KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 51 The Party Founding Museum dedicated to the immortal achievements of President Kim Il Sung who founded the Workers’ Party of Korea on October 10, 1945 and gave victorious guidance to the effort to build a new nation.

52 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 KOREA TODAY Monthly Journal (719) Printed in English, Russian and Chinese

C O N T E N T S

The Workers’ Party of Korea Is Always There in the Minds of the People ···································· 3

Great Love and Care ··········································································································· 7

Great Guide of the Cause of Independence, Songun and Socialism ············································· 8

May Day Comes Round Every Year ······················································································10

Samil Wolgan ····················································································································12

In the Run-up to the Seventh Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea

With Concerted Efforts ·······································································································14

People’s Favourite Trademark ·····························································································16

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 1

The Sci-Tech Complex ·····························································18

Pioneers of Cutting-edge Technology ·········································24

Developing Distance Learning ·················································25

New Improvement in Schooling ················································26

New Treatment Device of Blood Vessel ······································28

Front Cover: The invincible What They Want ····································································29 Workers’ Party of Korea Special Service Establishment for Scientists ······························30 Photo by Ra Phyong Ryol

This Is Where I Live in ···························································32

The Small House Fostering a Great Future ································33

The Way to School ··································································34

Immortal Youth ·····································································36

Seventy Years of Humanitarianism ··········································38

Mt. Chilbo (4) ········································································40

Musical Instruments of Korea ··················································42

Ingenious Strategem ······························································44

Matter of Paramount Importance in

International Relationship ·······················································45 Back Cover: The Sci-Tech Complex Impending Doom of the She-devil ··············································46

Photo by courtesy Surely Wrong Policy ·······························································47 of the KCNA Wriggling Militarism ······························································48 13502 ㄱ-68205

© The Foreign Language Address: Sochon-dong, Sosong District, Magazines 2016 Pyongyang, DPRK ISSN 0454–4072 E-mail: [email protected] 2 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 The Workers’ Party of Korea Is Always There in the Minds of the People

N MAY 1993 PRESIDENT KIM IL SUNG love for the people of Kim Jong Un, First I met a delegation of the Guinean United Progress Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea who is Party. In a talk with him, one of the delegates asked identical to President Kim Il Sung and Chairman the President what was the best way to build a rul- Kim Jong Il—founder and leaders of the WPK. ing party. The President picked up a peach from the Still today the Korean people recall the meas- fruit plate on the table and said: The party should ures taken by Kim Jong Un in the days of state be built like this peach. Success can be achieved in funeral after the unexpected passing of the great the revolution and construction only when the Chairman. The demise of the Chairman gave the single-hearted unity of the leader, the party and the masses is achieved. To speak figuratively Korean people a bitter grief of loss. An comparing the case to this peach, the masses are endless stream of people mounted Mansu Hill to the flesh, the party is the stone, and the leader express their condolences with untold yearning for is the core of the stone. him in the face of biting cold of winter. At that time The words of the President were a plain simile Kim Jong Un said that the Party organizations that the single-hearted unity of the leader, the Party and officials at all levels should go out to the mourn- and the masses was the life of Korea. A long time ing sites in turn by day and by hour instead of sit- has passed since then. However, the single-hearted ting at their desks worrying about the people in the unity of the leader, the Party and the masses simi- cold winter nights, and console and share the sorrow lar to the core, stone and flesh of the peach is now with them to pass through the hard time. consistently carried forward, consolidated and Instructing them to remember that the late developed as the eternal life of socialism in Korea. Chairman would feel sorry if he knew the people And today that unity is founded on the boundless were shivering in the cold and to give top priority ►

The Korean people absolutely trust and follow the Workers’ Party of Korea as their mother. (A scene from the military parade and Pyongyang citizens’ mass demonstration in celebration of the 70th founding anniversary of the WPK.)

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 3 The schoolchildren and working people enjoy themselves at the Masikryong Ski Resort.

► to their convenience, Kim Jong Un took relevant measures to that end. Everyone was keenly re- minded of his noble view of and love for the people. The people he cherished so much were by no means some specified persons or distinguished dignitaries. They were ordinary soldiers, industrial and agricul- tural workers and intellectuals whom the great off, nearly all of the soldiers wading through the leaders had brought up with loving care and prized waves after the boat till the water was too deep, giv- dearly, regarding them as their teacher and God in ing him cheers and wishing him earnestly never to all their revolutionary lives. They were precisely the visit such dangerous places again. best comrades-in-arms of Kim Jong Un. In his first In his continuous inspection trips to the frontline speech to the people who had remained faithful to posts with warm affection for the servicemen, there the Party in the face of all manner of difficulties, he are many heart-touching anecdotes. High-ranking declared his firm determination to ensure them a army officers stood guard at the posts while the sol- good life so that they would not tighten their belts diers were sent to the capital city of Pyongyang for again, but enjoy all benefits of socialism. recreation, and the Supreme Commander had sou- In August a few years ago Supreme Commander venir photos taken with soldiers one by one. Kim Jong Un inspected Jangjae and Mu islets situ- Kim Jong Un has never expressed his mode of ated in the hottest spot on the southwest front. The politics, but the Korean people are keenly aware way to those islets was dangerous, but he said there that his politics is marked by warm affection and were his beloved soldiers on the islets and that he burning love for them. In the past several years a lot was the very person who should go there and see of structures have sprung up across the country, them as Supreme Commander. He sailed to the islets showing his love for the people. Among them are in a small wooden boat. On the islets he encouraged Changjon Street, Munsu Water Park, Mirim Riding the soldiers and their families by telling them not to Club, Songdowon International Children’s Camp feel lonely at all since the places were under the deep and Masikryong Ski Resort. Sometimes, he would care of the Party. When he was leaving the islets, the go up and down the dusty steps of buildings under soldiers and their families gave him a hearty send- construction for inspection, dripping with sweat, ►

