Kim Jong Un (8th L) and senior members of the DPRK’s national security community pay their respects to statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il at the Ku’msusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang on 25 April 2013, the official 81st anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People’s Army.(Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Ku’msusan Memorial Palace of the Sun and attended a banquet on 25 April (Thursday), to mark the official 81st anniversary of the foundation Korean People’s Army [KPA].  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance at a rally and military “march-past” on Ku’msusan Plaza.  KJU first visited the preserved remains of his grandfather, late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung, and his father, late leader Kim Jong Il, at the Ku’msusan Memorial Palace.

Floral baskets (C) and honor guards representing (L, R) the KPA’s three conventional service branches at Kumsusan on 25 April 2013 (Photos: KCNA)

He was accompanied by Kim Yong Nam (Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President), Pak Pong Ju (DPRK Cabinet Premier), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the KPA General Political Department), Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission [NDC]), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Kyong Hui (KWP Secretary and KJU’s aunt), Pak To Chun (KWP Secretary), VMar Kim Yong Chun (Vice Chairman of the NDC and Director of the KWP Civil Defense Department), VMar Ri Yong Mu (Vice Chairman of the NDC), VMar Hyon Chol Hae (1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces and Director of the KPA General Logistics Department), Gen. Kim Won Hong (Minister of State Security), Gen. O Kuk Ryol (Vice Chairman of the NDC), Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (Minister of the People’s Security), Ju Kyu Chang (Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department), Col. Gen. Kim Chang Sop (Director of the Ministry of State Security’s Political Bureau), Col. Gen. Ri Pyong Sam (Director of the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces Political Bureau) and “commanding officers of the WPK Central Military Commission, the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and the KPA.”

KJU and the KPA’s high command first visited a room containing statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.  Floral baskets from Kim Jong Un, the Party Central Committee the Party Central Military Commission and the NDC were placed in front of the statues.  KJU then visited the rooms containing the preserved remains of his grandfather and father where he “made bows. . .in the humblest reverence,” according to KCNA.

A banquet hosted by the DPRK National Defense Commission at Mokran House in central Pyongyang on 25 April 2013, to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People’s Army. (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un also attended a banquet hosted by the NDC at Mokran (Moknan) House in central Pyongyang.  Attending the banquet were “senior party, army and state officials, members of the WPK Central Military Commission and the NDC of the DPRK, commanding officers of the KPA, officials of the party and armed forces organs, ministries and national institutions and service personnel of the KPA and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces” and “diplomatic envoys of foreign countries and military attaches of foreign embassies here and their spouses.”  Before the banquet, the Moranbong Band gave a performance.

After the performance, a toast speech was delivered by Jang Song Taek (Chang So’ng-t’aek; Jang Song Thaek), Vice Chairman of the NDC, Director of the KWP Administration Department and Kim Jong Un’s uncle.  According to KCNA, during his speech, Mr. Jang “paid highest tribute to the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il who strengthened the KPA into the matchless revolutionary army and led it to the road of victory and glory, breathing with arms all their lives” and that “upon the authorization of Marshal Kim Jong Un, supreme leader of our party and people and supreme commander of the KPA, he warmly congratulated the service personnel defending the sky, land and seas of the country as firm as a rock and all the people dynamically struggling to build a thriving nation.”  Mr. Jang “noted that the revolutionary armed forces are ushering in the greatest heyday of their development as they are holding Kim Jong Un, who is identical to the Generalissimos, in high esteem as supreme commander” and he “stressed the need to steadily bolster nuclear force for self-defence both in quality and quantity and perform new miracles and feats in building a thriving socialist nation in the spirit of the historic March, 2013 Plenary Meeting of the Central Committee of the WPK.”

Kim Jong Un (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 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 (KWP Department Deputy [vice] Director) 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 Yo Jong (L) attending her older brother Kim Jong Un’s visit to the KPA Equestrian company (currently known as the Mirim Riding Club) in November 2012. In the image on the right she is seen riding along side her aunt, KWP Secretary Kim Kyong Hui (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Yo Jong (Kim Yo’-cho’ng), the 26 year old sister of DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n), is working in the National Defense Commission [NDC] as her older brother’s trip director.  According to several ROK media reports, Kim Yo Jong is currently serving as a “protocol director” managing Kim Jong Un’s itineraries and public appearances and that “she started her career early last year [2012].”  While Kim may have been assigned her new position in early 2012, she has been active in the central party since 2009.

Kim has been observed on numerous occasions since 2009, when she accompanied her father, late DPRK leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il), on guidance tours and inspections.  In 2010 she posed for a commemorative photograph with participants in the 3rd Party Conference, standing alongside KJI’s fifth wife Kim Ok which suggested that she was working in the Personal Secretariat.  In 2011 Kim Yo Jong was again observed at several of Kim Jong Il’s guidance tours, in the background with KJI’s personal aides and other Kim family members.

During events at her father’s funeral in December 2011, Kim was seen standing behind her brother as Kim Jong Un received foreign dignitaries.  She lined up with members of the leadership when they paid their respects at KJI’s casket. Twice during calling hours, she led core members of the DPRK leadership, standing in the center, in bowing at KJI’s remains; on one occasion she led Korean Workers’ Party Secretary and Director of the United Fron Kim Yang Gon, KWP Secretary for Machine-Building Industry Pak To Chun, KWP Secretary and Director of Cadres’ Affairs Kim P’yo’ng-hae and Gen. U Tong Chuk to KJI’s bier; on another occasion she led Kim Chang Son, Kim Kang Chol and other officials of KJI’s Personal Secretariat to the bier.  When a ceremony was held at Ku’msusan Memorial Palace of the Sun prior to the funeral service, Kim Yo Jong lined up with party elders Jon Pyong Ho, Choe Yong Rim and Kim Kuk Tae.

During 2012 and 2013 Kim Yo Jong has made several observed appearances, which ROK-based Pyongyang watchers link to her new role managing Kim Jong Un’s public appearances.  She was observed playfully jumping in the background during the opening of a park in Pyongyang in the spring of 2012.  In November the same year she attended Kim Jong Un’s visit to a Korean People’s Army equestrian training ground (now called the Mirim Riding Club).  Although her presence was not reported in DPRK state media, two images of her riding a horse, including one with her paternal aunt Kim Kyong Hui, were aired in the Korean Central Television news report of the visit.  Kim Yo Jong also was observed sitting with Kim Kyong Hui during a central party banquet in 2013.

Based on the description of her current role in support of her brother, Kim Yo Jong is working in a position similar to that of her older step-sister Kim So’l-song (Kim Sul Song).  For a number of years Kim So’l-song worked directly for Kim Jong Il, holding a Lt. Colonel’s rank in the Guard Command and managing KJI’s itineraries and some of the logistical and security arrangements around his public appearances.  After Kim Jong Il passed away, according to a well-placed DPRK source, Kim So’l-song moved into a more substantive managerial position (along with her husband) to support Kim Jong Un.  Due to Kim Yo Jong’s familial relationship to Kim Jong Un some ROK-based Pyongyang watchers have compared her with her aunt, Kim Kyong Hui (with whom Yo Jong has a close relationship) who began working at the age of 25 at the Korean Democratic Women’s Union in 1971.  Kim Yo Jong has other siblings and step-siblings who work around DPRK leadership circles including her oldest brother Kim Jong Chol (Kim Cho’ng-ch’o'l), who works in the KWP Propaganda and Agitation Department (note the name of the editor of Korea), and her older step-brother Kim Jong Nam, who manages several trading corporations.

Kim Yo Jong is Kim Jong Il’s youngest child and was the third child from his marriage to Ko Yong Hui (1953-2004).  She was born in Pyongyang in 1987.  Around 1996 Kim left the DPRK with Kim Jong Un to attend school in Berne, Switzerland.  With her brother she resided at a DPRK-owned residence.  Like her brother, she was registered at Swiss schools under an alias and was said to be the child of the residence’s domestic staff.  She was looked after by a small staff of women whom school officials felt overprotected her (for example, when she had minor illnesses she was taken to a local hospital).  Aside from holiday visits to her home country, Kim Yo Jong remained in Berne through 2001.  After her maternal aunt Ko Yong Suk defected to the west in 2001, Kim Yo Jong was removed from school in Switzerland and returned to the DPRK.  She completed her secondary and university education in her home country.  In 2004 her mother, Ko Yong Hui, passed away due to a recurrence of breast cancer.  In addition to Korean, she speaks some English and German.  When she was in her late teens, Kim Yo Jong expressed an interest in politics and DPRK political culture to her father, something about which he proudly discussed with foreign interlocutors.  In 2008, she was a constant presence at Kim Jong Il’s hospital bedside after he suffered two strokes.  Kim Yo Jong was groomed for a role in the country’s political affairs by her paternal aunt, Kim Kyong Hui, and her husband Jang Song Taek, and she began working in the Party Central Committee in 2009.

Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium President Kim Yong Nam (2nd L) visits Korean War veterans at thei guest house in Pyongyang on 24 July 2013 (Photo: KCNA).

Senior officials of the DPRK Government and the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] visited Fatherland Liberation War (Korean War) veterans at their accommodations in Pyongyang on 24 July (Wednesday).   Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam, DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju, KWP Secretary and SPA Chairman Choe Tae Bok, KWP Secretary and Director of Cadres’ Affairs Kim P’yo’ng-hae, KWP Secretary and Director of Finance and Planning Kwak Pom Gi, Senior Deputy [1st Vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department Jo Yon Jun, DPR Vice Premier Kim Yong Jin and leading cadres of the Party Central Committee visited with the veterans who are participating in events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of the war’s active hostilities.  According to KCNA the senior government and party officials “congratulated the war veterans who performed immortal exploits by defeating the U.S. imperialists and honorably defending the freedom and independence of the country in the hard-fought battles decisive of the destiny of the country under the leadership of the party and leader. “

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.”

