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 |
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 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 |
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 |
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 |