Democratic People's Republic of Korea News Updates, gossips, and trendy things...

[KimJong-il]

Visit to Samjiyon Revolutionary Battle Site

Marshal Kim Jong Un, First Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, First Chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army, visited the Samjiyon Revolutionary Battle Site.

He made for the Samjiyon Grand Monument. He looked round the statue of President Kim Il Sung and the sub-thematic group sculptures portraying members of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army and people. He said that his tour of the monument, an eternal treasure of the Korean revolution and a base for education in the revolutionary traditions, hardened his determination and will to carry forward down through the generations the revolutionary cause of Juche which was launched on Mt. Paektu.

He dropped in at the Expedition Camp of the Samjiyon Revolutionary Battle Site. He made the rounds of Block No. 1 and restaurant for students and other places of the camp to get a detailed knowledge about its services and arrangement of the camping life of expedition.

He instructed the Party and working people's organizations to further intensify the education of expedition so that they could deeply grasp the revolutionary ideas and undying exploits of the great Generalissimos

Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il through their visit to revolutionary battle sites and revolutionary sites.

The expedition to revolutionary battle sites and revolutionary sites is an important work which should be consistently conducted until the final victory of our revolution is achieved, he noted, expressing his expectation and belief that the officials concerned would creditably perform the honourable missions and duties entrusted upon them.

[KimJong-il]

s DPRK Players Prove Successful
at Asian Judo Championships

DPRK judokas proved successful at the 14th Asian Youth Judo Championship and the 7th Asian Junior Judo Championship.

The championships brought together hundreds of men and women players from more than 20 countries and the region including the DPRK, China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and India. They were held in Hainan Province, China from December 11 to 13.

DPRK players bagged three gold medals, one silver medal and six bronze medals at the championships. in the men's 55 kg category in the youth championship while Kim Chung Hyok and Kim Jin A in the men's 60 kg category and in the women's 52 kg category respectively in the junior championship.

Ji Un Ha placed second in the women's 52 kg category in the youth championship and Jang Myong Min and Rim Song Sim third in the men's 73 kg category and in the women's 48 kg category in the same championship.

Kim Nam Hyok and Kim Chol Gwang came third in the men's 50 kg and 66 kg categories respectively while O Son Hui and Pak Un A in the women's 44 kg and 48 kg categories respectively in the junior championship.

[KimJong-il]

Dennis Rodman In North Korea 'To Open Doors For America'

by Scott Neuman
December 19, 2013 4:22 PM
NPR


Former U.S. basketball superstar Dennis Rodman arrives in Pyongyang on Thursday.

Dennis Rodman arrived in North Korea on Thursday for his third visit this year to the hard-line Stalinist country, saying he will train the country's national basketball team and see his "friend," leader Kim Jong Un.

Rodman's visit comes just a week after Kim's uncle, . The demise of Jang, a top government official, appears to have been part of an internal purge and has largely ended speculation that the youngish Kim, who became the country's supreme leader after his father's death two years ago, might usher in a kinder, gentler era.

Speaking in Beijing en route to Pyongyang, Rodman said he was "very proud" to call Kim his friend.

"[He] hasn't done anything to put a damper or to say negative things about my country," the ex-NBA player said.

Rodman said he hoped his trip would "open doors for America."
reports:

"Publicity materials for the event indicate that Rodman plans to bring 'NBA stars' to play against the North Koreans, though no names of any participating players have been announced."

"We're going to have 12 American guys, ex-NBA ballplayers, going back saying really, really nice things, really, really, cool things about this country," Rodman said during his layover in Beijing, adding, if he accomplishes that, "then I've done my job."

Meanwhile, the Pentagon on Thursday that the execution of Jang might have some deeper, more ominous meaning.

"These kind of internal actions by dictators are often a precursor to provocation to distract attention from what they're doing inside of that country," Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at a Pentagon news conference.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said North Korea's motives are "concerning to everyone" because the country "is as closed as any nation in the world. There is no transparency."

In February, Rodman became the only Westerner to have had . The two were photographed watching North Korea's top players and three members of the Harlem Globetrotters perform on the court.

After the visit, , "I love the guy. He's awesome. He's so honest."