Kim Jong Un waves to a crowd from the parade review platform in Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on 9 September 2013, during a parade and demonstration marking the 65th anniversary of the country’s foundation. Also seen on the platform with him are Jang Song Taek (L), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (2nd L), Kim Ki Nam (3rd R), Kim Yong Nam (2nd R) and Pak Pong Ju (R) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

The Worker-Peasant Red Guards [WPRG] staged a parade, followed by a demonstration by Pyongyangites, in Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on 9 September (Monday), the 65th anniversary of the foundation of the DPRK.  Kim Jong Un attended the WPRG parade and demonstration.  Also on the reviewing platform were senior DPRK officials including Kim Yong Nam (Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President), Pak Pong Ju (DPRK Premier), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), “the chairperson of a friendly party, officials of the party, armed forces organs and the Cabinet and chief secretaries of Provincial Party Committees of the WPK” along with “Kwon Sun Hwi, advisor to the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, and Choe Un Bok, chairwoman of the General Association of Koreans in China.”  Also in attendance were “deputies to the Supreme People’s Assembly, officials of the party, armed forces and power bodies, social organizations, ministries and national institutions, service personnel of the KPA and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces, officials in the fields of science, education, literature and arts, public health and media, merited people, delegations of overseas Koreans and other compatriots and the chief of the Pyongyang Mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front” and “foreign delegations and delegates, foreign diplomatic envoys and representatives of international bodies and their wives and military attaches here and other foreign guests.”

Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Gen. Jang Jong Nam (foreground) presents Worker-Peasant Red Guard members to participate in a parade marking the 6th anniversary of the foundation in Pyongyang on 9 September 2013 (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju (C) delivers a speech at a parade and demonstration in Pyongyang on 9 September 2013 marking the 65th anniversary of the DPRK’s foundation. Also seen in attendance is Minister of State Security Gen. Kim Won Hong (L) and National Defense Commission Vice Chairman Gen. O Kuk Ryol (R) (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

The flags of the DPRK and Korean Workers’ Party were raised with musical accompaniment.  WPRG members were ceremoniously inspected then presented to Kim Jong Un by Minister of the People’s Armed Forces, Gen. Jang Jong Nam.  After the presentation of the WPRG members DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju delivered a speech in which, according to KCNA, he said “that the history of the DPRK clearly proves immutable truth that the great leaders assure the high dignity and prosperity of the country and nation” and “stressed that the army and people of the DPRK holding the peerlessly great men in high esteem generation after generation will as ever dynamically advance along the road of independence, Military-First (So’ngun) and socialism and it will shine forever as the socialist state of Juche with the invincible might.”

After Pak’s speech the WPRK parade began with the marching of flags displaying of the portraits late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and his son late DPRK leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il).  This was followed by WPRG members emptying Kim Il Sung Square and its vicinity to mark past the parade reviewing platform.  The WPRG members consisted of reserve military training units members of the WPRG’s units from the provinces, at industrial complexes and agricultural sites, along with WPRG units of the Ministries of Land Management and Public Health, reserve units from DPRK universities and members of the Young Red Guard.  The parade marchers were followed by a ride-past of multiple-launch rockets systems [MLRS] and towed artillery pieces.  A parade and demonstration by the citizens of Pyongyang followed the WPRK parade which began with a float consisting of replicas of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il statues amid a a sea of people carrying the DPRK flag.  According to KCNA “columns of dancers depicting the national flag, Taekwon-do players, military families, artistes, scientists, sportspersons, teachers and medical workers walked past the square” and “letters reading ‘Kim Il Sung’, ‘Kim Jong I’, ‘Kim Jong Un’, ‘Glory’, ‘Celebration of 65th Anniversary’, ‘Great Mt. Paketu (Paektusan) Nation’, ‘Speed on Masik Pass’, ‘Economic Power’, ‘Single-minded Unity’, etc. were presented on the square and the flags of the DPRK and the WPK were portrayed in succession.”

View of the Grand People’s Study House overlooking Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on 9 September 2013 during a parade and demonstration marking the 65th anniversary of the country’s foundation. Also viewable in this image behind the study house are the KWP Organization Guidance Department, the Pyongyang Ice Rink and the Red Wall Apartments (inhabited by KWP Secretaries) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Members of the Worker-Peasant Red Guard march through Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang during a parade marking the 65th anniversary of the DPRK’s foundation (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Red tractors tow multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) through Kim Il Sung Square on 9 September 2013 as part of the WPRK parade (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Towed multiple-launch rocket systems ride through Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on 9 September 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Parade floats which were part of a demonstration by Pyongyangites which followed the WPRG parade, held on Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on 9 September 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un waves to a parade and demonstration held to mark the 65th anniversary of the DPRK’s foundation in Pyongyang on 9 September 2013. Also seen in attendance are: VMar Kim Yong Chun, Gen. Jang Jong Nam, Gen. Ri Yong Gil, Jang Song Taek and VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Photo: KCTV still).

At the end of the parade “there were loud hurrahs resounding far and wide, fireworks being shot up and balloons rising to the sky.  Kim Jong Un, accompanied by VMar Choe Ryong Hae and Jang Song Taek, walked along the parade reviewing platform’s deck with Kim Jong Un waving to the crowd.

A few recent internal political issues (involving personnel matters) could be observed at the WPRK parade and demonstration.  Events held to mark the DPRK’s 65th anniversary were going to provide clarity on the current officeholder of Chief of the KPA General Staff.  Based on the standing order on the parade reviewing platform, Gen. Ri Yong Gil was standing in the spot previously occupied by Gen. Kim Kyok Sik indicating that Gen. Ri has replaced Gen. Kim.  Ri Yong Gil has also been replaced, with a new and unknown Chief of the General Staff Operations Bureau attending to Kim Jong Un during the WPRG parade.  The anniversary event also marked the return of KWP Secretary and weapons industry boss Pak To Chun.  Pak had not appeared in state media for several months and distinctly absent from war anniversary events in July.  Pak was shown at least three times, standing along side other senior KWP officials.   Kim Jong Un’s walk along the parade reviewing platform’s balcony to wave to the crowd was an interesting tabeleaux du régime for leadership dynamics.  Usual post-parade platform walks by the supreme leader have usually involved senior officials such as the SPA Presidium President, the DPRK Premier and the Chief of the KPA General Staff; instead, Kim Jong Un was accompanied by KPA General Political Department Director VMar Choe Ryong Hae and National Defense Commission Vice Chairman Jang Song Taek.  When taken with images and film footage of the war anniversary events from July,  Kim Jong Un’s balcony walk shows the DPRK’s top three political officials.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An apartment complex constructed for DPRK athletes with judoka An Kum Ae in front of her apartment (top) and the 3 October 2013 ceremony open the renovated Pyongyang Indoor Stadium (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Two construction projects linked to the DPRK’s policy of promoting sports and physical culture were opened in Pyongyang on 3 October (Thursday).  A ceremony was held on Thursday marking the opening of the renovation of the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium, a venue for political meetings, commemorative photo-ops and athletic competitions  located on a bank of the Pot’ong River in the city centre next to the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Central Committee Office Complex.  Attending the ceremony were Pak Pong Ju (DPRK Premier), Gen. Jang Jong Nam (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), 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 [SPA]), Yang Hyong Sop (Vice President of the SPA Presidium), 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), Kim Yong Jin (DPRK Vice Premier), Kim In Sik (DPRK Vice Premier and Chairman of the Capital City Construction Commission), Ri Yong Su (Director of the KWP Workers’ Organizations Department), Ri Jong Mu (Minister of Physical Culture and Sports), Col. Gen. O Kum Chol (Vice Chief of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Staff) along with “exemplary construction workers who took part in the remodeling construction; functionaries and employees of the Ministry of Physical Culture and Sports and Pyongyang Indoor Stadium; players, coaches, and members of the cheering squad taking part in the National Sports Contest of Provincial Teams; (and) working people of Pyongyang and the youth and students.”

DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju speaks at a ceremony reopening the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium after renovations on 3 October 2013 (Photo: KCNA screen grab).

Pak Pong Ju delivered a speech in which he said that “Supreme leader Kim Jong Un unfolded a plan for giving a facelift to the stadium, which is associated with the leadership feats of President Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) and contributed to the development of the country’s sports and the cultural and emotional life of the working people, as required by the new century, and wisely led the work to do so.”  According to KCNA Pak also “called on all officials and other people to pay deeper social attention to the sports, raise the hot wind of sports across the country through mass sports activities and thus glorify forever the undying feats of the WPK which has provided the people with the best base for sports and cultural life. ”  After the ceremony, participants toured the stadium and watched the Provincial Teams’ National Sports Contest.

In east Pyongyang, at the Central Youth Hall, on 3 October a ceremony was held at which DPRK athletes were given residence certificates to live in a recently constructed apartment complex in the Pyongyang’s Pot’onggang District.  Attending the ceremony were VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the KPA General Political Department), Kim Ki Nam, External Construction Guidance Bureau officials and athletes receiving apartments.  In his speech at the ceremony Kim Ki Nam said that “the houses reflectMarshal Kim Jong Un’s great expectation that the sportspersons will display ardent enthusiasms and faithfully uphold the WPK’s idea on turning the DPRK into a sports power” and he “stressed the need for officials in the sports field, players and coaches to make contributions to demonstrating the dignity and honor of Military-First (So’ngun) Korea with gold medals.”  According to KCNA the athletes’ apartments have”several living rooms, a kitchen, a washroom, a toilet, etc. and are furnished with household goods and high-class furniture. ”  On 5 October (Saturday), members of the State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission visited the athletes and their families in the apartments.  They brought housewarming gifts and “told the sportspersons to give fuller play to the might of Kim Il Sung’s nation and Kim Jong Il’s Korea by winning gold medals in international games in the future and thus encourage all the service personnel and people dynamically advancing towards a final victory in the building of a thriving socialist nation.”

Members of the State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission visit athletes’ apartments on 5 October 2013.

Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department, National Defense Commission Member and KWP Political Bureau Alternate Ju Kyu Chang (Photo: KCTV screen grab).

Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang KWP Committee and KWP Political Bureau Alternate Mun Kyong Dok (Photo: KCTV screen grab).

KWP Secretary and Director of the Finance and Planning Department and KWP Political Bureau Alternate Kwak Pom Gi (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

KWP Secretary and Director of the International Affairs Department and KWP Political Bureau Alternate Kim Yong Il (Photo: KCTV screen grab).

KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department and KWP Political Bureau Alternate Kim Yang Gon (Photo: KCTV screen grab).

KWP Secretary, National Defense Commission Member and KWP Political Bureau Member Pak To Chun (Photo: KCTV screengrabs).

KWP Secretary, Supreme People’s Assembly Chairman and KWP Political Bureau Member Choe T’ae-pok (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

KWP Secretary and Director of the Cadres’ Affairs Department and KWP Political Bureau Alternate Kim P’yo’ng-hae (Photo: KCTV screen grab).

DPRK Vice Premier, State Planning Commission Chairman and KWP Political Bureau Alternate Ro Tu Chol (Photo: KCTV screengrab).

KWP Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department and KWP Political Bureau Member Kim Ki Nam (Photo: KCTV screen grab).

Senior Deputy Director of the KWP Organization and Guidance Department and KWP Political Bureau Alternate Member Jo Yon Jun (Photo: KCTV screen grab).

View of the leadership platform at the April 25 House of Culture, the venue for an August 24, 2016 meeting commemorating the anniversary of KJI’s so’ngun leadership (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

A national meeting was held on August 24 (Wednesday) at the April 25 House of Culture to mark the 56th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il’s (Kim Cho’ng-il) start of the So’ngun (military-first) revolutionary leadership.

View of participants at an August 24, 2016 meeting commemorating the anniversary of KJI’s so’ngun leadership (Phot0: Rodong Sinmun)

Platform members included: Kim Yo’ng-nam [Kim Yong Nam], Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President; Pak Pong-chu [Pak Pong Ju], DPRK Premier and Vice Chairman of the State Affairs Commission; VMar Hwang Pyo’ng-so [Hwang Pyong So], Director of the KPA General Political Department and Vice Chairman of the State Affairs Commission; Ch’oe Ryong-hae [Choe Ryong Hae] WPK Vice Chairman for Workers’ and Social Organizations and Vice Chairman of the State Affairs Commission; General Ri Myo’ng-su [Ri Myong Su], Chief of the KPA General Staff and Member of the State Affairs Commission; General Pak Yo’ng-sik [Pak Yong Sik], Minister of the People’s Armed Forces and Member of the State Affairs Commission; Choe T’ae-pok [Choe Thae Bok], WPK Vice Chairman for Science and Education and SPA Chairman; Kim Ki-nam [Kim Ki Nam] WPK Vice Chairman for Propaganda and Agitation; Yang Hyo’ng-sop [Yang Hyong Sop], SPA Presidium Vice President; General Kim Wo’n-hong [Kim Won Hong], Minister of State Security and Member of the State Affairs Commission; General Ch’oe Pu-il [Choe Pu Il], Minister of People’s Security and Member of the State Affairs Commission; Kim Yo’ng-ch’o’l [Kim Yong Chol], WPK Vice Chairman for Intelligence and ROK Affairs and Member of the State Affairs Commission; Ro Tu-ch’o’l [Ro Tu Chol], State Planning Commission Chairman and DPRK Vice Premier; O Su Yo’ng [O Su Yong], WPK Vice Chairman for Economic Affairs; Kwak Pom-ki [Kwak Pom Gi] WPK Vice Chairman for Planning and Finance; Kim P’yo’ng-hae [Kim Phyong Hae], WPK Vice Chairman for Cadres Affairs; Kim Yo’ng-tae (Kim Yong Dae), Chairman of the Korean Social Democratic Party Central Committee; Yun Cho’ng-rin [Yun Jong Rin], Director of the Guard Command, along with senior WPK, KPA and DPRK Government officials, leading functionaries of state institutions and others.

View of the KIS and KJI statues at the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces plaza (Photo: KCTV)

KPA Vice Marshal Hwang Pyong So, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and director of the KPA General Political Department, made a report.

Vice Marshall Hwang Pyong So, Director of the KPA General Political Department, WPK Political Bureau Presidium Member and State Affairs Commission Vice Chairman delivers the report (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

According to KCNA, the report said:

Kim Jong Il’s first field guidance to the Seoul Ryu Kyong Su (Yu Kyo’ng-su) Guards 105th Tank Division of the KPA on August 25, Chuch’e 49 (1960) was a historic event which heralded his successful succession of the cause of the So’ngun revolution and his start of the So’ngun leadership.

He recorded the immortal So’ngun revolutionary history till the last moments of his life since the day when he started the So’ngun revolutionary leadership.

Comrade Kim Jong Il, who regarded it as his lifelong mission to carry forward and accomplish the cause of the Chuch’e revolution which was pioneered by dint of arms, acquired a deep insight into the requirements of the rapidly changing times and the developing revolution and comprehensively systematized the So’ngun idea through his energetic ideological and theoretical activities.

He established the state machinery with the National Defense Commission as a pivot which applied the principles of the So’ngun revolution and made sure that all fields were reformed and adjusted as required by So’ngun, thereby providing a firm political and institutional guarantee for realizing the Songun cause.

He put forward the KPA and wisely led all service personnel and people despite the grim ordeals of the revolution, firmly defending Korean-style socialism established by President Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng).

He provided the powerful political and military guarantee for the independent development of the nation, laid economic and cultural foundation, effected a great turn in socialist construction and thus clearly proved the truth that if one takes a firm hold on arms, one can build a worldwide powerful country.

He strengthened the driving force of the So’ngun revolution, turned the DPRK into the invincible politico-ideological power and laid a strong foundation for it to make a leap forward toward a socialist economic giant and highly civilized power.

He ushered in the June 15 era of reunification advancing in the idea of By Our Nation Itself and firmly defended the peace and security in Asia and the rest of the world, making great contributions to realizing the cause of human independence.

He most perfectly settled the issue of the succession of leadership and gave steady continuity to the So’ngun revolution and made our army and people be blessed by the illustrious leaders generation after generation. This is the greatest feat he performed for the eternal prosperity of the powerful Paektusan (Mt. Paektu) nation.

His So’ngun revolutionary idea and feats are being successfully carried forward and developed by the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n).

Let us firmly protect the sovereignty and dignity of the country and bring about earlier the final victory of the cause of building a socialist power, true to the So’ngun revolutionary leadership of the Party.

NK Leadership Watch tagged screen grab of senior members of the DPRK leadership at the MPAF Revolutionary Museum on August 25, 2016; Pak Pong Ju [A], Kim Yong Nam [B], Choe Ryong Hae [C], Kim Ki Nam [D], O Su Yong [E], Kim Phyong Hae [F], Yang Hyong Sop [G], Choe Tae Bok [H], Ri Yong Ho [I], Jo Yon Jun [J], Ri Man Gon [K], Ro Tu Chol [L]. (Photo: KCTV)

A docent at the MPAF Revolutionary Museum briefs members of the DPRK central leadership Photo: KCTV

Senior DPRK officials bring floral bouquets to the KIS and KJI statues at the MPAF plaza on August 25, 2016. Seen in this photo are Senior Deputy Director of the WPK Organization Guidance Department Jo Yon Jun (second L), State Planning Commission Chairman and DPRK Vice Premier Ro Tu Chol and WPK Vice Chairman Kwak Pom Gi (right) Photo: KCTV

A young musician plays a french horn during a Kimilsungist-Kimjongilist Youth League ceremony supplies donation ceremony in Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on August 28, 2016 (Photo: Korean Central Television).

On August 28, 2016 (Sunday), senior party and state officials celebrate youth day along with the youth of the DPRK. In attendance were Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium  President Kim Yo’ng-nam [Kim Yong Nam], DPRK Premier and State Affairs Commission [SAC] Pak Pong-chu [Pak Pong Ju], Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] Vice Chairman for Cadres Affairs Kim P’yo’ng-hae [Kim Phyong Hae], WPK Vice Chairman for Munitions Industry and SAC Member Ri Man-ko’n [Ri Man Gon], WPK Vice Chairman for Economic Affairs O Su-yong [O Su Yong], WPK Vice Chairman for Planning and Finance Kwak Pom-ki [Kwak Pom Gi], WPK Vice Chairman for Intelligence and ROK Affairs Kim Yo’ng-ch’o’l [Kim Yong Chol], and State Planning Commission Chairman and DPRK Vice Premier Ro Tu-ch’o’l [Ro Tu Chol]. These senior party members toured the Kim Jong Suk Pyongyang Silk Mill, Kim Jong Thae Electric Locomotive Complex, Chongsan Co-op Farm in Kangso’ District, Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex as well as “other industrial establishments, farms and universities” with a special agenda: “to congratulate the youth and students.”

WPK Vice Chairman for Planning and Finance Kwak Pom-ki watches a concert on Youth Day on August 28, 2016 (Photo: Korean Central Television)

Members of the DPRK central leadership “paid tribute” to the KIS and KJI statues by “placing floral baskets and bunches of flowers before them.” They toured the “rooms dedicated to the education in the revolutionary activities,” and the “rooms dedicated to the history and various worksites,” they met with the “exemplary youth” and gave them “pep-talks”. They asked the youth to “bring about miracles and innovations in every worksite for the building of a powerful socialist country and become young heroes in the era of Mallima.” The youth “held colorful events” which included “art performances and sports and amusements games.

WPK Vice Chairman for Cadres Affairs Kim P’yo’ng-hae visits the Kim Cho’ng-t’ae Electric Locomotive Complex in Pyongyang on Youth Day on August 28, 2016 (Photo: Korean Central Television).

Youth promenade commemorating Foundation Day in front of The Arch of Triumph on September 9, 2016 Photo: KCNA/Rodong Sinmun

A variety of public ceremonies and cultural events were held throughout the DPRK on September 9 (Friday) to mark the 68th anniversary of the foundation of the country.