4 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 ► and at other times, he studied in the dusty winds so that a historic event of turning a misfortune into the plans of buildings to be erected. For just one a blessing took place. construction project, he examined so many plans, Last year the Korean people celebrated the 70th and cared about where to place furniture in apart- founding anniversary of the WPK in a grand style. ment houses, and even the number of sockets. In his last year’s New Year address Kim Jong Un In August last year, Rason City in the northern called on the entire people to display the revolution- tip of Korea suffered flood damage, so large numbers ary spirit and mettle of Paektu to resolutely thwart of people were left homeless. While guiding the cam- the challenge and schemes of the hostile forces and paign to restore the flood-swept city on the site, he win great victories in the struggle to defend social- received a report that the local population had re- ism and on all fronts of building a thriving nation. turned to a stable life thanks to the Party’s proper That way, he said, they should celebrate the 70th measures taken consecutively for the restoration of anniversaries of national liberation and founding of the city and the supply of huge amounts of food- the Party as auspicious revolutionary events. stuffs and daily necessities, and that they were In response to his ardent patriotic call, all the deeply moved at the beneficial steps repeatedly army and people turned out as one in a grand march taken by the Party for them. At this, he said that it towards the October celebration square. Supported was the bounden duty of the WPK to take the whole by the patriotic ardour of the entire people, many responsibility for the people’s destiny and warmly monumental structures and beautiful socialist vil- look after them whom the great leaders had re- lages equal to the era of the WPK sprang up in the garded them as their God all their life, and that offi- country, among them the Paektusan Hero Youth cials should never rest content with their work for Power Station, Chongchongang Power Station in the people. Under his meticulous care and wise lead- Tiers, Sci-Tech Complex, Mirae Scientists Street and ership, new dwelling houses were built in a month, Jangchon Vegetable Cooperative Farm. True to the ►

The Mirae Scientists Street.

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 5 Flood victims dance merrily moving into new houses.

► lifetime instructions of the great leaders, the Korean would do their mothers, is precisely the true image of people took a big stride in developing the metallurgi- Korea and the great foundation of the Songun revo- cal industry in their own way, built model plants and lution. standard factories befitting the era of the knowledge- In October last year the homepage of the Federa- based economy in all parts of the country, and put tion of Koreans in the United States said as follows: the production processes on a modern and IT footing. “Is there any political party in the world with a long On the other hand, they made their own air- history that can confidently boast it is a party of the planes and subway trains; they caught fish in plenty people? Only in north Korea, First Chairman and harvested heaps of fruit, filling the country Kim Jong Un who is held dear in the hearts of the with socialist flavour. Remarkable successes were entire people, could proudly declare on the occasion achieved in sports, including the gold medal at the of the 70th founding anniversary of the Party that EAFF Women’s East Asian Cup 2015. All these suc- the Workers’ Party of Korea is an invincible party cesses were presents of the soldiers and people to united as one with the masses of the people. Con- the motherly Party prepared in the revolutionary cluding his speech First Chairman Kim Jong Un spirit of Paektu through army-people cooperation. announced ‘Let us all make selfless, devoted efforts So, the Korean people celebrated splendidly the for the good of the great people!’ and ‘Long live the grand festival of October with an all-people general great Korean people, united single-heartedly around offensive. the invincible party, the Workers’ Party of Korea!’ In his speech delivered at the military parade This is precisely the political philosophy of the and Pyongyang citizens’ mass demonstration in cele- supreme leader of north Korea, and herein lies the bration of the 70th founding anniversary of the Work- true source of north Korea’s strength that defies any ers’ Party of Korea in October 2015, Kim Jong Un kind of up-to-date weapons including nuclear arms. said that the Korean revolution advances not by dint “The future of north Korea that lives under the of any mysterious divine power but by force of the guidance of such a leader is as bright and wide as great energy of the people including the heroic the blue expanse of the sea. North Korea where the Kim Il Sung-Kim Jong Il working class who follow WPK stands upright giving selfless services for the and safeguard the Party with a single heart, and good of the people is proudly going the untrodden that the single-hearted unity of the Party and the path of people-centred socialism along which no people, the Party respecting the people as heaven country in the world has ever walked or attempted and regarding them as teacher, and the people to walk.” boundlessly trusting and following the Party as they Pak Chong Sop

6 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016

Great Love and Care

Better Socks for the People cold wind blown into the room to keep it cold, be- cause it could make people catch cold. Then, he N SPITE OF THE SULTRY WEATHER OF stepped into the steam bathroom. Checking on its I July 2012, the supreme leader Kim Jong Un temperature, he said the temperature there should visited the Pyongyang Hosiery Factory. Entering be kept at 42℃, and that if it is raised to 60~70℃, the refurnished men’s socks workshop, he saw up- the bathers could get scalded. to-date machines lined up in rows that could pro- He gave instructions meticulously as to the duce socks of whatever patterns, shapes and col- minor affairs of service work and management of ours of one’s choice by computer control. the complex. Before leaving, he stood for long Looking at the running machines producing gazing at the structure of the complex and saying socks on the assembly line, he came to the finish- that the people, the creators and enjoyers of so- ing site and said the process of packing socks cialist culture, should be provided with a happy should be improved constantly on the basis of and civilized life. studying the likings of the people and the world fashion, and that the trade marks should also be Nice Dwelling Houses for the People remodelled continuously according to the desire of the people and the world fashion, instead of using In May 2012 when the building of Changjon them for 10 - 20 years. At the women’s stockings Street was in its final stage, Kim Jong Un made a workshop, he said it was necessary to pay deep round of inspection on the construction site. Get- attention to the improvement of the colours of ting off the car with a beaming smile, he looked up women’s stockings in keeping with the likings of at an apartment house neatly faced with tiles and women and fashion. Finding out the production asked how many storeys high it was. An official quota fulfilment of the factory, he gave important answered that it was twenty storeys high. At this, instructions concerning the procurement of raw he offered to go up to the top floor. materials, manpower supply and automation of Entering room No. 2 on the 20th floor, he looked producing processes. carefully around the living room—the ceiling with Before leaving the factory, he stressed that the border decorations, wide windows and the floor management staff and workers should strive to covered with high-grade materials. Then he scru- produce high-quality socks and stockings in plenty pulously inspected many other rooms and toilet in the spirit of selfless service to the people. room. He went out to the glazed balconies of the living room and the study to see if draughts came Fine Service Facilities for the People whizzing in through some crevices. He did not want to have people live in houses with the wind In November 2012, Kim Jong Un visited the whistling in. Next he entered the kitchen, where Ryugyong Health Complex before its inauguration. he examined the scullery, opened the cupboard Entering the lounge, he made a regretful expres- above it and turned on the tap to find out if it sion and pointed out to the officials that the green worked. carpet, spread on the floor to give a natural feeling On his way out of the house, he stopped at the of walking on the lawn, was insanitary and that a shoe box by the door, opened and looked into it, parquet floor would be better and gave instruc- praising it as a nice piece of furniture. Going into tions to lay a floor of rosewood parquet. (The rose- room No. 1 on the 17th floor, he opened the upper wood parquet is the best furnishing material for and lower doors of the shoe box and said it was a floor.) He then went into the men’s public bath- well-made stuff. Stepping down the stairs between room. Dipping his hand in the water of the pool, he the 15th and 14th floors, he said the stairs were well said it was necessary to keep the different tem- made and that the air was fresh. That day he even peratures of water in the pools. In the cold bath personally pushed the doorbells of houses to check room, he said its temperature should be kept at if they rang well. five degrees below zero and that there should be no Kang Hye Ok