Dennis Rodman In North Korea 'To Open Doors For America' : The Two-Way : NPR

[KimJong-il]

Dennis Rodman may not get meeting with NKorean leader, but he says birthday game is still a go

Published December 22, 2013 Associated Press


PYONGYANG, North Korea – Former NBA bad boy Dennis Rodman may have to head home from his latest visit to North Korea without meeting with the country's leader, Kim Jong Un. But he says that won't stop him from coming back on Kim's birthday next month to hold an exhibition game with other former basketball stars.

On the night before he was due to leave Pyongyang, Rodman told The Associated Press on Sunday that he had not yet had a meeting with Kim.

He said that he didn't expect to meet the leader every time he comes to North Korea, and that his current trip was for training with North Korean basketball players who will take part in the match Rodman is organizing for Jan. 8, Kim's birthday.

Dennis Rodman may not get meeting with NKorean leader, but he says birthday game is still a go | Fox News

[KimJong-il]

Dennis Rodman leaves North Korea without meeting Kim Jong Un

By Jaime A. FlorCruz and CY Xu, CNN
updated 4:32 PM EST, Mon December 23, 2013


Beijing (CNN) -- Flamboyant former NBA star Dennis Rodman left North Korea without meeting the country's leader Kim Jong Un but praised the local basketball players he trained there.

"They are awesome," Rodman told CNN while in transit at Beijing Capital International Airport on Monday.

Rodman started his third visit to North Korea last week, spending four days in the isolated nation to assist setting up an exhibition game featuring North Korean players and a dozen NBA veteran players whose identities have not yet been announced. The friendly game is planned for Kim Jong Un's birthday on January 8.

Rodman's latest round of "basketball diplomacy" came less than a week after North Korea announced the dramatic purge and execution of Kim's uncle, Jang Song Thaek, North Korea's No. 2 leader.

Rest of story: Dennis Rodman leaves North Korea without meeting Kim Jong Un - CNN.com

[KimJong-il]

Weightlifting Championships Held


The 2013 Asian Cup & Inter-club Weightlifting Championships ran last September in Pyongyang.

The event, which brought together men and women weightlifters from over ten countries and territories including the DPRK, China, Mongolia, Syria and India, was a combination of the Asian Cup and inter-club competitions. They were held divided into junior and senior divisions at the Ryugyong Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium.

Kim Jong Un, with Ri Sol Ju, saw the 63 kg and 69 kg matches of women senior division of the championships on September 15.

Vice-president of the International Weightlifting Federation, who is also the first vice-president of the Asian Weightlifting Federation, and the secretary-general and vice-president of the AWF expressed their gratitude to the Korean leader for taking necessary measures to successfully hold the championships. They added that it was the manifestation of support and encouragement to the AWF that the leader personally watched the events and also the great honour and happiness for them.

The leader said that he was very pleased to see athletes from different countries together in Pyongyang for the competition, when the DPRK was brimming with heated enthusiasm for sports amid the growing social attention to sporting activities. He also spoke highly of the AWF, the IWF and other relevant organizations for having made great efforts for the successful championships.

The championships closed on September 17.

Om Yun Chol, who had won gold medals at international competitions, jerked 169 kg in the men’s 56kg event of the inter-club senior division to set a new world record.

During the championships the DPRK weightlifters won 80 golds, 49 silvers and 20 bronzes, topping the country rankings.

The championships provided a good chance to boost exchange and cooperation in sports and further develop the skills in weightlifting.


Om Yun Chol from the DPRK set a new world record
in the men’s 56kg jerk event and won a gold medal.

[KimJong-il]

New Year's Day Significantly Celebrated across Country



Pyongyang, January 1 (KCNA) -- Youth, students and other people in the DPRK significantly spent the New Year's Day.

Lots of people visited the plaza of the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the sacred temple of Juche, where President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il lie in state.

Service personnel, youth and students and other people visited statues of the Generalissimos on Mansu Hill and their statues and portraits in different other parts of the country to pay respects.

Performances given at theatres in the capital added to the festive mood.

Revolutionary drama "Three Pretenders" was staged at National Theatre. The Samjiyon Band of the Mansudae Art Troup and the National Symphony Orchestra gave performances at East Pyongyang Grand Theatre and Moranbong Theatre. Their colorful numbers included instrumental music and song "New Year's Day", orchestra "Ode to the Motherland", female sextet "We Can Not Live without You" and female solo "Party Flag, Always with You".

Pyongyang Circus Theatre presented physical and animal acrobatics and comedy pieces, giving delight to the audience.