Floral wreaths from Kim Jong Un at the Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery. Photo: KCTV

Senior officials of the Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK], the DPRK Government and the Korean People’s Army [KPA] visited Ku’msusan Palace of the Sun, where the late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and late leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) lie in state.  Floral baskets from Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n), the WPK Central Committee, the WPK Central Military Commission, the State Affairs Commission, the Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium and DPRK Cabinet were placed in front of the KIS and KJI statues.  The central leadership visitors “paid high tribute to the great leaders before their statues.”  Then the visitors visited the chambers where the preserved remains of KIS and KJI lie in state and “made bows” to the deceased leaders.  Then, they visited rooms where state titles and orders and honorary degree diplomas they received and their personal affects, the Mercedes Benz S-class sedans, the boat and railway coaches are displayed.

Floral wreath from Kim Jong Un, left, and central leadership delivering a joint floral wreath at the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery on Mount Taesong in Pyongyang on September 9, 2016 (Photos: Rodong Sinmun/KCNA).

Floral wreath laying ceremonies were held at revolutionary hero and war memorial cemeteries throughout the country.  In Pyongyang, wreath laying ceremonies were held at the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery on Mount Taesong, at the Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetary and at the Fatherland Liberation War (Korean War) Martyrs’ Cemetery.

Among those visiting the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery were: Kim Yo’ng-nam [Kim Yong Nam], Ch’oe Ryong-hae [Choe Ryong Hae], VMar Ri Myo’ng-su [Ri Myong Su], General Kim Wo’n-hong Kim P’yo’ng-hae [Kim Phyong Hae], Kwak Pom-ki [Kwak Pom Gi] and Kim Cho’ng-im [Kim Jong Im].  Among those visiting the Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery were:  Pak Pong-chu [Pak Pong Ju], Yang Hyo’ng-sop [Yang Hyong Sop] General Pak Yo’ng-sik [Pak Yong Sik], Choe T’ae-pok [Choe Thae Bok], Ri Su-yo’ng [Ri Su Yong], General Chooe Pu-il [Choe Pu Il] Kim Yo’ng-ch’o’l [Kim Yong Chol], An Cho’ng-su [An Jong Su], Kim Yo’ng-su [Kim Yong Su] and Ri Il-hwan [Ri Il Hwan].  Those visiting the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs’ Cemetery included: VMar Hwang Pyo’ng-so’, Kim Ki-nam; Ri Man-ko’n [Ri Man Gon],  O Su-yong [O Su Yong], Ro Tu-ch’o’l [Ro Tu Chol], Ri Yong-ho [Ri Yong Ho] Kim Yo’ng-tae and Cho Yo’n-chun [Jo Yon Jun].

Senior DPRK Government officials place floral bouquets in front of the memorial grave marker of Kim Jong Suk at the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery in Pyongyang on September 9, 2016 (Photo: Korean Central TV)

At the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery, visitors placed floral bouquets and paid their respects at the memorial marker of Kim Jong Suk (Kim Cho’ng-suk), KJI’s mother and Kim Jong Un’s grandmother.  Floral wreathes from Kim Jong Un were delivered at all three cemeteries.  Floral wreathes jointly sent by the WPK Central Committee, the State Affairs Commission, the Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium and the DPRK Cabinet were placed at the main wreath-laying pedestals at the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery and the Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery.  A wreath jointly sent by the WPK Central Committee, the WPK Central Military Commission and the State Affairs Commission was placed at the “Soul of Heroes” pedestal at the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs’ Cemetery.

Floral wreathes from KPA and security agencies, workers and social organizations, Cabinet Ministries and commissions, state institutions, KPA and Korean People’s Internal Security Forces [KPISF] units, academic institutions, WPK and DPRK Government organizations and production and agricultural units were also delivered to the cemeteries.  Visitors paid “silent tribute to the fallen fighters who dedicated their lives to the country’s liberation, people’s freedom and happiness and to the struggle for achieving national reunification and accomplishing the cause of the Chuch’e revolution.  After the wreath laying ceremonies, visitors walked around the cemeteries.

Foundation Day performance at the Ponghwa Art Theater in Pyongyang on September 9, 2016 (Photo: KCNA).

An art performance “Story told by ‘Arirang'” took place at Ponghwa Art Theater on September 9.

In attendance were Kim Yo’ng-nam [Kim Yong Nam], VMAR Hwang Pyo’ng-so’ [Hwang Pyong So], Ch’oe Ryong-hae [Choe Ryong Hae], VMAR Ri Myo’ng-su [Ri Myong Su], General Pak Yo’ng-sik [Pak Yong Sik], Choe T’ae-pok [Choe Thae Bok], Kim Ki-nam [Kim Ki Nam], Yang Hyo’ng-sop [Yang Hyong Sop], Kim P’yo’ng-hae [Kim Phyong Hae], Kwak Pom-ki [Kwak Pom Gi], O Su-yong [O Su Yong], Ro Tu-ch’o’l [Ro Tu Chol], Ri Yong-ho [Ri Yong Ho], Kim Cho’ng-im [Kim Jong Im], Ri Ch’o’l-man [Ri Chol Man], Cho’n Il-chun [Jon Il Chun] Kim Yo’ng-su [Kim Yong Su], along with various central party cadres, leading functionaries of KPA and security agencies, the DPRK Government and national institutions.  Also in attenance were “overseas Koreans, the chief of the Pyongyang mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front, diplomatic envoys and representative of international bodies here and their spouses, military attaches and their spouses and other foreign guests.”

Dancers play the gum during a Foundation Day performance at Ponghwa Art Theater on September 9, 2016 (Photo: KCNA).

The performance included folk songs, instrumental pieces, dancing and a musical revue that “comprehensively and impressively dealt with the time-honored history of the Korean nation created along with Arirang.”  According to KCNA and KCTV “such numbers as female solo and grand kayagum ensemble ‘Arirang’ the performers gave artistic presentation to the past and present of the DPRK when a definite end was put to the history of twists and turns and the dignity of the country and nation were put on the highest level thanks to President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.”  The performance was “highly acclaimed by the audience for reflecting the iron-will of all service persons and people to glorify the DPRK as the eternal state of the great leaders and dynamically advance along the path of building a socialist power indicated at the Seventh Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea.”

View of the Grand People’s Study House and the parade review stand during a people-army solidarity rally celebrating the fifth nuclear weapons test on September 13, 2016 (Photo: Korean Central Television)

A people-army mass solidarity rally celebrating the DPRK’s fifth nuclear test was held in Kim Il Sung Square on September 13 (Tuesday).

Partial view of the platform members at an army-people solidarity rally celebrating the fifth nuclear weapons test in Pyongyang September 13, 2016. Visible in this image, L-R, are: Ri Su Yong, General Ri Myong Su, Kim Ki Nam, Pak Pong Ju, VMAR Hwang Pyong So, Choe Ryong Hae and Choe Thae Bok (Photo: Korean Central Television).

Those in attendance on the platform included Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department Director VMar Hwang Pyo’ng-so’ [Hwang Pyong So], DPRK Premier Pak Pong-chu [Pak Pong Ju], Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] Vice Chairman for Workers’ and Social Organizations Ch’oe Ryong-hae [Choe Ryong Hae, Chief of the KPA General Staff General Ri Myo’ng-su [Ri Myong Su], WPK Vice Chairman for International Affairs Ri Su-yo’ng [Ri Su Yong], WPK Vice Chairman for Munitions Industry Ri Man-ko’n [Ri Man Gon], WPK Vice Chairman for Propaganda and Agitation Kim Ki-nam [Kim Ki Nam], WPK Vice Chairman for Science and Education and Supreme People’s Assembly Speaker (chairman) Choe T’ae-pok [Choe Thae Bok], Minister of State Security General Kim Wo’n-hong [Kim Won Hong], Minister of People’s Security General Choe Pu-il [Choe Pu Il] SPA Presidium Vice President Yang Hyo’ng-sop [Yang Hyong Sop], WPK Vice Chairman for Intelligence and ROK Affairs Kim Yo’ng-ch’o’l [Kim Yong Chol], WPK Vice Chairman for Cadres’ Affairs Kim P’yo’ng-hae [Kim Phyong Hae], WPK Vice Chairman for Planning and Finance Kwak Pom-ki [Kwak Pom Gi], WPK Vice Chairman for Economic Planning O Su-yong [O Su Yong], State Planning Commission Chairman and DPRK Vice Premier Ro Tu-ch’o’l [Ro Tu Chol], Pyongyang WPK City Committee Chairman Kim Su-kil (Kim Su Gil), WPK Organization Guidance Department Senior Deputy Director Cho Yo’n-chun [Jo Yon Jun], SPA Presidium Vice President and Korea Social Democratic Party Chairman Kim Yo’ng-tae [Kim Yong Dae] Guard Command Director General Yun Cho’ng-rin [Yun Jong Rin], Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Colonel-General Yun Tong-hyo’n [Yun Tong Hyon], KPA General Political Department Deputy Director and head of the KPA Organization Department Lieutenant-General Cho Nam-chin [Jo Nam Jin], 1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces So Hong-chang [So Hong Chan], KPA General Political Department Deputy Director and head of the KPA General Propaganda Department Lieutenant Ryo’m Ch’o’l-so’ng [Ryom Chol Song], Kimilsungist-Kimjongilist Youth League 1st Secretary Cho’n Yong-nam [Jon Yong Nam], Korean Democratic Women’s Union head Kim Cho’ng-sun [Kim Jong Sun], Director of the DPRK Central Prosecutor’s Office Chang Pyo’ng-kyu [Jang Pyong Gyu], President of the DPRK Central Court Kang Yun-sok [Kang Yun Sok] and DPRK State Academy of Sciences President Chang Ch’o’l [Jang Chol] Also in attendance were “Party and armed forces organs, the Cabinet, working people’s organizations, ministries and national institutions, service personnel of the Korean People’s Army and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces, officials of the institutions and industrial establishments of different levels, working people and youth and students in the city and overseas compatriots.”