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 7 Great Guide of the Cause of Independence, Songun and Socialism

NDEPENDENCE, SONGUN efforts. The leadership of the learned the creative living mode of I and socialism represent the President who armed the people self-reliance to rise up valiantly strategic line invariably followed with the strong spirit of inde- like the phoenix. in the revolution and construction pendence was the primary factor Today they live proudly, hold- by the Workers’ Party of Korea in building the socialist power ing their own, solving for them- that is responsible for the destiny that firmly maintains the Juche selves all problems needed for of the masses of people. Amid the and national characters against existence and development. Hold- historic struggle to lead the Juche imperialism and dominationism ing to the Songun revolutionary revolutionary cause, the WPK has throughout the revolution and line as its powerful weapon to raised the Korean people into a construction, and embodies the crush the counterrevolutionary dignified independent people and principles of Juche in ideology, forces in defence of the people’s a great mainstay of the revolu- independence in politics, self- independence, the WPK led them tion. It put forward firmly uniting reliance in the economy and steadily along the road of Songun. the masses around the Party and self-defence in national defence. In early days of his revolutionary the leader by awakening and or- The WPK has persistently career Kim Il Sung set forth the ganizing them as the most impor- kept to the course of self-reliance truth that guns are the guaran- tant task and concentrated its as a valid way of struggle and tees for guarding the destiny of main efforts on this. In Korea the creation in the revolution and the nation and ensuring the vic- entire people accept the Juche construction. Whenever the revo- tory of the revolution and steered idea, the WPK’s guiding idea, as lution was faced with a massive the course for the Songun revolu- their invariable creed, rally firmly task or manifold trials and diffi- tionary cause. After national lib- around the Party in one mind and culties, the Party went among the eration he lost no time in laying for the same purpose and self- popular masses and set their the solid military foundation for lessly struggle to carry out the hearts afire, rather than turning the victorious advance of the Party’s line and policy. The to other countries for help. Their revolution by building the regular Party’s plan and decision for the blazing enthusiasm worked mira- armed forces. country’s prosperity and the peo- cles of self-reliance to create The Party has always devoted ple’s welfare are regarded by the things from nothing, making up the greatest attention to building army and the people as the su- for deficiencies. Since the found- up the armed forces, placing the preme revolutionary order for ing of the country, the Korean military affairs at the top of all them to carry out by all means. people have lived amidst the im- state affairs. In time of war or It is the independent line of perialists’ terrific sanctions and peace, it has strengthened the the WPK to solve all problems inveterate blockades and the People’s Army politically and arising in the revolution and con- dominationists’ obstructive moves. ideologically, militarily and tech- struction in the context of the If they had lacked the spirit of nically as the core and pillar of country’s actual reality and the self-reliance, the Korean people the self-defence force. The WPK people’s interests according to the would have never been able to created the independent defence conviction of the Party and the rebuild their country from scratch industry and implemented the people. From the first day of his even in 100 years as the US impe- line of simultaneously building up revolutionary career, President rialists had insisted after the the economy and defence, radi- Kim Il Sung, founder of the Korean war (1950–1953), and cally boosting the overall national WPK, infused into the minds of would have fallen a victim to power. And then, at a plenary the revolutionaries and people of the “integrated economy” pursued meeting of the Party Central Korea the national soul and inde- by big-power chauvinists. Self- Committee in March 2013, it set pendent spirit and the truth of reliance was an all-round key to out the strategic line of simulta- Juche that the master of the Ko- bring about continuous upswing neously building up the economy rean revolution is the Korean and innovation in socialist con- and nuclear arms, opening up people themselves and that an struction. Going the way of inde- new prospects for the building of a independent sovereign state pendence under the leadership of prosperous nation. As a result of should be built by their own the Party, the Korean people the leadership of the Party that ►

8 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 ► has firmly adhered to the princi- ple of the Juche idea that society across the country, and all the ple of attaching importance to should be seen with man as its people rejoice in it. Following arms and giving priority to the central factor, not the material the leadership of the Party, the military affairs, Korea has now conditions, and that the course of Korean people have become con- become equipped with nukes and social development is not a spon- vinced that the road of independ- artificial satellites, although in taneous one, but the process of the ence, Songun and socialism is the the past it had no more than rifles independent and creative activi- most scientific way of justice and to fight against formidable im- ties of the popular masses, the the way to well-being. perialist foes armed with atomic motive force of the social move- First Secretary Kim Jong Un bombs. ment. of the WPK said in his classic The Party carved out a The Party has solved all prob- work The Cause of the Great new way of strengthening the lems arising in socialist construc- Party of Comrades Kim Il Sung revolutionary forces with the tion by itself in keeping with the and Kim Jong Il Is Ever- Songun revolutionary leadership. Korean people’s independent victorious which was made public Kim Jong Il, the permanent wishes and actual conditions of on the occasion of the 70th found- General Secretary of the WPK, the country. Thanks to the wise ing anniversary of the WPK last created a unique Songun political leadership of the Party which has year: mode to strengthen the driving worked out and is leading the “Over the past 70 years the force of the revolution with the people-centred socialist cause, an WPK has led the cause of the People’s Army as the core and advanced social system has been Juche revolution, the cause of push ahead vigorously with the established in Korea where the socialism, along a road resplen- overall socialist construction. popular masses are the master of dent with brilliant victory by Under his wise leadership, the everything, and everything serves overcoming manifold, grave tri- Party was strengthened and de- them and develops by their united als.... veloped as powerful headquarters efforts. In this country the popu- “[Independence, Songun and of the Songun revolution, and the lar masses exercise the rights of socialism] are a crystallization of revolutionary armed forces be- master in all fields of state and the valuable exploits and tradi- came an army true to the leader, social life and the policy of respect tions and rich experiences the the Party and the people. The and love for the people is enforced great leaders achieved in the uniformity in ideology and fight- to regard the people’s needs and course of nearly a century; and ing spirit of the army and the interests as a matter of the high- they illuminate the basic princi- people based on the revolutionary est priority and an imperative ples of our revolution and its soldier spirit put the single- demand. The Korean people em- path.” hearted unity of the Party and the brace socialism as their life and The leader also said: “The revolutionary ranks on a new destiny and work hard with all sacred revolutionary cause of stage. Songun politics of the Party devotion to take better care of the the great party of Comrades brought about a brilliant victory socialist flower garden and build a Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il is in the Arduous March and the prosperous socialist nation as ever-victorious and the final vic- forced march in the 1990s and soon as possible. tory of our revolution is sure as opened up the Songun era of car- The Party propels the pro- long as it is guided by the WPK— rying out the cause of building a gress of socialism by bringing the this is the conclusion to be drawn prosperous nation in an all-round advantages of collectivism into from the glorious 70-year history way. full play. Using the people’s gov- of the WPK. Another historic achievement ernment as a powerful political “Accomplishing the cause of of the Party is the building of weapon for building socialism, it the Juche revolution under the Juche-oriented socialism which has made efforts to strengthen unfurled banner of the great actualizes the popular masses’ socialist ownership and seen to it Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism is a independent requirements and that the intrinsic nature of so- historic mission for the WPK and ideals. It opened up a new road to cialism is faithfully preserved by its unshakable will.” genuine socialism suited to their applying the collectivist princi- Firmly united around the ideal and has consistently main- ple—one for all and all for one— First Secretary of the WPK with tained the revolutionary line and in all spheres of social life includ- one mind and will, the Korean principle of Juche in the whole ing politics, the economy and people are now vigorously expe- period of socialist construction. culture. The concerted efforts of diting the general offensive for The revolutionary theory on so- the whole Party, the entire army the final victory of the revolution. cialist construction was put on a and all the people have brought new scientific basis by the princi- about unprecedented changes Won Chung Guk