Artistes of Phibada Opera Troupe, the National Theatrical Troupe and Yun I San Music Institute went to Pyongyang Thermal Power Complex with aid materials. They conducted performing and agitation activities, giving a boost to the morale of the workers.

Artistes of the National Folk Art Troupe, the National Circus and Pyongyang Puppet Company staged agitation activities for increased production at East Pyongyang Thermal Power Plant.

The Mirim Riding Club and Munsu Water Park were filled with happy people.
The People's Open-air Ice Rink, Rungra Dophinarium, Rungra 4-D Cinema and Kaeson Youth Park were also crowded with people enjoying the New Year's Day.

Service networks were enlivened with visitors.

Okryu Restaurant, Chongryu Restaurant and a chain of restaurants in Changgwang Street served visitors with a variety of dishes including noodle topped with pheasant meat, steamed terrapin and fried quail.

Public catering establishments across the country served visitors with their specialties.
People across the country happily spent the New Year's Day, notably educators of Kim Il Sung University who moved to new apartment houses, those of Unha Scientists Street, Changjon Street and in Manpho City. -0-

[KimJong-il]

Dennis Rodman: 'I love Kim Jong Un'



Jenn Selby
Monday 06 January 2014

And so, the greatest love story never told continues with Dennis Rodman proclaiming his unconditional devotion to North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.

Yes, the same dictator that had his own uncle executed in a political purge a few weeks ago. Apparently like this, though those claims now look like they could be the bizarre work of a Chinese satirist.

The basketball star, who has taken on the role of coach for the national team, landed in the country earlier today flanked by a troop of 11 retired NBA players. Together, they will stage a special one-off match to celebrate the leader’s 31st birthday on Wednesday.

Rodman previously described Jong Un as a "friend for life". But the pair could be set for their first tiff, as Rodman confirmed to reporters at Beijing airport that he would approach the subject of human rights with his BFF "when the time comes".

"I am not going to sit there and go in and say 'hey guy, you’re doing the wrong thing'," he told Sky News.

"That’s not the right thing to do. He’s my friend first. He’s my friend. I don’t give a ****.

"I tell the world: he’s my ******* friend, I love him."



Dennis Rodman: 'I love Kim Jong Un' - News - People - The Independent

[KimJong-il]

Watch Dennis Rodman sing happy birthday to Kim Jong Un


By Nina Mandell 3 hours ago
USA Today

Dennis Rodman Sings Happy Birthday To BFF Kim Jong-Un - YouTube



Dennis Rodman sings Happy Birthday to North Korean leader

Dennis Rodman continued his stay in North Korea, where he celebrated dictator Kim Jong Un’s birthday with an emotional rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ before an exhibition basketball game between a group of American players and a team of North Koreans.

“It’s a very historical day for everyone in the world to see if we can co-exist with each if we take a deep breath and absorb how we look at certain things, so I think it went very well for everyone involved,” he told Sky News afterwards.

Rest of story: Watch Dennis Rodman sing happy birthday to Kim Jong Un | For The Win

[KimJong-il]

Ryugyong Dental Hospital

A modern dental care centre—Ryugyong Dental Hospital— has recently been built in the Munsu area of Taedonggang District, Pyongyang.

The three-storied hospital boasts of its unique style and high formative and artistic level.

It has scores of state-of-the-art universal dental chairs and all the material and technical foundations for the prevention and treatment of dental diseases. It can accommodate several hundred patients a day.

In the checkup and first-aid departments the patients receive on-screen service.

At the X-ray department teeth images obtained through panoramic radiograph camera are sent to relevant treatment rooms and teeth correction service is also rendered at a high level.

The hospital has also a complete set of apparatuses for dental prosthesis.

It has separate treatment rooms and amusement facilities and wading pool for children.
It also runs rooms for medical information dissemination and technical exchange and a shop for hygienic goods.

Every corner of the hospital, ranging from floors to walls and ceilings, has been arranged in a gorgeous and refined manner. The spacious central hall marked by the sharp contrast between pale yellow tiles and granite pieces is so glossy that it makes visitors feel as if they were looking into a mirror. The ceiling lamps which look like twinkling stars create a splendid scene.

The grassland and circular flowerbeds in the compound of the hospital add beauty to its clear environment.

