Secretary for the Jagang KWP Provincial Committee, Ju Yong Sik, was also announced.  Ju Yong Sik replaces Pak To Chun who was appointed a CC KWP Secretary and Alternate Member of the CC KWP Political Bureau during the 3rd Party Conference in September.

It was seen off at the airport by Kim Ki Nam and Choe Thae Bok, members of Political Bureau and secretaries of the Central Committee of the WPK, Kim Yong Il, alternate member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the C.C., the WPK, and Ju Yong Sik, chief secretary of the Jagang Provincial Committee of the WPK, Kim Song Nam, vice department director of the C.C, the WPK, Kim Song Gi, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ku Pon Thae, vice-minister of Foreign Trade.

Zhou’s trip to the DPRK seems to have been immediately followed by one made by Senior Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kim Kye Gwan.  Kim departed Pyongyang for Beijing where is expected to have several meetings with PRC counter-parts over the DPRK’s participation in the Six Party Talks.

Zhou Yongkang (R), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of the Political and Legislative Affairs Committee of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Mun Kyon Dok (L), an alternate member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and secretary of the Secretariat of the WPK Central Committee, in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 19, 2010. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

Mun Kyong Dok, Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang KWP City Committee and a central party (CC KWP Secretariat) secretary led  a delegation of party provincial and city committee secretaries on a trip to Beijing that arrived last Tuesday.  Among the members of Mun’s delegation were the newly appointed Chief KWP Secretaries of Jagang, North Pyongan and Ryanggang Provinces.  It is the first occasion where the Korean Workers’ Party dispatched representatives from all of its provincial and municipal committees.

Zhou Yongkang (2nd R), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the Political and Legislative Affairs Committee of the CPC Central Committee, meets with a delegation from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), headed by Mun Kyon Dok, an alternate member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) Central Committee, in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 19, 2010. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

In addition to meeting with members of the PRC leadership, Mun and the delegation are studying Chinese economic management and development.  Mun Kyong Dok is a former KISYL and OGD official who is directly tied to Jang Song Taek.  He was elected to alternate membership on the CC KWP Political Bureau and a CC KWP Secretary during the 3rd Party Conference in September.

Xinhua reports:

“It is the first time that the secretaries from all the WPK provincial and municipal committees have visited China, which by itself highlights the significance that the DPRK and its WPK attach to promoting China-DPRK relations,” Zhou noted.

Zhou also briefed Mun about the just-concluded Fifth Plenary Session of the 17th CPC Central Committee and the nation’s next five-year development plan discussed during the session, saying that China looked forward to working with the DPRK on national construction with the aim of better serving the two peoples.

Mun, who is also the chief secretary of the Pyongyang City Committee of the WPK, said the delegation members had witnessed and been encouraged by the Chinese people’s determination to develop the country during the visit.

“We will study and learn the successful experiences from China and make efforts to support the growth of the friendly ties between the two nations,” Mun told Zhou.

Liu Qi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC, also met with the delegation Tuesday evening.

China and DPRK have witnessed frequent high-level exchanges, and increased trade and cultural exchanges this year, which was an important step for furthering bilateral relations, Liu said.

“We believe the new WPK leadership with Kim Jong Il as general secretary will lead the DPRK people to make new progress in building a prosperous country,” Liu told Mun.

KWP Provincial and Municipal Secretaries in Beijing on 19 October (Photo: CCTV)

Chosun Ilbo reports about Mun’s trip and other PRC interactions, which occur during the 61st anniversary of DPRK-PRC relations (6 October) and the 60th anniversary of the PLA’s participation in the Korean (Victorious Fatherland Liberation War):

The profiles of the Chinese delegation that attended the 65th anniversary celebrations of the North Korean Workers Party were also exceptional. It included senior officials of the three Chinese northeastern provinces — Sun Zhengcai, the secretary of the Jilin provincial party committee, Chen Xi, the deputy secretary of the Liaoning provincial party committee, and Du Yuxin, the deputy secretary of the Heilongjiang provincial party committee.

They were welcomed at Sunan Airport by Ju Yong-sik, the senior secretary of the party committee in Jagang Province, a border region. The senior secretaries of the party committees in all four North Korean provinces bordering China — Ju from Jagang Province, Ri Man-gon from North Pyongan Province, O Su-yong from North Hamgyong Province and Kim Hi-taek from Yanggang Province — attended a dinner that evening in honor of the Chinese delegation.