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 9 May Day Comes Round Every Year

ORE THAN 100 YEARS Xiaodeshui hill rang with the Liberation War was at its height, M have passed since the work- merry sounds of laughter and he issued Order No. 310 of the ing people rose up in a struggle singing of the soldiers full of confi- Supreme Commander of the Ko- under the slogan of unity for their dence and optimism for victory. rean People’s Army under the class emancipation on May 1, This was a good prelude to the title of On the Occasion of May 1890. May Day has been com- victorious battle of the Musan Day, infusing confidence and op- memorated ever since. However, area in the homeland. timism in victory in the minds of under the military occupation of The President remembered the Korean people. May Days are the Japanese imperialists, the the May Day of 1940 in his remi- recorded significantly in the an- working masses of Korea lived niscences With the Century when nals of Korea where miracles and outside history for a long time as they celebrated the workers’ gala innovations have taken place in objects of exploitation and op- day with frog dishes. On the eve- succession. They are marked as pression, not knowing the words ning of that day, he had a mean- occasions when the unity of May Day. President Kim Il Sung ingful talk with the fighters the leader and the people was pushed the working people of around the campfire. He said strengthened. Korea, who were nothing but although they were now holding a Visiting factories, farms and slaves of the exploiting classes feast with frog dishes to com- fishing villages without rest, the and talking tools, to the fore as memorate May Day, they would President discussed state affairs the most precious beings in the defeat the Japanese imperialists with ordinary workers and im- world and masters of history, and and celebrate the liberation of the planted the revolutionary spirit of retrieved the holiday of the work- country in Pyongyang by feasting self-reliance in them and kindled ing people to them. on the dishes of mullet caught in flames of revolution and struggle Earlier even when he was the Taedong River. With this, he in their hearts. His love and trust forcing his way through a bloody, told them ardently to fight stoutly exalted the spirit of Chollima in protracted anti-Japanese armed for national liberation full of hope Korea and marvellous miracles struggle to liberate the country, he for tomorrow. and innovations took place in saw to it that May Day was cele- In 1946, the first Pyongyang different fields of the national brated cheerfully as the holiday of city mass rally was held in cele- economy. the working people of the whole bration of May Day. At the rally, Certainly, the revolutionary world. Having victoriously con- the great leader made a historic feats of President Kim Il Sung cluded the Arduous March which speech by the title of An Appeal to who spent all his life among the extended from early December the Fellow Countrymen on the people and built a socialist power 1938 to March 1939, he had the Occasion of May Day. In the of independence, self-sufficiency soldiers of the Korean People’s speech, he called upon the work- and self-reliant defence by giving Revolutionary Army commemo- ing people including the workers full play to their inexhaustible rate May Day on the hill of and peasants to turn out in the strength, will be transmitted for Xiaodeshui before advancing into building of a new country. all time. The immortal exploits of the homeland. The forest of the In 1951 when the Fatherland the President who led the revolu- ► The working people celebrate the May Day significantly each year.

10 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 A dinner party for workers of the Pyongyang Kim Jong Suk Textile Mill in celebration of the May Day.

the people after the noble inten- the Kim Jong Thae Electric Loco- ► tion to victory after victory by tions of the great leaders, the motive Complex which succeeded relying on the fighting power and working people’s dreams and ide- in manufacturing a subway train creative strength of the working als are coming true in this land. and highly praised its workers masses in keeping with the Though busy going the road of and engineers for their feat. He requirement of the era of inde- Songun revolutionary leadership, gave the most honourable title to pendence were firmly guarded by he was deeply concerned about the Korean workers by calling Chairman Kim Jong Il. Today the life of the workers of the Py- them heroic working class of Kim Jong Un, First Secretary of ongyang Kim Jong Suk Textile Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. the Workers’ Party of Korea, en- Mill and saw to it that a new dor- The heroic working class of sures that they shine ever more mitory was built for them in May Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il brightly. Under the wise leader- 2014 equal to the high name of led by the great Party will win ship of Kim Jong Un who set socialist civilization, and then victory and glory in the revolution forth the slogan “Everything for took steps to give a grand work- and construction on the occasion the people and everything by force ers’ banquet at the place in cele- of every May Day. of the masses of the people!” and is bration of May Day. devoting everything for the good of In October last year, he visited Sim Chol Yong

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 11 Samil Wolgan

HE KOREA TODAY EDITORIAL BOARD T introduces President Kim Il Sung’s reminis- cences “With the Century.” The excerpts follow:

We refer to…a publication as an educator, moti- vator and organizer of the masses. A revolutionary publication can also be called an excellent means, linking the leader, party and masses by a single tie. I can truly say that publications exerted a great influence on me along the road of revolution. A publication is a powerful weapon in the revolu- tionary struggle. The range of this weapon is infinite. At the time of founding the [Association for the Restoration of the Fatherland] in Donggang, we also discussed the launching of its organ. Only once the Paektusan Secret Camp was built and a printing shop was set up there could we start the Samil Wolgan, the magazine of the ARF. The Samil Wolgan was a popular political and theoretical magazine, aimed at contributing to the ideals of the ARF to win national independence by mobilizing the The Samil Wolgan. 20 million compatriots. After racking our brains to choose a title appro- We decided to make the Samil Wolgan a popular priate to the mission of the ARF, we chose Samil political and theoretical magazine, imbuing its con- Wolgan. tent with the idea of patriotism and great national Samil (March 1) referred to the anti-Japanese unity, and featuring an editorial in each issue. We March First Popular Uprising. The uprising was a also decided to establish regular columns for news of momentous independence movement of the Korean the independence movement of our nation, victories people, who offered nationwide resistance against from various parts of the anti-Japanese national the Japanese aggressors. revolutionary front, questions and answers, major Therefore, the title, Samil Wolgan, incorporated national and international events, literature and the will of the nation. It represented our strategic art. intention to adhere to the Juche line of the Korean The manuscripts would be obtained mainly from revolution and, based on Mt. Paektu, expand and the writing staff in the KPRA unit the Secretariat develop the armed struggle throughout Korea, and belonged to, and also through other units of the also signified the launch of an all-out resistance KPRA active in various places and ARF organiza- through the general mobilization of the whole nation. tions. To collect manuscripts, we appointed special Although Samil Wolgan was launched as the correspondents of the magazine in important places publication of the ARF, it also assumed the function in eastern, southern and northern Manchuria and of the mouthpiece of the Party Committee of the encouraged contributions from a wide range of sub- Korean People’s Revolutionary Army and at the scribers. same time assumed and fulfilled the mission of a The most difficult problem remained even after popular political magazine, serving the whole coun- the last stage of the preparation for the publication try. Therefore, it had to be a pan-national magazine of the first issue of Samil Wolgan: the acquisition of read and loved by the soldiers of the KPRA and the printing equipment. At that time we had only one old communist revolutionaries, as well as the national mimeograph. We also lacked ink, roller, stencil and bourgeoisie, religious believers and the soldiers of paper. The workers of the printing shop solved the the Independence Army. shortages by themselves. When ink was running ►

12 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 ► short, they burned birch bark under a hood made of weekly. tin-plate and scraped the soot gathered on the plate. Another conspicuous man among the zealous They left the soot immersed in oil and mixed it with writers for Sogwang was Rim Chun Chu. Rim ac- ink manufactured in factories, before using it. When tively helped Kim Yong Guk edit and publish the the roller was worn out, they boiled a mixture of glue weekly. and resin and poured it into a mould to make a roller; Jongsori (The Bell Tolls—Tr.) was a weekly paper when the stencil pen became dull, they made it with of the KPRA, launched at the beginning of political a matting needle. and military studies in the secret camp at Matang- Their strenuous dedication to the Samil Wolgan gou. It mainly carried materials, which would help deserves prominent mention as a prototype of self- political and military studies and moral education. reliance and fortitude. Cholhyol (Iron Blood—Tr.), the mouthpiece of the Their efforts bore fruit at long last. The inaugural Anti-Japanese Youth League, was a weekly paper in number of the Samil Wolgan was published on De- the form of a field bulletin. It was launched in an- cember 1, 1936. ticipation of large-unit circling operations at the end The Samil Wolgan evoked a splendid response of 1939. soon after publication. Like Samil Wolgan and Sogwang, Cholhyol was The popularity of the Samil Wolgan exceeded our dedicated to editing positive materials. wildest hopes. In my opinion, the readers were keen The special issue of Cholhyol, published on the on the magazine, because the style of its edition was occasion of the review of the study, carried articles on fresh, but mainly because its content was permeated the review and news of the institution of a new sys- with the idea of a national united front. In other tem of commendation, inciting the interest of its words, the magazine reflected most keenly and im- readers. peccably the historic task facing the nation. It was up In this way our revolutionary publications were to the Korean revolutionaries, first and foremost, to not only an excellent source for motivator and edu- counter the fascist offensive of the Japanese milita- cator of the reader masses; they also inspired the rists by rallying the people from all walks of life soldiers to heroic exploits, helped them in the strug- solidly behind the anti-Japanese national united gle and acted as an intimate companion in their daily front in preparation for a popular resistance. routine. The publishing of Samil Wolgan occasioned rapid Samil Wolgan and other publications we put out expansion of the ARF network. during the anti-Japanese revolution featured the The man who rendered the most distinguished most important characteristic: they were not pub- service to publishing the magazine was, needless to lished under the auspices of a few talented people, say, Ri Tong Baek. He had taken much trouble when but were instead written, edited and printed with the the ARF had been formed; however, his work here is active participation of a broader readership. incomparable to his efforts to start and publish the As in all other undertakings, we regarded it as an magazine. He literally lived his remaining days with iron rule to enlist the masses and rely on them to Samil Wolgan. launch publications. Ri Tong Baek was one of the most conscientious, Thanks to the active participation of the masses revolutionary and well-informed intellectuals I met and their support, we were able to publish such pub- in the days of the anti-Japanese revolution. lications as Samil Wolgan, Sogwang, Jongsori and Kim Yong Guk was another literary man in the Cholhyol, in difficult conditions, where we had no publishing circle in the KPRA in the days on Mt. source of regular supplies, and we laid a solid foun- Paektu. He joined our unit through the good offices of dation for the traditions of revolutionary publica- Pak Tal and Ri Je Sun, after working in a Red peas- tions. ant union in the homeland. Our country today has instituted a system of A passionate writer, Kim Yong Guk would write a conferring the Samil Wolgan Prize as the highest poem or a story, whenever he had a spare moment. award on officials in the mass media, who have ren- Several of his works were carried in Sogwang, the dered distinguished service. Had Ri Tong Baek been newspaper we launched in 1937 as the mouthpiece of alive, the No. 1 prize would have been conferred on the KPRA. him. Sogwang, a weekly political paper, carried on I want to ask mass media staff not to forget the many occasions materials for political and military first generation of the revolutionary publishing cir- study of the guerrillas. The Tasks of the Korean cle, who passed away without even being conferred a Communists I had written was also carried in the medal. ‰