Marshal Kim Jong Un, who successfully carries forward the noble intentions of the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, initiated the plan to build the hospital. He energetically led the efforts to complete the project at the highest standard and named it Ryugyong Dental Hospital.

The hospital showcasing the advantageous public health system of socialist Korea renders a tangible contribution to promoting the health of the Korean people.

[KimJong-il]

Dear Leader working hard at the supply chain getting Thermolife's next big thing on the ready.

[KimJong-il]

Kim Jong Un Wins 100% of Votes in North Korea Election


By David Arnott North Korea's state media confirmed on Monday what was surely never in doubt — a 100 percent, no-abstention victory for leader Kim Jong Un in the country's stage-managed parliamentary election.

Every single registered elector had turned out to vote, the state-run Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, "except for those on foreign tour or working in oceans."

The country's young leader personally stood for election in the symbolic Mount Paektu district. It was there, according to family legend, that Kim's grandfather led the fight against Japanese imperialism and where Kim's father was later born.



Kim Jong Un talking with an election candidate after casting his ballot at Kim Il Sung University of Politics. The nation was "seething with election atmosphere" on polling day, according to a headline on KCNA's English-language website. Illustrating the excitable mood, the agency distributed a photo of soldiers dancing in the streets after casting their ballots.



North Korean soldiers dancing after casting their votes in the election of deputies to the 13th Supreme People's Assembly at Paektusan Constituency No. 111.

[KimJong-il]

North Korea driving instructions come to Google Maps

North Korea has strict controls on internal movement, a scarcity of private car ownership and almost no Internet users. And now it’s also got satellite navigation through Google Maps.

The service is available through the web and mobile apps and allows users to calculate travel time by car or foot between points of interest in the Google database. It’s limited to roads that have already been mapped out on the service.

It’s been over a year since Google began adding roads, buildings, railway lines and other data to its map of North Korea. The country had for years appeared as a grey void but that began to change when users were asked to help start building the map.

“We encourage people from around the world to continue helping us improve the quality of these maps for everyone with Google Map Maker,” the company said in January 2013. “From this point forward, any further approved updates to the North Korean maps in Google Map Maker will also appear on Google Maps.”

As a result of that call for action, and perhaps additional information obtained by Google, users can now do things like this:


The route from Pyongyang to Panmunjon mapped by Google (NorthKoreaTech)


A Pyongyang highway interchange mapped by Google (NorthKoreaTech)

The Android app provides step-by-step instructions for the drive to Kaesong, which apparently takes a little under 2 hours assuming an average speed of around 105 kilometers per hour – perhaps a little ambitious although traffic hold ups shouldn’t be a problem.

Full story: North Korea driving instructions come to Google Maps

[KimJong-il]

17th National Taekwon-Do Championship for Jongilbong Prize Opens

The 17th National Taekwon-Do Championship for Jongilbong Prize opened at the Taekwon-Do Hall on June 9.

The championship brought together over 500 players selected from provincial Taekwon-Do teams and other units. They will compete in Taekwon-Do and paduk (go).



Present at the opening ceremony were Choe Ryong Hae, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, officials concerned, Taekwon-Do players and coaches.

Kim Kyong Ho, chairman of the Korean Taekwon-Do Committee, made an opening speech.
At the end of the ceremony, there took place Taekwon-Do demonstration.

[KimJong-il]

Teachers' Union Declares All-out Action against S. Korean Regime's Suppression



Pyongyang, June 22 (KCNA) -- The south Korean Teachers' Union held a emergency meeting on June 19 at which it declared an all-out action against the authorities' suppression of it.

The organization condemned the Seoul administrative court for making a decision to outlaw the Teachers' Union on the same day and the Ministry of Education for taking such follow-up steps as pressurizing the full-time officials of the union to return to their former jobs and informing it of the suspension of negotiations.

It warned the authorities that it would launch an all-out action including a protest visit to Chongwadae, a large-scale meeting and activities to enlist solidarity from international bodies. -0

[KimJong-il]

North Korea says Seth Rogen's new movie is an 'act of war'

Kim Jong-un's government warns of "merciless" retaliation if the US doesn't ban 'The Interview'

By Amar Toor on June 25, 2014
Don't miss stories Follow The Verge



The government of North Korea today issued an unsurprisingly harsh statement about Seth Rogen's upcoming film, The Interview, denouncing the action-comedy as an "act of war." In the movie, Rogen and James Franco star as two journalists who, after scoring an interview with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, are ordered by the CIA to assassinate him. In a statement published by the state-run KCNA news agency, a foreign ministry spokesman characterized Rogen as a "gangster filmmaker" and called upon the US to block the film, according to a report from the AFP.