Speakers at the September 13, 2016 army-people solidarity rally celebrating the fifth nuclear weapons test: [a.] Pyongyang WPK City Committee Chairman and WPK Political Bureau Alternate Member Kim Su Gil; [b.] DPRK Premier, State Affairs Commission Vice Chairman and WPK Political Bureau Presidium Member Pak Pong Ju; [c.] WPK Vice Chairman and WPK Political Bureau Member Kim Ki Nam; [d.] Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces and WPK Central Committee Member Colonel-General Yun Tong Hyon; [e.] President of the State Academy of Sciences and WPK Central Committee Member Jang Chol; and, [f.] Youth League Central Committee 1st Secretary and WPK Central Committee Member Jon Yong Nam (Photos: Korean Central Television)

Pyongyang WPK City Committee Chairman Kim Su Gil presided over the meeting. Pak Pong Ju read out the September 10 Nuclear Weapons Institute statement. Speeches were delivered by Kim Ki Nam, Colonel-General Yun Tong Hyon, Jang Chol and Jon Yong Nam.

Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Colonel-General Yun Tong Hyon leads KPA service members in a “manse!” chant at the end of his speech during the rally (Photo: Korean Central Television)

According to KCNA, the meeting speakers said:

The recent successful explosion test of nuclear warhead marked an event of special significance as it guaranteed the eternal prosperity and security of the great Paektusan (Mt. Paektu) power and a historic exciting event of the nation which instilled confidence in the final victory and optimism into all the service personnel and civilians in the vigorous campaign to build a powerful socialist country.

Signal successes being made in the field of national defense industry represent a praiseworthy victory won thanks to the energetic leadership and patriotic devotion of Marshal Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n).

It is the immutable principle the army and people of the DPRK learned in the confrontation with the imperialists and the US for the last several decades that the vicious hostile policy and war moves of the imperialists should be countered only with the toughest counteractions and merciless and prompt strikes.

The US is now talking a torrent of nonsense, persistently resorting to the sanctions and pressure against the DPRK over its justifiable nuclear warhead explosion test, but it is nothing but ridiculous jargons made by those who are fear-stricken by the tremendous nuclear capability of the DPRK, they noted, calling on all service personnel and civilians to devotedly defend the C.C., the WPK headed by Kim Jong Un and the Ku’msusan Palace of the Sun and work unprecedented fresh miracles in the drive for recovering from the flood damage that hit the northern areas of North Hamgyo’ng Province and thus conclude the 200-day campaign of loyalty with shining victory.

All service personnel would make a decisive and strong retaliatory strike at the enemies, should they show a slight sign of moves to impair the independent dignity and prestige of the state.

Young people should make successive charge, uninterrupted advance and innovations, holding high the slogan of “Let us fully demonstrate the resourcefulness and gallantry of the heroic youth in the general offensive for building a powerful socialist country!” and thus make hurrah of the drive for creating new legendary tales about hero youth heard without interruption.

Set scientific and technological problems arising in the building of an economic power on the highest level through a high-pitched drive for breaking through the cutting edge science and technology.

Work hard to build a powerful socialist country of Chuch’e, a paradise for the people, on this land as soon as possible, united close around Kim Jong Un

View of floral baskets at the Kim Jong Suk Revolutionary Site in Hoeryo’ng on Spetember 22, 2016 (Photo: Korean Central Television)

Floral wreath-laying ceremonies were held on September 22 (Thursday) to mark the 67th anniversary of the death of Kim Jong Suk (Kim Cho’ng-suk), wife of late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and mother of late DPRK leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) and his younger sister, former Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] Political Bureau Member and Secretary Kim Kyong Hui (Kim Kyo’ng-hu’i).  Kim Jong Suk passed away from an extrauterine pregnancy in Pyongyang on September 22, 1949.

DPRK central leadership at the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery (left) and a floral wreath from Kim Jong Un at Kim Cho’ng-suk’s memorial at the cemetery on September 22, 2016 (Photos: Rodong Sinmun/KCNA).

A floral wreath laying ceremony was held at the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery on Mt. Taesong.  Among those attending the ceremony from the DPRK’s central leadership were WPK Vice Chairman and Director of Cadres’ Affairs Kim P’yo’ng-hae [Kim Phyong Hae], State Planning Commission Chairman and DPRK Vice Premier Ro Tu-ch’o’l [Ro Tu Chol], Pyongyang WPK City Committee Chairman Kim Su-kil [Kim Su Gil], Minister of External Economic Relations and DPRK Vice Premier Ri Ryo’ng-nam [Ri Ryong Nam], WPK Agricultural Department Director Ri Ch’o’l-man [Ri Chol Man], WPK Light Industry Department Deputy Director Pak Myo’ng-so’n [Pak Myong Sun] and other “officials of the party, armed forces and power bodies, working people’s organizations, ministries and national institutions, service personnel of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) and working people in Pyongyang.”  Floral wreaths were delivered to KJS’ memorial marker from Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n), a joint wreath from the WPK Central Committee, the State Affairs Commission, the Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium and the DPRK Cabinet, as well as wreaths from various “ministries and national institutions, units of the Korean People’s Army [KPA], revolutionary schools, party and power bodies and factories in Pyongyang.”

View of the Kim Jong Suk Statue at the revolutionary site in her hometown, Hoeryo’ng, North Hamgyo’ng (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

In KJS’ hometown, Hoeryo’ng, WPK Vice Chairman for Economic Affairs O Su-yo’ng [O Su Yong], in the area to oversee flood reconstruction and recovery efforts, led North Hamgyo’ng Provincial and Hoeryo’ng municipal officials in placing floral wreaths and bouquets in front of the statue at the Kim Jong Suk Revolutionary Site.  Floral wreaths and bouquets were also delivered to the KJS Statue at the Kim Jong Suk Naval Academy in South Hamgyo’ng Province.

South Hamgyo’ng WPK Provincial Committee Chairman Kim Song Il [2nd left] delivers a floral basket to the KJS Statue at the Kim Jong Suk Naval Academy in South Hamgyo’ng Province on September 22, 2016 (Photo: Korean Central Television)

View of the platform at a central report meeting held at the People’s Palace of Culture on October 7, 2016 to mark the 18th anniversary of late leader Kim Jong Il’s election as WPK General Secretary (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

A central report meeting was held at the People’s Palace of Culture in Pyongyang on October 7 (Friday) to commemorate the 19th anniversary of late DPRK leader Kim Jong Il’s (Kim Cho’ng-il) election to the position of Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] General-Secretary by the WPK Central Committee and WPK Central Military Commission on October 8, 1997.

Among those attending the meeting from the platform were Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam [Kim Yo’ng-nam], Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department Director VMar Hwang Pyong So [Hwang Pyo’ng-so’], DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju [Pak Pong-chu], WPK Vice Chairman for Workers and Social Organizations Choe Ryong Hae [Ch’oe Ryong-hae] WPK Vice Chairman for Propaganda and Agitation Kim Ki Nam [Kim Ki-nam], SPA Presidium Vice President Yang Hyong Sop [Yang Hyo’ng-sop], Minister of State Security General Kim Won Hong [Kim Wo’n-hong], Minister of People’s Security General Choe Pu Il [Ch’oe Pu-il] WPK Vice Chairman for International Affairs Ri Su Yong [Ri Su-yo’ng], WPK Vice Chairman for Munitions Industry Ri Man Gon [Ri Man-ko’n], WPK Vice Chairman and Director of Planning and Finance Kwak Pom Gi [Kwak Pom-ki], WPK Vice Chairman for Cadres’ Affairs Kim Phyong Hae [Kim P’yo’ng-hae], WPK Vice Chairman for Economic Affairs O Su Yong [O Su-yo’ng],  WPK Vice Chairman for Intelligence and South Korean Affairs Kim Yong Chol [Kim Yo’ng-ch’o’l], State Planning Commission Chairman and DPRK Vice Premier Ro Tu Chol [Ro Tu-ch’o’l], WPK Central Committee Department Senior Deputy Director Ri Pyong Chol [Ri Pyo’ng-ch’o’l], Minister of Foreign Affairs Ri Yong Ho [Ri Yo’ng-ho], Pyongyang WPK City Committee Chairman Kim Su Gil [Kim Su-kil], WPK Organization Guidance Department Senior Deputy Director Jo Yon Jun [Cho Yo’n-chun], SPA Presidium Vice President and Chairman of the Korea Social Democratic Party Central Committee Kim Yong Dae [Kim Yo’ng-tae], DPRK Vice Premier and Minister of Chemical Industry Ri Mu Yong [Ri Mu-yo’ng], DPRK Vice Premier Kim Tok Hun, DPRK Vice Premier and Minister of Agriculture Ko In Ho [Ko In-ho], DPRK Vice Premier and Minister of External Economic Affairs Ri Ryong Nam [Ri Ryo’ng-nam], KPA Navy Commander VAdm Ri Yong Chu [Ri Yo’ng-chu], KPA Air and Anti-Air Force Commander General Choe Yong Ho [Ch’oe Yo’ng-ho], KPA General Political Department Deputy Director and head of the KPA General Propaganda Department Lieutenant-General Ryom Chol Song [Ryo’m Ch’o’l-so’ng], Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Colonel-General Yun Tong Hyon [Yun Tong-hyo’n], Korean Democratic Women’s Union Central Committee 1st Secretary Kim Jong Sun [Kim Cho’ng-son], Kimilsungist-Kimjongilist Youth League Central Committee 1st Secretary Jon Yong Nam [Chon Yo’ng-nam], Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea Central Committee 1st Secretary Ri Myong Gil [Ri Myo’ng-kil] and General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea Central Committee 1st Secretary Ju Yong Gil [Chu Yo’ng-kil]. Also in attendance were various senior WPK, DPRK Government and KPA cadres and functionaries, the heads of various state ministries and institutions, managers of state and security organizations and industrial production units in Pyongyang, visiting Koreans from other countries, the head of the Pyongyang Mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front.

WPK Vice Chairman, State Affairs Commission Vice Chairman and WPK Political Bureau Presidium Member Choe Ryong Hae reads out the report (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

View of the venue and slogans and participants at a central report meeting in Pyongyang on October 7, 2016 to mark the 19th anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s election as WPK General Secretary (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Ki Nam presided over the meeting and the report as delivered Choe Ryong Hae.  According to KCNA, Choe said in his report that:

Kim Jong Il’s election to the top post of the WPK provided a sure guarantee for developing the party into the one of President Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and revolutionary party of Chuch’e type and accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e started in Mt. Paektu.

