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Kim Jong-un encourages Korean People's Army on its 71st founding anniversary [PHOTOS]

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North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un gives the thumbs up as
North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un gives the thumbs up as "Our National Flag" is re-performed at his encore request during a congratulatory performance given by the State Merited Chorus at the annex to the headquarters to the Party Central Committee on Feb. 8, the Korean People's Army (KPA) foundation day. Seated at his left is his wife Ri Sol-ju. KCNA-Yonhap

By Jung Da-min

North Korea's Songun (military-first) policy has been less highlighted with the country's policy undergoing a major shift to focus more on economic development since last April, as the country's leader Kim Jong-un declared completion of nuclear weapons development.

The de-emphasis, however, does not mean the importance of military forces has been lowered, as shown in reports on Kim Jong-un's celebrating the 71st founding anniversary of the Korean People's Army with military officials.

According to North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Saturday, Kim made a congratulatory visit to the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces on the anniversary, inspected an honor guard and made a speech.

He also attended a celebratory performance given by the State Merited Chorus at an annex to the headquarters of the Party Central Committee, together with his wife Ri Sol-ju and the commanders of the KPA.

During the performance, Kim requested an encore for "Our National Flag" and gave the thumbs up as the song was re-performed by a female trio and male chorus.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un inspects KPA soldiers on his visit to the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces on Feb. 8, the KPA foundation day. KCNA-Yonhap
North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un inspects KPA soldiers on his visit to the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces on Feb. 8, the KPA foundation day. KCNA-Yonhap

Kim Jong-un and KPA officials pose for a group photo in front of statues of previous leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. KCNA-Yonhap
Kim Jong-un and KPA officials pose for a group photo in front of statues of previous leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. KCNA-Yonhap

Kim Jong-un makes a congratulatory speech at the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces headquarters. KCNA-Yonhap
Kim Jong-un makes a congratulatory speech at the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces headquarters. KCNA-Yonhap

Kim Yo-jong, Kim Jong-un's sister and vice director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), stands at the podium during a congratulatory performance given by the State Merited Chorus. KCNA-Yonhap
Kim Yo-jong, Kim Jong-un's sister and vice director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), stands at the podium during a congratulatory performance given by the State Merited Chorus. KCNA-Yonhap

Hyon Song-wol, leader of Samjiyon Orchestra, sings during a congratulatory performance. KCNA-Yonhap
Hyon Song-wol, leader of Samjiyon Orchestra, sings during a congratulatory performance. KCNA-Yonhap

The State Merited Chorus performs on the KPA founding anniversary day. KCNA-Yonhap
The State Merited Chorus performs on the KPA founding anniversary day. KCNA-Yonhap

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un and his wife Ri Sol-ju watch a congratulatory performance given by the State Merited Chorus. KCNA-Yonhap
North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un and his wife Ri Sol-ju watch a congratulatory performance given by the State Merited Chorus. KCNA-Yonhap

Hwang Pyong-so, first vice-chairman of the country's Organization and Guidance Department (OGD), and KPA officials stand during a congratulatory banquet. KCNA-Yonhap
Hwang Pyong-so, first vice-chairman of the country's Organization and Guidance Department (OGD), and KPA officials stand during a congratulatory banquet. KCNA-Yonhap
Jung Da-min damin.jung@koreatimes.co.kr


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