"The act of making and screening such a movie that portrays an attack on our top leadership... is a most wanton act of terror and act of war, and is absolutely intolerable," the spokesman said, adding that the US would face a "resolute and merciless response" if it fails to ban the film, which is slated for release later this year.

Kim Myong-chol, an unofficial spokesman for the North Korean government, was similarly critical of the film in an interview with the Telegraph last week. "There is a special irony in this story line as it shows the desperation of the US government and American society," Kim said.

"A film about the assassination of a foreign leader mirrors what the US has done in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Ukraine," he added. "And let us not forget who killed [President John F.] Kennedy – Americans. In fact, President [Barack] Obama should be careful in case the US military wants to kill him as well."

The North Korean regime is certainly no stranger to belligerent rhetoric, having warned the US and its allies of "merciless" punishment on multiple occasions. Rogen, meanwhile, seems to have taken the criticism in stride.

[KimJong-il]

Revisiting North Korea’s 1995 Pro-Wrestling Extravaganza

• By
• Alexander Martin
• Wall Street Journal

Former Japanese professional wrestler and current Japanese parliament member Antonio Inoki — real name Kanji Inoki — returns to Tokyo from North Korea on Jan. 16, 2014. Yoshikazu Tsuno/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

It’s unclear whether Dennis Rodman’s bizarre and widely publicized “basketball diplomacy” mission to North Korea helped ease tensions between the secretive, authoritarian state and the West.

But this summer Pyongyang is giving sports diplomacy another shot by teaming up with a Japanese wrestling legend to host an international pro-wrestling event. And if its predecessor is any indication, expect a mix of propaganda, drop-kicks and theatrics both in and out of the ring.

On Wednesday, journalists were invited by popular Japanese ex-pro-wrestler and lawmaker Kanji Inoki – better known for his ring name “Antonio” Inoki – for a screening of the title match from a 1995 pro-wrestling event held in Pyongyang.

US-Wrestling in North Korea (1995) - rare Footage - WCW Collision in Korea - YouTube

The two-day event titled “Collision in Korea,” featured wrestlers from the U.S. and Japan, including “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair and Mr. Inoki himself. Jointly produced by World Championship Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling – the latter of which Mr. Inoki founded – the competition drew a massive crowd of an estimated 340,000 spectators in what’s considered the largest pay-per-view in the history of pro-wrestling.

More to story at Wall Street Journal: Revisiting North Korea’s 1995 Pro-Wrestling Extravaganza - Korea Real Time - WSJ

[KimJong-il]

National Memorial Service Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Demise of Kim Il Sung

Pyongyang, July 8 (KCNA) -- A national memorial service took place solemnly at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium Tuesday, the 20th anniversary of demise of President Kim Il Sung. Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, first chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army, was present.

Present there were Kim Yong Nam, Pak Pong Ju, Hwang Pyong So and senior party, state and army officials, the chairperson of a friendly party, officials of the party, armed forces and power bodies, public organizations, ministries and national institutions, service personnel of the Korean People's Army and the Korean People's Internal Security Forces, officials in the fields of science, education, literature and arts, public health and media, bereaved families of revolutionary martyrs and working people in Pyongyang.

Also present were delegations of overseas Koreans and other compatriots, those related to the revolutionary activities of the President, the chief of the Pyongyang mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front, foreign diplomatic envoys, representatives of international organizations and staff members of the military attaches corps here and foreign guests.

All the participants paid silent tribute to Kim Il Sung in the humblest reverence.

A memorial address was made there by Kim Yong Nam, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WPK and president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK.

The life of Kim Il Sung was one of the most outstanding leader for the people and the peerless great man who devoted his all to the country and its people, times and humankind, the speaker said, and went on:

From the very day he embarked on the revolutionary struggle, Kim Il Sung clarified the iron truth that independence is the lifeline of the popular masses and is what keeps the country and the nation alive, founded the Juche idea centered on the popular masses and solved all issues in Korean way in the interests of the Korean people and to suit the specific conditions of the country in the whole period of leading the revolution.