Comrade Kim Jong Il led the WPK for over half a century, creating a shining model in building the revolutionary party in the era of independence and bringing about a great victory and gigantic change in the struggle for building a socialist power.

Thanks to his outstanding idea and extraordinary leadership the outdated patterns in party work were broken, a radical change was brought about in building organization, idea and art of leadership of the party, the appearance of the society changed and an eternal foundation was firmly consolidated to accomplish the cause of socialism.

With his extraordinary wisdom and through his energetic ideological and theoretical activities, he formulated the revolutionary idea of the great leader as Kimilsungism, laid down a program for modeling the whole society on Kimilsungism and gave perfect answers to theoretical and practical problems in all fields including the building of the party, armed forces, state and economy and culture.

He developed in depth the great leader’s idea of prioritizing arms as a revolutionary idea of So’ngun (military-first) and theory of So’ngun (military-first) politics and enunciated an original theory of building a socialist power. This is an outstanding feat that made it possible for the WPK to invariably preserve its own revolutionary nature even in the worst adversity and bring about a new radical turn in carrying out the cause of socialism.

He set it as the general task of the party building to develop the WPK into the party of the great leader. He made sure that the party firmly adhered to the principle of the Chuch’e-oriented party building based on the revolutionary outlook on the leader and organized and conducted the party building and activities as required by Kimilsungism.

He bolstered up as firm as an iron wall the nation’s defense capability with the Korean People’s Army as the core under the banner of So’ngun (military-first) and thus laid a strong military foundation for firmly protecting the dignity and sovereignty of the country and the gains of revolution.

He aroused all the people to the drive to implement the strategic line of building socialist economy, consolidating the material and technical foundation of the self-supporting national economy and laying a springboard for building an economic power.

He led the sacred cause of national reunification to usher in the June 15 era of reunification so that the Koreans advanced in line with the idea of By Our Nation Itself, remarkably raised the DPRK’s international position through his energetic external activities and made a historic contribution to accomplishing the cause of global independence.

The great exploits Kim Jong Il performed by leading the WPK for years are shedding rays as a militant banner for victorious advance of revolution and its completion, adding that he will always be alive as the eternal leader of the WPK and the sun of Chuch’e along with his immortal exploits.

The cause of the party building of Chuch’e led by Kim Jong Il is being successfully carried forward by Marshal Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n), the reporter called for flying higher the red party flag of Chuch’e associated with the sacred life of Kim Jong Il and waging a dynamic struggle for the final victory of the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e.

WPK Vice Chairman for Intelligence and South Korean Affairs Kim Yong Chol (right) attends a house warming with the family of a Ministry of Railways employee after they moved into their new apartment in North Hamgyo’ng Province (Photo: Korean Central News Agency).

View of a ceremony opening apartment housing constructed in North Hamgyo’ng after floods in late August destroyed residences (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Apartment housing for 19,000 families whose homes were destroyed by floods this past August were opened ceremoniously by Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] Vice Chairmen during November 19 (Saturday) and November 20 (Sunday).  Ceremonies, at which WPK Vice Chairman delivered speeches and local citizens were presented residency certificates and moved into their new homes were held in Hoeryo’ng, Musan County, Yo’nsa County, Onso’ng County, Kyo’ngwo’n County and Kyo’nghu’ng County.

View of a rally opening apartment housing as part of flood recovery efforts in North Hamgyo’ng Province (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Views of ceremonies opening residential units in North Hamgyo’ng Province as part of flood recovery efforts (Photos: Rodong Sinmun/KCNA).

Views of North Hamgyo’ng citizens moving into their new apartments (Photos: KCNA/Rodong Sinmun).

(L-R) A family hangs a slogan poster in their new apartment; WPK Vice Chairman for Workers’ and Social Organizations Choe Ryong Hae, WPK Vice Chairman for Propaganda and Agitation Kim Ki Nam and WPK Vice Chairman for Science and Education Choe Thae Bok visit families after their move-in (Photos: Rodong Sinmun/KCNA).

Dispatched from Pyongyang to attend these ceremonies were WPK Vice Chairman for Workers’ and Social Organizations Choe Ryong Hae [Ch’oe Ryong-hae], WPK Vice Chairman for Propaganda and Agitation Kim Ki Nam [Kim Ki-nam], WPK Vice Chairman for Science and Education and Supreme People’s Assembly Speakers [chairman] Choe Thae Bok [Ch’oe T’ae-pok], WPK Vice Chairman for International Affairs Ri Su Yong [Ri Su-yo’ng], WPK Vice Chairman for Cadres’ Affairs Kim Phyong Hae [Kim P’yo’ng-hae], WPK Vice Chairman for Munitions Industries Ri Man Gon [Ri Man-ko’n], WPK Vice Chairman for Economic Affairs O Su Yong [O Su-yo’ng], WPK Vice Chairman for Planning and Finance Kwak Pom Gi [Kwak Pom-ki], WPK Vice Chairman for Intelligence and South Korean Affairs Kim Yong Chol [Kim Yo’ng-ch’o’l], along with North Hamgyo’ng WPK Provincial Committee Chairman Jon Sung Hun [Cho’n Su’ng-hun], North Hamgyo’ng Provincial People’s Committee Chairman Ri Sang Gwan [Ri Sang-kwan], local residents, Korean People’s Army [KPA] personnel and DPRK Government officials involved in flood recovery and reconstruction efforts.

WPK Vice Chairman for International Affairs Ri Su Yong (2nd L) talks with a family whilst attending a house warming (Photo: KCNA).

WPK Vice Chairman for Munitions Industry Ri Man Gon presents a gift whilst attending a house warming in North Hamgyo’ng Province (Photo: KCNA).

WPK Vice Chairman for Cadres’ Affairs Kim Phyong Hae attends a house warming (Photo: KCNA).

In their remarks, the WPK Vice Chairman said that “Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) made an important decision to set it as their major thrust of the 200-day campaign to recover from the flood damage in the northern part for the people in the flood-hit areas of North Hamgyo’ng Province and conducted the gigantic operation to win miraculous victory in turning adversity into a favorable situation.”  Stress was placed in their remarks that “all party members, service personnel and other people should Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) in high esteem with loyalty keeping in mind the steadfast faith that the people’s happy life would be firmly defended and brought into full bloom as long as there are the warm care of Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) and the best advantageous socialist system centered on the popular masses.”

WPK Vice Chairman for Planning and Finance Kwak Pom Gi (right) applauds whilst attending a house warming in North Hamgyo’ng Province (Photo: KCNA).

WPK Vice Chairman for Economic Affairs O Su Yong (left) talks with a girl whilst attending a house warming in North Hamgyo’ng Province (Photo: KCNA)

The WPK Vice Chairmen, who are also members of the WPK Executive Policy Bureau (among other positions), “called upon all the builders of the northern part [of the country] to conduct the steady offensives to certainly attain the 200-day campaign purpose in the same spirit with which they created miracles in turning adversity into favorable conditions of North Hamgyo’ng Province, and thus glorify this year in which the Seventh Congress of the WPK was held as the year of great victory to be recorded forever in the history of the country.”  After the speeches, residency certificates were distributed.  The WPK Vice Chairman visited with the families after they moved into their new homes and “shared the pleasure with inhabitants who were excited after receiving dwelling houses [for] free and handed over daily necessities as souvenirs of their visits.”

Kim Jong Un pays his respects to late Cuban leader Fidel Castro at the Cuban Embassy in east Pyongyang on November 28, 2016 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

KJU’s last observed appearance was his visit to Samjiyo’n

Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Cuban Embassy in the DPRK on November 28 (Monday) to pay a condolence call for the death of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro.  Also in attendance were Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department and State Affairs Commission Vice Chairman VMar Hwang Pyong So [Hwang Pyo’ng-so] and 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Kye Gwan [Kim Kye-kwan].

Jong Un paid “silent tribute to Fidel Castro Ruz in memory of him together with officials accompanying him.  He wrote in the memorial book “though the outstanding leader passed away his name and feats will always be remembered by all of us.  We fell pain of the loss of the great Comrade, the great comrade-in-arms.”  He then expressed “deep condolences to Cuban Ambassador to the DPRK Jesus de Los Angeles Aise Sotolongo” and offered condolences to the embassy staff. He said that “upon hearing the news of the unexpected demise of Fidel Castro Ruz, the Korean people are overwhelmed with profound sorrow…the demise of Fidel Castro Ruz is a great loss for the parties, government and peoples of the two countries.”

Jong Un said that even though Fidel “passed away, his noble feats will shine forever in the hearts of the people’s of the two countries and progressive mankind” and expressed his belief that “the revolutionary Cuban people would overcome the grief over the loss of their distinguished leader and certainly build a prospering ideal society of the people and win the victory of the socialist cause under the wise guidance Raul Castro Ruz, true to the lifetime intention of Fidel Castro Ruz.”  The ambassador thanked Kim Jong Un for visiting the Cuban Embassy in the DPRK to “share the sorrow of the demise of Fidel Castro Ruz with the Cuban embassy staff member.”