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 13 In the Run-up to the Seventh Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea

With Concerted Efforts

AST YEAR THE KIM L Chaek Iron and Steel Com- plex, a metallurgical giant of Ko- rea, completed a project of mod- ernizing a dozen processes in- cluding the hot rolling along CNC lines. This has strengthened the independence of the nation’s met- allurgical industry and laid a firm guarantee of production of quality rolled steel. In March 2010 Chairman Kim Jong Il inspected the hot rolling workshop in the complex, when he set a task of realizing the CNC-based modernization of overall production processes in- cluding the hot rolling. The entire enterprise rose as one to carry out the task. It was in no way an easy job to upgrade all the proc- esses of the big steel maker, for most of the equipment had out- lived their usefulness and, more- over, the ongoing production could not be stopped in any case. The state organized a powerful team including scientists, techni- cians and officials at the State Commission of Science and Tech- nology, the Ministry of Metallur- gical Industry and other national organs, and the scientists, teach- solved scientific and technological shop made a tangible contribu- ers and researchers at the State problems of the modernization tion to the hot rolling moderniza- Academy of Sciences, the Kim project together with the team tion process project: they re- Chaek University of Technology who were there to implement moulded the transformation sys- and the Chongjin University of the instruction of Chairman tem of electric motors, introduced Mining and Metallurgy, and dis- Kim Jong Il. Different processes hydraulic apparatuses into the patched them to the complex. got on the modern footing one by general purpose-rolling mill, and The workers of the complex one. The electric and automation made dozens of valuable techni- ►

14 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 ► cal innovations. The workers and electric generator-motor system which had been thought to take technicians of the automation of the all-purpose rolling mill into ten days. They made and assem- apparatuses shop manufactured the transformer motor system; bled a lot of new facilities and high-precision accessories by the hot-rolling maintenance shop installations; they developed a themselves, while the second recycled more than ten kinds of number of computer programs steel shop successfully carried main parts including the main and established a comprehensive out the test operation of the con- axis of the all-purpose rolling observation and control system of tinuous ingot mill. The hot roll- mill, contributing to the work of the main production processes. ing shop introduced a new cooling making the rolling mill hydraulic. Thanks to the dynamic efforts method and then made successes The team of scientists and of the scientists and technicians of loaded and unloaded tests at a technicians completed the assem- of the special team, and the offi- go. Thus, the elongation indices bly of equipment in eight hours cials, workers and technicians of the complex, more than ten ob- jects were put on a modern and CNC basis, a sure prospect was opened to save a large amount of electricity, materials and man- power while producing high- quality rolled steel, main equip- ment and materials became lo- cally available instead of being imported from foreign countries so as to further consolidate the independent foundation of iron production, and a more civilized working condition was laid for the workers. Now, the officials, workers and technicians of the complex are engaged in a vigorous strug- gle to increase the production using the upgraded processes while improving the level of mod- ernization still better in the 70- day campaign aimed at making unprecedented labour achieve- ments to honour the Seventh Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

Sim Hyon Jin

reached the allowable standard with the strength indices im- proved considerably, and the pass rate of mechanical quality rose to 98 percent. The power supply branch and the second electric appliances repair shop reconstructed the

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 15

People’s Favourite Trademark

HE WONSAN LEATHER SHOES T Factory is now pushing the effort to raise the quality of products to meet the increasing demand for its Maebongsan- brand shoes. Recently the factory began to produce shoes suited to different shapes of feet by introducing a foot- measuring device. Difficult technical problems were solved by relying on the workers attending courses of the Dis- tance Learning College of the Pyongyang Han Tok Su University of Light Indus- try, and other workers. Using the new device they can calcu- ►

16 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 ► late the standard values correctly, which they had to collective innovations to put the shoe production onto get through manual measurement. a high level. Under a well-organized system of Laying and updating the database of the different checking and maintaining the production process shapes of feet, the factory is getting the average and by operating all their equipment at full capacity, standard values. Since they introduced the numeri- they are carrying out their daily assignments with- cal values into shoe designing they became able to out fail while ensuring good quality. produce more comfortable shoes that satisfy the Raising the efficiency of the cutting process by tastes and physical features of people. Choe Song Il, introducing advanced working methods, the workers chief engineer of the factory, says, “With pride in at the uppers workshop are bringing about good working in the model and standard shoes factory, we production results through a socialist emulation by are all working with high enthusiasm.” workteams and machines. With a determination to Last year, Kim Jong Un, First Secretary of the produce world-famous products and commodities Workers’ Party of Korea, visited the factory twice. with a competitive edge, the workers at the injection- Looking at shoes made of vinyl chloride and syn- moulding workteam are mass-producing high- thetic leather one by one, he was very glad that they quality and light soles by swapping their good ex- were made of home-produced materials. Then he perience and techniques through goods shows. The highly praised the workers of the factory, saying they sandals they produce are very popular with the girls were successfully implementing the Party’s policy of for their light weight and smart styles. producing diversified, multifarious, multicoloured, Thanks to the high enthusiasm of the workers to light yet strong shoes. make shoes that comply with tastes and physical Setting his words as their plan, the managers and features of the customers and the personal needs of workers there buckled down to production of Mae- people of each age group in different seasonal condi- bongsan-brand shoes of smart and different styles tions, the demand for Maebongsan-brand shoes is and lighter weight. This year they have fulfilled their increasing day by day. plan by over 110% month after month. They are now Kim Hyon Ju working hard to crown the 70-day campaign with brilliant success in the run-up to the 7th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea. The workers at the shoemaking workshop made

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 17 The Sci-Tech Complex

18 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 19 GROWING NUMBER OF the complex, there can be seen times. A people visit the Sci-Tech twelve sophisticated models cen- One of them is an astronomi- Complex, a grand house of tring on the round LED display cal instrument invented by Ko- learning in the new century on shaped like the earth. rean ancestors. The most distinc- the picturesque Ssuk Islet in The models show an aspect tive of them is the one of the car- Pyongyang. of Korea’s scientific development rier rocket Unha-3 that injected In the tiered lounge hall of in the past, present and future the artificial earth satellite ►