In the bloody anti-Japanese revolutionary war, he defeated the gangster-like Japanese imperialists and realized the cherished desire of national liberation. He also shattered the myth of "mightiness" of the U.S. imperialists with his gifted military ideas, strategies and tactics, thus winning a historic victory in the Fatherland Liberation War.

With his far-reaching plan for building a prosperous country, he traversed the untrodden path of building a country and battled his way against the ordeals of rehabilitation and construction, thus successfully carrying out the social revolutions of two stages. He also saw to it that socialist industrialization was realized through the great surge of Chollima, thus laying a firm foundation for building self-supporting national economy.

He devoted his all to the victory of the revolution, always thinking about the country and its people while undergoing all sorrows and hardships a man and a revolutionary could suffer for a long period since he embarked on the road of the revolution.

He was the father of the nation who embraced all Koreans loving the country and the nation with his broad magnanimity and great tolerance. He was the sun of all people whom not only leaders of political parties and heads of state and personages of many countries around the world but also those with differing ideologies and political views ardently revered and worshipped, being attracted by his noble charisma.

The President successfully accomplished the cause of building the Juche-oriented party, state and army, thus providing a powerful political and military foundation for carrying to completion the Juche revolution.

He turned the whole country into a large family with his benevolent politics and all-embracing politics, thus creating a huge flower garden of single-minded unity and harmonious whole.

He built Korean-style socialism centered on the popular masses, thus providing an eternal groundwork for the prosperity of all generations to come.

He gave a perfect solution to the issue of the successor to the leader, the key factor in carrying forward the revolutionary cause, thus making sure that the revolutionary traditions are carried forward just as they are. He also directed big efforts to bringing up new generations to be the successors to the revolution.

He set forth the three charters for national reunification, thus clearly indicating the way of realizing the nation's desire for reunification. He put his last signature on a historic document related to Korea's reunification, a clear indication of his lifelong dedication to the reunification of the country.

Through his energetic external activities he remarkably enhanced the international position and authority of the DPRK and performed gigantic feats for strengthening the socialist movement and winning the victory of the cause of independence against imperialism.

The achievements the President made by performing great feats unprecedented in the history of the nation spanning thousands of years with his profound ideas and theories, distinguished leadership ability and gigantic revolutionary practice to open up a rosy future of Juche Korea will be conveyed to posterity.

Thanks to the undying feats performed by the President, the army and people of the DPRK could overcome the unprecedented Arduous March and usher in the new era of building a thriving socialist nation and demonstrate the dignity and might of Songun Korea all over the world under the guidance of leader Kim Jong Il.

The revolutionary cause of Juche started and led to victory by Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il is being given steady continuity by the WPK today.

As there is the leadership of the great party, all lifetime plans and desires of the President will come true and Kim Il Sung's nation and Kim Jong Il's Korea will prosper forever.

Memorial services and meetings also took place in provinces, cities (districts), counties and industrial complexes to commemorate the anniversary on the same day. -0- (2014.07.08)

[KimJong-il]

Time-lapse video shows Pyongyang from a different perspective

By Dante D'Orazio on August 9, 2014
The Verge

More than anywhere else on earth, North Korea is hidden from the world community. But a videographer and a self-proclaimed "branding pioneer" have put together a unique look at the nation's capital city, Pyongyang. The two men, JT Singh and Rob Whitworth, traveled to the city with support from a state-run tourism agency and captured the footage needed to create this time-lapse video of the mysterious capital. It's an unusual video that's both eerie and enlightening at the same time. As you might expect, the two creators did not have free reign, and the restrictions have left an obvious mark on the final product. Like all visitors to North Korea, the two were escorted everywhere they went and were "not allowed to shoot any construction sites, undeveloped locations or military personnel." Nevertheless, it's a one-of-a-kind view of a city you've likely seen only a handful of times.

For video visit Vimeo following link below:
Enter Pyongyang on Vimeo

[KimJong-il]

Surprise! Even North Koreans download porn



by Mariella Moon | @mariella_moon |
engadget
8/18/2014

Yes, the internet does exist in North Korea -- it's just that most users are trapped within the country's virtual confines, unable to access most websites outside their ISP's walled garden. According to BitTorrent monitor ScanEye, though, some do get to bypass the country's security and end up downloading various TV shows, as well as (to nobody's surprise) American and Japanese porn. Aside from the inevitable pornography, the 178 downloads traced from North Korea include Top Gear, Britain's Biggest Hoarders, HBO documentary Manhunt: The Search for Bin Laden, and even games like Angry Birds and Far Cry 3. All these activities were traced from a single neighborhood in Pyongyang (NK's capital), where you can find the headquarters of the country's mobile network provider.