Earlier in the same day senior cadres of the Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK], the Korean People’s Army [KPA], national security apparatus and the DPRK Government visited the embassy to convey their condolences.  Callers included Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam [Kim Yo’ng-nam], State Affairs Commission Vice Chairman and DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju [Pak Pong-chu], WPK Vice Chairman for Propaganda and Agitation Kim Ki Nam [Kim Ki-nam], WPK Vice Chairman for Science and Education and SPA Speaker (chairman) Choe Thae Bok [Ch’oe T’ae-pok], Minister of the People’s Armed Forces General Pak Yong Sik [Pak Yo’ng-sik], WPK Vice Chairman for International Affairs Ru Su Yong [Ri Su-yo’ng], WPK Vice Chairman for Cadres’ Affairs Kim Phyong Hae [Kim P’yo’ng-hae], WPK Vice Chairman for Munitions Industry Ri Man Gon [Ri Man-ko’n], WPK Vice Chairman for Economic Affairs O Su Yong [O Su-yo’ng], WPK Vice Chairman for Planning and Finance Kwak Pom Gi [Kwak Pom-ki], WPK Vice Chairman for Intelligence and South Korean Affairs Kim Yong Chol [Kim Yo’ng-ch’o’l], Minister of Foreign Affairs Ri Yong Ho [Ri Yo’ng-ho], WPK Workers’ and Social Organizations Department Director Ri Il Hwan [Ri Il-hwan], WPK Light Industry Department Director An Jong Su [An Cho’ng-su], Minister of External Economic Relations Kim Yong Jae [Kim Yo’ng-chae], Chairman of the Education Commission Kim Sung Du [Kim Su’ng-du], Chairwoman of the Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries Kim Jong Suk [Kim Cho’ng-suk],

KJU’s last observed appearance was his visit to a KPA fishery station

Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited Ku’msusan Palace of the Sun on the morning of December 17 (Saturday) and, later the same day, attended a national memorial service to mark the fifth anniversary of the death of his father Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il)

Among those in attendance at these events were: Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam [Kim Yo’ng-nam], Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department Director and State Affairs Commission [SAC] VMar Hwang Pyong So [Hwang Pyo’ng-so], DPRK Premier and SAC Vice Chairman Pak Pong Ju [Pak Pong-chu], Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] Vice Chairman for Workers’ and Social Organizations and SAC Vice Chairman Choe Ryong Hae [Ch’oe Ryong-hae], Chief of the KPA General Staff VMar Ri Myong Su [Ri Myo’ng-su], Minister of the People’s Armed Forces General Pak Yong Sik [Pak Yo’ng-sik], WPK Vice Chairman for Propaganda and Agitation Kim Ki Nam [Kim Ki-nam], WPK Vice Chairman for Science and Education and SPA Speakers (chairman) Choe Thae Bok [Ch’oe T’ae-pok], WPK Vice Chairman for International Affairs Ri Su Yong [Ri Su-yo’ng], WPK Vice Chairman for Munitions Industry Ri Man Gon [Ri Man-ko’n], Minister of State Security General Kim Won Hong (Kim Wo’n-hong), Minister of People’s Security General Choe Pu Il [Ch’oe Pu-il], SPA Presidium Vice President Yang Hyong Sop [Yang Hyo’ng-sop], WPK Vice Chairman for Cadres’ Affairs Kim Phyong Hae [Kim P’yo’ng-hae], WPK Vice Chairman for Planning and Finance Kwak Pom Gi [Kwak Pom-ki], WPK Vice Chairman for Economic Affairs O Su Yong [O Su-yo’ng], WPK Vice Chairman for Intelligence and South Korean Affairs Kim Yong Chol [Kim Yo’ng-ch’o’l], DPRK Vice Premier and State Planning Commission Ro Tu Chol [Ro Tu-ch’o’l], Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho [Ri Yo’ng-ho], 1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces Colonel-General So Hong Chan [So Hong-ch’an], WPK Central Committee Department Senior Deputy Director Ri Pyong Chol [Ri Pyo’ng-ch’o’l], Pyongyang WPK City Committee Chairman Kim Su Gil [Kim Su-kil], WPK Organization Guidance Department Senior Deputy Director Jo Yon Jun [Cho Yo’n-chun], WPK Organization Guidance Department Senior Deputy Director Kim Kyong Ok [Kim Kyo’ng-ok], WPK Finance and Accounting Department Director Kim Yong Su [Kim Yo’ng-su], WPK Military Affairs Department Director Ri Yong Rae [Ri Yo’ng-rae], Party History Institute Director Kim Jong Im [Kim Cho’ng-im], Guard Command Director General Yun Jong Rin [Yun Cho’ng-rin], Kimilsungist-Kimjongilist Youth League Central Committee 1st Secretary Jon Yong Nam, DPRK Vice Premier Ko In Ho [Ko In-ho] and DPRK Vice Premier Ri Ryong Nam [Ri Ryo’ng-nam].

Jong Un and the other visitors entered the statue hall at Ku’msusan and the head of the KPA honor guard saluted the statues after which floral baskets from Kim Jong Un and a jointly-sent basket from the WPK Central Committee and WPK Central Military Commission, the State Affairs Commission, the SPA Presidium and the DPRK Cabinet were placed in front of the Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and KJI statues. Jong Un and the other visitors “paid high tribute to the statues.”

After this, Kim Jong Un and the senior DPRK officials went to the hall where KJI’s preserved remains lie in state.  They “paid deep homage and made bow to Kim Jong Il.”  Jong Un and the other visitors then visited an exhibition hall displaying the state orders, awards and titles accumulated by KJI.

A national memorial service was held in the plaza in front of Ku’msusan on December 17 (Saturday).  In addition to Kim Jong Un, also attending the service were

Also in attendance were senior officials, cadres and staff of the WPK, the DPRK Government, the KPA, the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces, various national institutions, manufacturing and agricultural units, family members of those linked to KJI’s revolutionary activities, DPRK citizens and foreigners who met with KJI, family members of revolutionary martyrs, foreign delegations, foreign diplomatic personnel and defense attaches stationed in the DRPK and the head of the Pyongyang mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front.

The memorial service began with participants paying “silent tribute in humblest reverence to Kim Jong Il, image and eternal leader of the great Paektusan (Mt. Paektu) nation.

Choe Ryong Hae delivered a memorial speech in which he said:

The revolutionary life of leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) was the most patriotic life of total dedication as he devoted his all to the work to carry forward to completion the Chuch’e revolution and achieve the prosperity of the great Paektusan (Mt. Paektu) nation, hewing the untrodden arduous path under the uplifted red flag of the revolution, true to the noble intention of President Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng).

With intense loyalty to the President, Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) had worked heart and soul to realize the President’s idea and cause in all fields.

He formulated the revolutionary idea of the President as Kimilsungism and established his monolithic ideological and leadership system in the whole party and society and firmly protected the revolutionary traditions of Chuch’e and glorified the party, the state and the army as the party, state and army of the President.

He implanted into the hearts of the servicepersons and people of the whole country the mainstay of faith that the President is always with us and saw to it that the Ku’msusan Memorial Palace was consecrated to the sacred temple of Juche (Chuch’e) and the history of the President is given steady continuity on this land.

He developed the People’s Army into the matchless powerful revolutionary Paektusan (Mt. Paektu) army capable of beating back any formidable enemy at one blow and put the national defense industry on a self-reliant and ultra-modern basis, making the country shine as a world military power and full-fledged nuclear weapons state.

Thanks to him, the June 15 era of reunification advancing in the idea of By Our Nation Itself was ushered in and a rosy prospect was opened for the Korean nation’s independent reunification and peace and prosperity.

He energetically conducted external activities with his distinguished diplomatic strategy, remarkably enhancing the international position of the DPRK and its influence and expanding its foreign relations, and made undying contributions to protecting the world peace and security and accomplishing the human cause of independence.

With his far-sighted wisdom, he perfectly solved the issue of succession to the revolutionary cause in keeping with the requirement of the times and the aspiration of the people.

The revolutionary career and great exploits of Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il), who laid the firm foundation for the eternal victory of the great Paektusan nation and the prosperity of the country in which the Korean people can enjoy wellbeing generation after generation, will shine for all ages along with Kim Jong Un’s (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) era.

After Choe’s speech, loyalty speeches were delivered by Kim Ki Nam (on behalf of the party), VMar Hwang Pyong So (on behalf of the army) and Jon Yong Nam (on behalf of DPRK youth).  The speakers said that “all the servicepersons and people of the DPRK pay the highest tribute and extend the best wishes for immortality to Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il), with their ardent yearning for him” and recalled that “Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) had worked heart and soul till the last moments of his life to provide a solid foundation for the strengthening of the Party, the prosperity of the country and the happiness of its people and bring rosy future of the Chuch’e revolution.”  The speakers “stressed that his exploits for the Party and the revolution, the country and its people would remain for all ages as the bloodline of our Party and the banner of struggle promoting the cause of the Chuch’e revolution” and they called for “holding Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) in high esteem as the eternal sun of Chuch’e and remaining intensely loyal to the leadership of Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n).

After the speaking program, KJI’s memory was honored with a one minute gun salute.

Kim Jong Un speaks during the first day of the first conference of primary party committee chairpersons on December 23, 2016 at Pyongyang Indoor Stadium in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA-Rodong Sinmun).

KJU’s last observed appearance was his observation and guidance of a KPA flight drill

The first two days of the first ever conference of Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] Primary Committee Chairpersons was held at Pyongyang Indoor Stadium on December 23 (Friday) and December 24 (Saturday).  Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) attended and chaired both sessions of the conference.

Kim Jong Un speaking and views of the venue of the opening day of the conference of primary party committee chairs (Photos: KCNA-Rodong Sinmun)

Senior officials attending the conference from the platform included: Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department Director and State Affairs Commission [SAC] Vice Chairman VMar Hwang Pyong So [Hwang Pyo’ng-so], WPK Vice Chairman and SAC Vice Chairman Choe Ryong Hae [Ch’oe Ryong-hae], WPK Vice Chairman for Propaganda and Agitation Kim Ki Nam [Kim Ki-nam], WPK Vice Chairman for Science and Education and Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Speaker (Chairman) Choe Thae Bok [Ch’oe T’ae-pok], WPK Vice Chairman for International Affairs Ri Su Yong [Ri Su-yo’ng], WPK Vice Chairman for Cadres’ Affairs Kim Phyong Hae [Kim P’yo’ng-hae], WPK Vice Chairman for Munitions Industry Ri Man Gon [Ri Man-ko’n], WPK Vice Chairman for Economic Affairs O Su Yong [O Su-yo’ng], WPK Vice Chairman for Planning and Finance Kwak Pom Gi [Kwak Pom-ki], WPK Vice Chairman for Intelligence and South Korean Affairs Kim Yong Chol [Kim Yo’ng-ch’o’l], Pyongyang City WPK Committee Chairman Kim Su Gil [Kim Su-kil], North P’yo’ngan WPK Provincial Committee Chairman Kim Nung O [Kim Nu’ng-o], South P’yo’ngan WPK Provincial Committee Chairman Pak Thae Song [Pak T’ae-so’ng] and WPK Organization Guidance Department Senior Deputy Director Jo Yon Jun [Cho Yo’n-chun].  Also in attendance were senior party officials based in Pyongyang and participating in the conference are the chairmen and chairwomen of the numerous primary party committees, branch party committees and sub-primary party committees.  The last national convocation of the heads of what are called basic party organizations was the 4th meeting of Party Cell Secretaries which gathered during late January 2013.