“There have recently been more signs of the North and China deepening and developing economic cooperation, including various development projects focusing on the border areas,” a Unification Ministry official said. “It seems that after the North’s Workers Party and the Chinese Communist Party finished talks at headquarters level, their provincial party committees have now begun concrete cooperation.”

Military exchanges are also increasing ahead of the 60th anniversary of the day the Chinese joined the Korean War on Oct. 25.

The official North Korean Central Broadcasting Station on Tuesday reported a delegation of Chinese People’s Volunteer Veterans led by Wang Hai, a former Air Force commander, and the People’s Liberation Army’s art troupe arrived in Pyongyang for the anniversary.

O Kuk-ryol, vice chairman of the National Defense Commission, and Pak Jae-kyong, vice minister of People’s Armed Forces, hosted a reception for them.

On Oct. 14, a North Korean Army delegation led by Pyon In-son, another vice minister of People’s Armed Forces, visited China, to tour PLA units. Quoting the North’s official Rodong Sinmun daily, Xinhua said, “Friendship bonded by blood in the previous generations is being handed down to the next generation.”

A fire was extinguished at a facility in the Kaesong Industrial Complex early Friday (24 December) morning.  Yonhap reports:

A fire broke out early Friday morning at a South Korean-run company in a joint industrial complex in North Korea, an official here said, citing a short circuit as the possible cause.

No one was injured in the fire that broke out at 2:30 a.m. at a container building and spread to a nearby factory owned by a kitchenware manufacturer, the Unification Ministry official said, asking not to be named.

“Fires are not totally uncommon in the Kaesong industrial complex. An electric leakage appears to be the cause here for now,” the official said, declining to comment on speculation of arson.

The official said he did not immediately know the extent of property damage, only saying the fire was completely put out at around 6 a.m. by a jointly-operated fire station in the western North Korean border town of Kaesong.

The factory park houses more than 120 South Korean companies employing 44,000 North Korean workers, the last remaining legacy of detente between the divided countries.

KCNA reported on 24 December 2010 that Kim Chong-il attended a banquet co-hosted by the National Defense Commission and Central Military Commission “on the occasion of the 19^thanniversary” of his appointment as KPA Supreme Commander.  On the same day, on the same pretext, the DPRK media broadcast a talk show that included four KPA soldiers talking about their participation in the 23 November attack on Yeonpyeong Island.

The banquet’s reported VIP guest list contained several cohorts among the military leadership that figured prominently in the country’s political culture in 2010.

The reported guest list also contained a few notable absences.  Six of the ten official Vice Chairmen or Members of the NDC were not reported as attending.  Of the NDC membership represented, only Kim Chong-il and Chang Song-taek have NDC listed in their reported positions.  Five members of the CMC were also not reported as attending.  Kim Yong-chun, NDC Vice Chairman and CMC Member, and Yi Pyong-chol, Commander of the KPA Air Force and CMC Member, were reported attending a concert by the Merited State Choir with KCI on 26 December 2010.

Kim Chong-il’s Military Support Network

KCI’s military support network seems to have dwindled in the last few years due to reorganization in security management, as well as the deaths in 2009 and 2010 of several active officials, such as Kim Tu-nam and Chang Song-u.

Kim Chong-il with (L-R) Gen. Kim Myong-kuk, Gen. Hyon Chol-hae and Gen. Yi Myong-su at a field inspection in November 2008 (Photo: KCNA)

Yi Myong-su and Hyon Chol-hae: For much of the 2000’s, Gens. Yi Myong-su and Hyon Chol-hae were the most frequently reported members of Kim Chong-il’s entourage.  For example, Hyon and Yi were reported and seen attending Kim Chong-il’s final public appearance in August 2008 and his first public appearance in October 2008, when KCI experienced health problems.

In 2010 they both experienced periods of not being reported attending KCI’s visits and inspections; however they did join him on one of the trips to the PRC.  Yi and Hyon have been traveling with KCI in November and December 2010.  They also stood side-by-side as rostrum members at the 11 October military parade.

Gen. Yi Myong-su (2nd R) in Yanggang Province May 2010

Yi There are no accounts or indications about the nature of the political or interpersonal relationship between Yi and Hyon.  Yi Myong-su has a specialty in combined arms and is a former chief of the GSD Operations Bureau.  He is currently director of general management and personnel at the NDC.