Because the country's citizens aren't free to do many, many things, and internet connections there are usually very slow, one can't help but wonder: who downloaded all these, and how did they do it? It's likely impossible to be 100 percent certain whether these downloads, some from as far back as February 2012, really did originate from the country. For all we know, there could be another explanation for those IPs. It could also just be a fearless foreigner desperate for his dose of car and human porn... or the Supreme Leader himself, looking for something to do on weekends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTJvdGcb7Fs#t=16

Surprise! Even North Koreans download porn

[KimJong-il]

Field Guidance to Completed
Breeding Station of KPA

Kim Jong Un, First Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, First Chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army, gave field guidance to the Breeding Station No. 621 of the KPA which was built as a structure to be proud of in the era of the Workers’ Party.

Watching the stables built in peculiar style in a good place, cozy dwelling houses and flocks of goats and sheep in the pastures, he expressed great satisfaction, saying that they looked like a picture and a tremendous change took place in the remote mountain village and another socialist fairyland appeared there.

He went round the breeding research center, fields for comparing the species of grass for animals, breeding pens, cultural hall, dwelling houses and other places of the breeding station to learn in detail about its construction, management and operation.

He said he was pleased to see that a good work was done to round off the cultivation technique on the basis of a scientific calculation of the economic efficiency of various species of grass after creating fields for comparing the species of grass for animals in order to settle the issue of fodder.

He praised the station for meticulously conducing the work to massively increase the number of goats of good stock provided by the party for supplying them to other units and the work for rounding off the method of raising grass-eating animals.

He called on the station to play the role as a center and base in rounding off and widely introducing the method of raising grass-eating animals of good stock and gave important instructions to do so.

He met the family of Paek Song Jin and Yun Song Hui who moved to a new house that day and had a photo taken with them.

He repeatedly expressed his satisfaction, saying the longer he watched the station, the more spectacular it looked and wherever he went, everything was impeccable. He sent thanks to the soldier-builders in the name of the KPA supreme commander.

“Going round this station, I felt my heart aching at the thought of Chairman Kim Jong Il who worked heart and soul to solve the food problem of the people all his life”, Kim Jong Un said with deep emotion, adding how nice it would have been, if this splendid station had been shown to Kim Jong Il already.

He expressed expectation and belief that the officials and employees of the station would put into practice the intention of the party by breeding more grass-eating animals, always bearing in mind the love for the people shown by President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

[KimJong-il]

Watch the best North Korean movies on YouTube

Communist country's favorite movies are tragedies and kung-fu epics

By Rich McCormick on August 25, 2014 04:40 am
TheVerge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey2fvPtBsiA#t=5072

North Korea appears to have a secret appreciation for foreign media. The country's educated elite find inspiration in Gone With The Wind, while its administrative staff take advantage of internet connections to download Top Gear, video games, and porn. But while some may be able to watch western movies and TV shows, it's still much easier for North Korean citizens to watch home grown productions — feature films such as Hong Gil-dong and The Flower Girl that espouse values sanctioned by the restrictive North Korean government.

Film critic Simon Fowler has rounded up five of the country's best home-grown movies for The Guardian. Of the bunch, Fowler says The Flower Girl is the most well-known. The movie, produced by Kim Jong-il before he ascended to power, is set in a North Korea under Japanese rule. The melancholic tale follows a family mistreated by the occupiers, before Kim Il-sung — who also supposedly wrote the movie — appears with his army to save the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2dG5BQOVhI

In contrast, Hong Gil-dong is closer to a kung-fu movie in structure and action, with the eponymous main character acting like a Korean Robin Hood, defending helpless villagers from thieves and oppressors. The swordplay is sharp and the tone more cheerful, but the movie has a dark origin: its director, Shin Sang-ok, was kidnapped from South Korea and forced to work making movies for the North. The director later escaped, but not before completing one of the more enjoyable entries in North Korea's filmography.

Watch the best North Korean movies on YouTube | The Verge

[KimJong-il]

FIFA Fitness Course Held in Pyongyang

Pyongyang, August 23, 2014 20:02 KST (KCNA) — A FIFA Fitness Course was held in Pyongyang, the capital city of the DPRK, on Aug. 19-23.