20 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 ► Kwangmyongsong 3-2. launching satellites, and they tion divisions and a scientists’ Guide Kim Hye Yong says, make up their mind to break lodging house. The reading rooms “Looking at this grand model through the cutting edge of sci- and exhibition halls on each floor which stands up to the third floor, ence and technology as soon as are furnished with a lot of sci-tech the visitors may feel pride and possible.” data, video materials and models. self-confidence as members of the The complex largely com- People can have an easy access to nation capable of making and prises indoor and outdoor exhibi- desirable data and exhibits in ►

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 21 ► various fields for enriching their The children’s dream hall— convenience. Furnished with ex- knowledge. comprising a science village, a ceptional reading programs and In particular, the complex nature exploration section, a facilities the room has the guardi- has laboratories for simulation. spring-of-wisdom room, an intel- ans’ seats. The computers have an For example, the one on the sec- ligence development room, a exclusive homepage for the dis- ond floor can help ordinary people stage of children’s scientific ac- abled persons and a Braille as well as experts do virtual ex- tivity and a children’s reading translation program for the blind. periments. In the lab you see vid- room— helps kindergarten and The homepage keeps dynamic ► eos that show the virtual-reality primary school children to nur- technology and its application. ture their scientific dream in the Now it is usually visited by a process of making and examining huge number of people per day diverse forms of exhibits by and the number is increasing. themselves. In the complex are the The reading room for the children’s dream hall and a read- disabled is furnished on the prin- ing room for disabled persons. ciple of providing visitors with full

22 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 ► images for the deaf persons. stands are also ubiquitous. youthful enthusiasm, I will work On different walls are hung Kim Mun Chol, student at hard and become a scientist to plates which are helpful to under- the Kim Chaek University of glorify our country.” stand general knowledge and Technology, said, “The developing The Sci-Tech Complex, eve- scientific principles, and maga- reality demands that our students rybody’s home of learning, was zine reading rooms and computer should make strenuous efforts. inaugurated on January 1, 2016. rooms are distributed making And the Sci-Tech Complex widely effective use of space. Soft drink opens the door to learning. With a Rim Hye Gyong

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 23 Pioneers of Cutting-edge Technology

T THE END OF LAST bling CTs by importing the com- threatening experiments. A year the researchers of the ponents. He declared he’d be Recollecting those days Ri Mu Bioelectronics Laboratory of the darned if the Korean scientists Chol, chief of the laboratory, says, Electronics Faculty of the Kim made a CT. “Home production! This phrase is Chaek University of Technology But the Korean researchers really meaningful. We have have developed a spiral brain shared the same determination. keenly felt how it is hard to real- multi-detector CT. They knew there should be some- ize it through our practical ex- It is nearly eight years since one to develop it without fail, and perience. At that time many peo- ple shook their head, saying that it was beyond our ability to de- velop an MDCT. Then we told them: We are sure we can make it when others have done it already. Our national dignity would be hurt if we imitated others’ devel- opment. We should push back the frontiers of science and technol- ogy with our own strength, our own technology and our own brain without fail. In reality we found ourselves in unexpected bottle- necks at every turn. However, we were far from dispirited, and suc- ceeded in developing many pro- grams of our own style. One of the laboratory came into exis- them is the one that is regarded tence. Over the years they have as the know-how in the world, and rendered great service to the sup- it is used to realize 2D recomposi- ply of electronic appliances to the tion and 3D composition.” public health sector and other Besides, the researchers com- fields of the national economy. pleted a high-voltage generator by Typical products are portable themselves and developed a data electroencephalograph, electro- measuring system which trans- cardiograph and electromyog- mits a large volume of data in real raph. that it should be made with their time. In this way they accom- The researchers of the labora- own efforts and technology. Let’s plished the project. From design- tory began to research into the leap forward to the achievement ing to programs, control devices MDCT five years ago. When they by a single stage when others took and processing of its main body, resolved to make it, many people several stages, they told them- the machine was all made by the feared their prospect, because the selves. Korean scientists. It opened up technical know-how of the ma- The project was difficult from the vista of home production of chine, acme of the cutting-edge the beginning. As they hadn’t advanced medical appliances. science and technology, was still even a sheet of design for refer- Researcher Kim Jong Ung the monopoly of a few countries. ence knowledge of the relevant says, “In the near future you will Moreover, when the Korean re- science and technology or re- see the CTs for surgical operation searchers were determined to search experience, they had to and industrial usages. We’ll be develop it, a foreign scientist said start from scratch. Failures re- the makers, you know.” that his was a developed country peated, but no one yielded to dif- but that they were simply assem- ficulties and hesitated to make Sim Hyon Jin

24 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 Developing Distance Learning

UBLIC INTEREST IN THE DISTANCE

P Learning College of Kim Il Sung University is rising day by day. The college started over a year ago, but it has an enrollment of thousands of students. An increasing number of workers from large and small factories and enterprises in the capital city of Pyongyang and provinces enter it. The students’ enthusiasm for study is running high. Song Hyon Jun, rector of the college, explained the reason, “The reason for the growing enrollment and rising enthu- siasm for study is that the teachers of the college have worked hard to improve the conditions and environment of education.” The teachers are exerting themselves to improve the quality of their distance learning lectures to rear Students receive lecture by tablet computer. talents of practical ability. First of all, they prepare new teaching plans in keeping with the characteris- learning. They have compiled the e-study materials tics of their students who are studying while working in a way easy to understand at lectures, and inserted and improve the quality of their lectures. into them essential study materials, foreign lan- According to the newly developed program, guages and information techniques which greatly teachers’ explanation and actions are immediately help the students. They are actively using various turned into distance-learning lecture materials. documents, sounds, pictures and dynamic images to These lectures are suited to the specific qualities of raise the students’ power of cognition and practical the worker-students and fit in closely with the actual ability. Worthy of special notice in distance learning reality. In this course, the four subjects of study is lectures by tablet computers. They have put the increased to 15. contents of all study subjects for each term into tab- They have directed special efforts to making e- let computer so that students can study in the dis- study materials and widely using them in distance tance-learning lecture room and at any other places, ►

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 25 New Improvement in Schooling

HE TEACHERS OF THE CHONGNYU guage lab, and practice rooms of basic techniques T Junior Middle School in Taedonggang District, like cooking, sewing and woodwork were well ar- Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People’s ranged enough to meet the requirement of the era of Republic of Korea, are working with all their knowledge-based economy. In the natural science wisdom and passion to put the educational work on room pupils can learn the natural condition of the a scientific basis so as to rear students into pillars country, and in the biological specimen room of the country. The school has put the effort into animals and plants in not only their country but educational scientification and improvement of prac- also other countries. To improve the IT level of in- tical ability of the teachers as the universal compul- struction the school has established a connection sory 12-year education has been fully enforced in with the national network and at the same time laid recent years. an intranet so that each class can have an access to First of all, a natural science room, a biological the Grand People’s Study House and many univer- specimen room, an IT study room, a foreign lan- sities. A foundation has also been laid to join the ►