Gen. Hyon Chol-hae (R) with Kim Chong-un during KCI's 4th visit to the Huichon Power Station in November

Hyon Hyon is a representative of the KPA’s political corps, having no known professional military specialties or experience.  Hyon sat to the left of Kim Chong-un in the front row during the 3^rd Party Conference.  Hyon has also been observed taking a more activated role in Kim Chong-il’s recent visits.

Gen. Kim Myong-kuk (L) at military exercises held for Army Day 2010

Kim Myong-kuk Kim began the year observed to be reduced in rank to Colonel General (3 star; sangjang), which was eventually restored.  Kim remains of the KPA’s most powerful personalities.  Tasked with implementing the orders of the KPA Supreme Command (whose office is in the GSOB), he dwells in the interstices of the KPA’s service branches, the internal security apparatus and the paramilitary reserve training units.  Kim directed a number of drills and exercises in 2010 and was a significant contributor to one of the Korean Peninsula’s tensest years since the end of active hostilities in the Korean War.  Kim stood behind Kim Chong-il during the 65th anniversary military parade in October.

Gang of 4

The gang consists of Yi Yong-ho, Kim Chong-gak, Chu Sang-song and U Tong-chuk.  These are four 2^nd Generation KPA leaders who were elected or appointed to central leadership positions, or received military promotions, in the same period of time (early 1990s and 2007-2010).  Only three of the four members of the Gang of Four were reported to have attended the banquet.

Three of the Gango of Four on the rostrum during the 3rd Party Conference: U Tong-chuk (2nd row, L), Yi Yong-ho (1st row L) and Kim Chong-gak (1st row R)

They are evenly balanced in three of the DPRK’s central collective leadership organizations in the government and party. In the government, Chu Sang-song, Kim Chong-gak and U Tong-chuk are official members of the National Defense Commission [NDC].  Yi Yong-ho is not.  In the party apparatus, Yi is Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission [CMC].  Kim and U are CMC members, and Chu Sang-song is not.  Yi and Chu are full members of the Political Bureau, while Kim and U are Political Bureau alternate (candidate) members.

Yi Yong-ho Appointed chief of the KPA General Staff in February 2009, Yi continued his acceleration toward the power center in 2010, promoted to Vice Marshal on 27 September and elected Vice Chairman of the CMC on 28 September during the September 2010 CC KWP Plenum.  Yi was the master of ceremonies at the NDC/CMC banquet.  He also managed troop presentation and delivered a speech at the 11 October parade to commemorate the party’s 65^th anniversary.  Yi also made a graveside speech at Cho Myong-nok’s funeral, and made remarks during the 3^rd Party Conference.

Yi officially received for PRC CMC Vice Chairman, Col. Gen. Guo Boxiong and his PLA delegation.  Guo visited the DPRK to participate in event commemorating the 60^th anniversary of the CPV’s entry into the Korean (or Fatherland Liberation) War.  Yi also traveled to Cuba from late October to early November 2010.  Yi led an MPAF/GSD delegation that watched among other activities watched an anti-tank exercise and met with members of the Cuban and Revolutionary Armed Forces leadership.  ROK Pyongyang watchers noted that Yi Yong-ho was not reported to have made any public appearances around the time of the artillery 23 November 2010 attack on Yeonpyeong Island.

Yi’s rapid upward career mobility and his links to the hereditary succession garnered him a great deal of attention from the Pyongyang watching community in 2010.  He has a number of personal ties to the Kim Family and other elites.  Previously he was chief of the Pyongyang Defense Command, a position in which the incumbent was never purged.  However, in participating in Pyongyang political life Yi is now exposed to the risk of policy failures or personality politics.  As chief of the GSD and a member of the Political Bureau and CMC, he currently holds positions where the incumbents were rapidly bounced from the power center.  Yi might look to Gen. O Kuk-yol (not reported as attending the banquet) who was GSD Chief and on the Political Bureau and CMC in the 1980s, but was removed and demoted in 1988.

Yi Yong-ho delivers a graveside eulogy at Cho Myong-nok's funeral in November 2010

Kim Chong-gak (C) after Kim Chong-il's attendance of a performance at the Pyongyang Circus in July 2010

Kim Chong-gak­ Kim Chong-gak is reputed to be a zealous hardliner among the KPA leadership.  He seems to be a calculated player in regime dynamics with the responsibility of personnel control in the KPA and education and indoctrination about hereditary succession, as well as the country’s 2010 attacks on the ROK.  Kim presided over a ceremony in May 2010 where three statues of the “Paektu Generals”  (KCI; Kim Il-song; Kim Chong-suk) were unveiled.  Kim directed the state funeral held for Cho Myong-nok (to whom Kim was subordinate).  Kim also participated in Kim Chong-il’s meetings with Zhou Yangkang and Guo Boxiong in October 2010.