Photo: NK Leadership Watch graphic

The conference, according to KCNA, shall “analyze and review the successes and experience, defects and lessons witnessed in the past drive of the primary party committees for turning themselves into the invincible integral ones in which the oneness of ideology and leadership is strictly ensured and which form a harmonious whole with the popular masses, and for carrying out the Party’s line and policies.”  The conference will also “discuss the tasks and ways to improve their work as required by the new era of the Chuch’e revolution.”

(Graphic: NK Leadership Watch).

Jong Un delivered an opening speech in which he paid “the highest tribute and extended eternal glory to President Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il), the founder and builder of the glorious WPK and the symbol of the dignified DPRK, representing the boundless reverence of the participants in the conference, all other party members, service personnel and people of the country.”  He said that the “Conference of Chairpersons of the Primary Committees of the WPK is held for the first time in its history amid the grandiose struggle to carry out the decision of its 7th Congress.”  Jong Un offered his ” warm gratitude and militant salute to the participants of the conference and all other chairpersons of the primary committees of the Party who are reliably defending the main combat positions for implementing the Party policies, regarding absolute loyalty to the Party and the boundless devotion to the people as their life and keeping pace with the Party Central Committee despite any difficulties and trials.”  After summarizing international politics, with a focus on Northeast Asia, he said that the “prevailing international situation more clearly proves how just and correct the WPK’s idea and line of simultaneously developing the two fronts were.”

View of the platform during the opening days of the first conference of primary party committee chairs (Photo: KCNA-Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un noted that “that scared by the remarkably increasing strategic position of the DPRK, the imperialist reactionary forces are making desperate efforts, cooking up the UN ‘sanctions resolution’ and even crying out for ‘independent sanctions’,” and it was stressed that “this is the most vivid proof of the victory of the DPRK. He said with pride that great progress was made in the development of the revolution under the correct leadership of the Party this year.”  Jong Un pointed out that “thanks to ardent patriotism and loyalty and devoted struggle of all officials and working people, unprecedented production successes were made in the fields of industry, agriculture, pomiculture and fishery, the first-stage project for recovering from the flood damage in the northern part of North Hamgyo’ng Province was successfully completed and the construction of Ryomyong Street made rapid progress during the 200- day campaign and is nearing completion.”  He also said that the DPRK had “bolstered up its nuclear force both in quality and quantity by succeeding in developing Korean-style latest strategic weapons in the field of national defense science and achieved a lot of successes in the fields of science, education, public health and sports, adding that all of them were possible because all chairpersons of the primary committees of the WPK powerfully aroused all their members and other working people to the struggle for devotedly upholding the Party’s line and policies and implementing them to the letter.”

Jong Un extended his “warm congratulations to the chairpersons of the primary party committees participating in the conference with pride and honor of having successfully concluded the 200-day campaign, true to the call of the Party Central Committee, and all the party members and other people..”  He indicated the “Party’s intention of regarding the Conference of Chairpersons of the Primary Committees of the WPK as important an event as the Party Congress” and he emphasized that “to raise the role of the primary committees is an important guarantee for strengthening the Party and victoriously advancing the revolution and construction.”  Jong Un attached “weighty importance to the role of the chairpersons of the primary committees of the WPK, in particular” because  “whether the Party’s line and policies are correctly implemented or not depends on the politico-ideological preparation, organizational ability, revolutionary spirit and strong capabilities of the chairpersons of the primary committees.”

He remarked that the “the source of the strength of our Party and its invincible might lie in the close bonds of kinship with the broad popular masses and their full support and deep trust” and he “stressed the need for the conference to critically make a deep-going analysis and review of not only achievements and experience gained in the work of the primary party organizations in the past but also their shortcomings and their chairpersons’ role and work-style and make an exhaustive discussion on the issue of enhancing the function and role of the primary party organizations in every way in the drive for developing it and implementing its policies.”

Jong Un noted that “the main purpose of the conference is to help all the participants reflect upon themselves with party conscience and make efforts to boldly rectify their shortcomings so that the conference may offer an opportunity of effecting such a great turn as bringing about a radical change in the work of the primary committees of the WPK” and he declared the “conference open, expressing belief that it would be successfully held thanks to high political enthusiasm and active participation of all its attendants and thus mark a historic milestone in strengthening the WPK and accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e.”

WPK Vice Chairman, Director of the WPK Propaganda and Agitation Department and WPK Political Bureau Member Kim Ki-nam delivers a report on the opening day of the conference on December 23, 2016 (Photo: KCNA-Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Ki Nam delivered a report which noted that the ” the history of the WPK is shining with the undying exploits of President Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) who advanced and perfectly applied the Chuch’e-based idea of building basic party organizations.”  Kim also said that:

The great leaders’ idea of prioritizing the primary party committees and guidance over them has been successfully carried forward and developed by supreme leader Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n).

The history of the ever-victorious WPK is a sacred history in which the validity and vitality of the Chuch’e-based party-building idea of attaching importance to the basic party organizations have been clearly proven. It also constitutes proud annals in which the primary party committees have remained true to the idea and cause of the WPK by performing feats through a heroic struggle.

In particular, the past five years, during which the era of a new historic turn was opened in accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e, were the days of victory and glory when the role of the primary party committees had been enhanced remarkably and the indomitable spirit and might of the WPK strikingly demonstrated.

The most important success made in the work of the primary party committees is that they have been imbued with the idea of the leader and turned into strong militant ranks that move as one under his guidance.

The primary party committees have enthusiastically mobilized the party members and other working people to the drive for carrying out the revolutionary cause of Juche and the cause of building a socialist power.

All the primary committees of the WPK have been firmly consolidated as the ones strong in faith that remain loyal to the idea and will of the leader only, vanguard ranks of loyalty that make a breakthrough in the van of the drive for upholding the Party policies while linking the leader and the masses with blood ties. The Party takes special pride in this as it is a great victory achieved in accomplishing the cause of building the Juche-based party.

Stressing the need to steadily strengthen the WPK into an indomitable and militant party and further enhance its leadership role in order to speed up the building of a socialist power and successfully accomplish the revolutionary cause of Juche by implementing the decision made at the 7th WPK Congress.

What is most important to this end is to strengthen the primary committees, the principal militant units of the Party, in every way and herein lies the reason why the First Conference of Chairpersons of the Primary Committees was convened by the WPK.

At present the WPK requires every primary party organization to meticulously guide the organizational and ideological life of its members and vigorously conduct the drive for implementing the behests of the leaders and upholding the Party’s policies so as to accelerate the modeling of the whole Party and society on Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism and make a breakthrough in the all-out offensive for the final victory in the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e.

Let us go all out to carry through the decision of the 7th WPK Congress and hasten the final victory in the development of the great Kimilsungist-Kimjongilist party and the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e, the cause of building a socialist power, rallied closer around Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

Opening day conference speakers mentioned the “achievements and experience gained in the work of primary committees and “referred to the defects found in the work of some primary committees” and expressed “their resolve to bring about a great turn in the work of primary party organizations as demanded by the period of a new leap forward in carrying out the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e and thus turn all the basic party organizations into the first death-defying corps in the drive to implement the idea of the Party and uphold its policies.”

During the second day of the conference various primary party committee chairs spoke on the “precious successes, experience and lessons drawn in the party work of their units.”  Conference speakers “analyzed and reviewed the successes and experience gained in consolidating the primary party committees, the basic organizations of the Party, as strong militant ranks equipped with the firm faith and indomitable offensive-oriented spirit of devotedly defending the leader and implementing the Party’s policies to the letter and the revolutionary outposts adjoining the yard of the Party Central Committee” and said that the “the primary party organizations aroused the masses to the heroic struggle to create the new Korean speed, the Mallima speed, regarding the implementation of the last instructions of President Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-so’ng) and leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il) as the key point of the party work and enhancing the vanguard role of the party members in the building of a powerful socialist country.”

The conference speakers “pointed out that they have firmly consolidated the primary party organizations of their units as loyal militant ranks armed with the spirit of devotedly defending the leader and implementing the Party’s policies to the letter with transparent revolutionary outlook on the leader” and they “recalled that they have led the producer masses through practical examples, providing on-site guidance and dynamically conducting on-site political work as frontline-style one the way the commanding officers of the People’s Army do and thus performed new miracles and feats in the general offensive.”

Participants in the First Conference of Chairpersons of the Primary Committees of the Workers’ Party of Korea arrive at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium in central Pyongyang on December 23, 2016 (Photos: KCNA-Rodong Sinmun).

According to state media reporting conference participants “once again deeply grasped the real meaning of the instructions of Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un that the examples set by officials are more powerful political work than hundreds of words and that it is necessary to convert the Party work into the on-site political work and work to motivate people.”  During the conference’s proceedings “an in-depth analysis was made of deviations and shortcomings manifested at some units at present where the work of primary party committees failed to reflect the Party’s intention and meet the requirements of the developing revolution, and strong criticism was made of them.”  Critiques were “also made of officials for their shortcomings reflected in perfunctorily implementing the Party’s decision, not giving priority to the work for firmly arming themselves with the Party’s line and policies” and for “failing to conduct the drive for implementing the Party’s line and policies in a do-or-die spirit and of failing to meticulously organize the party life among officials and other party members and guide it to suit the characteristic features of relevant units.”

The conference discussed “ways to draw lessons from the shortcomings and thoroughly rectify them” and measures were taken “to firmly build up the primary committees of the whole party into the militant units with strong organizational and executive capabilities and bring about a revolutionary turn in the ideological viewpoint and work traits and style of the chairpersons of the primary party committees.”  Conference speakers “evinced their resolutions to firmly consolidate the primary party organizations as outposts for devotedly defending the leader and carrying out the Party’s policies to the letter by creditably fulfilling their responsibility and role as direct organizers, information officials and implementers in executing the Party’s policies.”