Attending the course divided into theoretical and practical sections were coaches and instructors from sports teams and juvenile sports schools across the country.

The course focused on such matters as players' fitness and role of coaches. What caught the participants' eyes were various methods of physical training in a small ground.

Kim Chang Hyok, an instructor of Pyongyang International Football School, told KCNA that the course helped him have a good understanding of new fitness methods. I will make the best use of these training methods in the practical education of students, he added.

The course was officiated by Jones Mark Sean, an Australian lecturer of FIFA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci3IbJmRzx0

[KimJong-il]

Joint Press Conference on Pyongyang International Pro-Wrestling Contest Held




Pyongyang, August 28, 2014 23:59 KST (KCNA) — A joint press conference on the Pyongyang International Pro-Wrestling Contest was held at Pyongyang Koryo Hotel on Thursday.

Present there were Kanji Inoki, chief director of the Sports Peace Community Association of Japan, and Jang Ung, chairman of the International Martial Arts Games Committee, who are co-chairmen of the organizing committee of the Pyongyang International Pro-Wrestling Contest, and players from different countries who came here to take part in the contest.

Also present were media persons of the DPRK and Chongryon (General Association of Korean Residents in Japan), those related to information of foreign embassies here, correspondents and reporters of different countries who came here to cover the contest.

Jang Ung said that well-known pro-wrestlers of Japan, the U.S., France, Brazil and other countries are to take part in the contest which will be held in the idea of independence, peace and friendship, adding:

The preparations for the contest have already been rounded off.

The pro-wrestlers will demonstrate their strength, conduct joint training and demonstration with junior judoists and wrestlers of the DPRK and have an opportunity to watch an art performance to be given for the participants in the contest.

Kanji Inoki said in his speech that his idea is to realize the peace in the world through sports and culture and has exerted himself for it.

Expressing belief that the contest would be conducive to realizing peace in the world by success, he extended warm greetings to the Korean people.

Questions put by reporters were answered at the press conference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzWORxNUubo

[KimJong-il]

North Korea to Take Part in Asian Para Games

• By
• In-Soo Nam
• 5:09 pm KST
• Sep 4, 2014
• North Korea

Li Bun-hui, right, will reportedly lead the North’s delegation to the Asian Para Games. Here, Ms. Li stands next to a ping pong table with a Paralympic table tennis player in Pyongyang, North Korea, June 2012.David Guttenfelder/Associated Press

North Korea will send nine athletes to this year’s Asian Para Games to be held in South Korea, marking the first time the North will participate in a Seoul-organized sporting event for the disabled.

The athletes—four in the table tennis tournament, three in swimming, one in archery and another in the track and field competition—will be part of a delegation of around 30 people the North will dispatch for the paralympic games, scheduled for Oct. 18-24 in Incheon, a port city west of Seoul.

“We hope the North’s participation will help improve chilly inter-Korean relations,” said an official at the Incheon Asian Para Games Organizing Committee.

The Para Games will follow the 17th Asian Games to be held in Incheon from Sept. 19, where the North’s 150 athletes are set to compete in 14 events.

Seoul’s Yonhap News Agency and several leading local newspapers, including Dong-A Ilbo, reported the North’s delegation will be led by Li Bun-hui, chief of the country’s disabled athletes association. The Incheon organizer declined to confirm the reports.

Ms. Li’s possible trip to the South is attracting keen media attention because she’s a former ping-pong legend who partnered with Hyun Jung-hwa, a star player from the South, in an unprecedented unified Korean team for the 1991 World Table Tennis Championship in Japan. The duo scored a dramatic victory against the Chinese team to win the tournament.

The triumph was so hailed in South Korea that the story of the pair’s win was made into a film in 2012.

The movie, titled “As One” in English, probed the complexities of rivals playing alongside each other—the mistrust, the hostilities, the confrontations—and revealed how empathy and ultimately friendship blossomed.

If Ms. Li comes to Incheon, it could lead to her first reunion with Ms. Hyun since 1991.

Ms. Hyun, now an executive at the (South) Korea Table Tennis Association, has said through media interviews that she will surely meet with her again if there’s such a chance.

http://blogs.wsj.com/korearealtime/2...an-para-games/