Kim Chong-gak became senior deputy director of the KPA General Political Department in 2007 and has supervised personnel turnover and some reorganization in the KPA.  Kim has managed the daily operational affairs of GPD and is likely to remain as interim director since Cho’s death; this is a position which Kim Chong-il need not fill immediately (as he’d also have to select an NDC 1^st Vice Chairman).

Chu Sang-song (2nd R) attending Kim Chong-il's visit to the 927 Chicken Farm in August

Chu Sang-song Chu was not reported as attending the banquet.  Even if he did not attend, Chu needed neither the face time nor the plug.  The Ministry of People’s Security and Korean People’s Internal Security Forces may have completed a successful reorganization under the NDC in 2010.  Vice ministers of the Ministry of People’s Security officially traveled outside the DPRK.  In February, MPS broadcasted a joint message with the Ministry of State Security directed at an ROK delegation visit Kaesong (“Will Mercilessly Squash Anti-Republic Fanatics Who Attempt to Harm Our Highly Dignified System and the Country’s Security”) MPS reportedly increased its presence in cooperative farms and provincial cities.  It was also allegedly bypassing provincial prosecutors’ offices to clear its case load.

Chu Sang-song appeared with Kim Chong-il on several occasions in 2010.  KCI visited the Taedonggang Combined Fruit Farm, his final public appearance before the 3^rd plenum of the 12^th SPA.  Chu stood between Chang Song-taek and VMar Yi Yong Mu (NDC Vice Chairman) at the 65^th anniversary military parade in October.  Kim Chong-il attended a meeting and photo session with the KPISF prior to traveling to South Hwanghae Province around 20 November 2010.

U Tong-chuk U Tong-chuk’s star continued to rise in 2010.  In April, he was promoted to General (4-star; taejang) only a year after his promotion to Colonel-General.  U Tong-chuk made a number of reported appearances with Kim Chong-il (who technically holds the he position Minister of State Security) in 2010, as against occasions where U escorted KCI but his attendance not disclosed.  U was a rostrum member at the 3^rd Party Conference, and several national and central report meetings.

The MSS had a busy year.  It was responsible for the investigation and incarceration of released US citizens Robert Park (February) and Aijalon Gomes (August).  MSS maintained its regular activities in, including the dispatching of special instruction teams, North Hamgyong and Yanggang Provinces.  MSS was on the periphery of the personnel changes that occurred at the provincial and central party levels.  It was also responsible for investigating party conference delegates (party representatives) in September 2010.  MSS has experienced trouble in several of its foreign revenue ventures.

Leadership Security

The management of the DPRK’s so-called Praetorian Guard consisting mainly of the Guard Command and Military Security Command, had an active and public year.  Kim Chong-il managed to travel safely outside the country twice in 2010.  Mr. Choe, the head of KCI’s personal security escort, was an understatedly prominent member of the entourage that traveled to Beijing and Jilin Province in May and August, respectively.  The Military Security Command was reportedly involved in a number of enforcement and security missions dealing with the food supply.  Both the Guard Command and MSC were also likely linked to surveillance and security matters connected to the purges and migrations in the DPRK elite in 2010, as well as performing internal security functions in the aftermath of the DPRK’s sinking of the Cheonan and the 23 November attack on Yeonpyeong Island.

Yun Chong-nin Yun has continued his movement toward the power center, typical of his Guard Command predecessors.  He was one of only two general-grade officers promoted on Army Day, when he was given his fourth star (taejang).  Like U Tong-chuk, Yun is a regular unreported member of Kim Chong-il’s entourage who made several reported visits or attended performances this year.  In September, he was elected as Yi Ul-sol’s replacement on the Central Military Commission.

Kim Won-hong Kim Won-hong sat at Kim Chong-un’s right during the 3^rd Party Conference, which telecasted an intimidating message to any potential claimants disputing the post-KCI power center.  Like the late Won Ung-hui whom he replaced in 2003, Kim enjoys the confidence and affections of the Supreme Commander.  As a former head of the MPAF (GPD) Cadres Department, Kim has patronage ties in the KPA’s officer corps who entered service in the 1990s.  Kim Won-hong was elected to the Central Military Commission in September 2010 and will continue to figure more prominently in the regime’s political life.