► too. The distance learning system Ryongnamsan is level. The enrollment in distance learning is increas- becoming even more popular among the students ing everyday among the workers of the Pyongyang because it enables them to study even in breaks at Municipality Mushroom Farm, Jangchon Vegetable the working places, subway trains and buses. The Cooperative Farm, Pyongyang Children’s Foodstuff teachers have also established a wireless network to Factory and Pyongyang Cosmetics Factory. The rec- turn all factories into classrooms, enabling the stu- tor said that among the excellent students are Ri Un dents to study anywhere in the factories. They give Ju, actress of the Korean April 26 Animation Studio, terminal examinations with an automatic system of Pak Sim Jong, worker of the Munsu Water Park, and marking by computer. This is strictly based on a Pang Jin Song, worker of the Tongdaewon District voice-discrimination system, and the grades of the Landscaping Station. He continued, “Teachers in- students shown in the computer will clearly tell them cluding An Kwang Chol, vice head of the basic phys- their school performances and stimulate them to ics department, Physics Faculty, are now receiving study hard. The computer shows the students’ work, many letters from worker-students. The letters say understanding levels, assignment execution and they have learned a lot from the easy lectures, and even the executing speed, making it possible to ap- that they will study hard and make a contribution to praise their scholastic abilities correctly. the building of a thriving nation with high qualifica- Among the students receiving distance learning tions. In the future, too, we will make every effort to are disabled ex-soldiers. Studying at home while improve the quality of our education.” receiving medical treatment, they say distance learning develops their mental faculties and cultural Kim Kwang Myong

26 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 ► distance learning system. existence—all through experiments and practices. All the classrooms have become versatile. This After each round of experiment or practice they write effort made a turning point for teachers to improve down the content of their work, and this helps im- their practical ability. Through the effort teachers prove their scientific and technical ability. developed many teaching aids and new teaching Teachers also exert themselves to initiate new techniques. Their main thrust was to make new teaching methods. In this respect the point is to help teaching aids appropriate to students’ mental quali- students fully assimilate what they are taught. When ties and intellectual faculties. Natural science sub- a teacher raises a point in question pupils grasp the jects include biology, physics, chemistry and astron- main content and discuss together about it. Then omy and many of their lessons are on experiment and they draw their own inference about the point and practice. To be ready for the lessons the teachers present their answers to the teacher. Through the initially grasp all the principles of problems and process they correctly take the point in question in confirm them through many experiments and prac- the lesson. This method improves their ability a lot. tices. For example, the students understand the The teachers actively participate in national pro- problems of what effect the light has on people, how gram exhibitions, national scientific and technical the light influences the growth of plants, how a val- festivals and national educational method presenta- ley takes shape and how a triangular field comes into tions and present their achievement and experience. More than half of them are October 8 Model Teach- ers, and all of them have the certificate of registered new teaching method. Thus, the number of winners of Our Classroom Literary Prize and July 15 Honour Student Prize is increasing among the students. The headmistress of the school says, “This is an era of fast progress. This requires appropriate development of education. Then, our children will get basic knowledge to make the cutting edge of science.”

Sim Yong Jin

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 27 New Treatment Device of Blood Vessel

OT LONG AGO I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY ries. After repeated and painstaking experiments N to meet doctors of the angiographic department and study, they succeeded in developing the material of Kim Man Yu Hospital, who are the developers of for embolization and the balloon catheter working on the Korean varieties of dilator and coronary stent for the cardiovalvular stenosis. Their balloon catheter treatment of cardiovalvular stenosis and a material was thinner, more efficacious in treatment and for embolization of deformed vessels. shorter in the treatment period than imported ones One summer day in 1992 doctor Kim Ok Gyong which had been broken after treatment of only nine happened to hear some patients talk whether there patients. The new material and device enabled the was any method of operating on the heart with no patients of heart disease to recover in time and re- injury on the skin or with a little pain at least. They turn to their usual activities more vigorously. were afraid of the operation they had to have. At the In this course, most of the teammates were time Kim told them, “There is a method. It’s to use a awarded the certificate of sci-tech achievement of coronary stent. It means inserting the coronary stent national importance, the certificate of program de- into the diseased region of the heart through the velopment, and patents of invention. blood vessel of the leg. In this case patients can be Now the department is good at treatment of not cured without scalpel. But this is a field still unex- only the heart vessels but also cerebral blood vessels. plored in our country.” They often receive letters of thanks from former The patients, listening to her attentively, could patients. Whenever they receive such letters, they not but feel sorry. Though it was the story she had recollect the day Ok Gyong was appointed chief of the read in the Grand People’s Study House, she could department, when she said, “They say we are now in not get to sleep that night because of their sorry the van of the vascular treatment. This is an appre- faces. ciation of our conscience and will. I know we should At her proposal her department set a goal of always remember that when we rely on our own making a coronary stent with their own efforts. A power, we can do whatever we want to do.” research team was formed headed by Kim, and the Ri Chung Ho research went ahead to get the standard value of a material. But it was not an easy job. In the period of the Arduous March when the country was in a diffi- cult economic situation, too, all members of the re- search team pooled their wisdom and efforts to de- velop a Korean model of coronary stent. At last in 1999 they accomplished their plan. When a tiny tube was put into the blood vessel of the leg and headed for the heart region and a spiral stent was inserted in it, the skin was little hurt and the treatment turned out very effective in a very short time. Highly elated, the doctors set a higher goal. In 2007 they began to produce the material for emboli- zation of deformed vessel and the dilator to be used in the cardiovalvular stenosis. Their enthusiasm was further heightened not only by the hospital adminis- trators but also by scientists and technicians of the State Academy of Sciences and several metal facto-

28 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 What They Want

N RECENT YEARS THE after another and became I Korean acrobatic gymnastics “sisters” to everybody’s envy. has developed onto a high level. Though it is not long since the Precious Dream Korean acrobatic gymnasts made a debut in the international Pyon has two aunts who were arena, they have reached high once acrobatic gymnasts. Seeing achievements in competitions. her family rejoiced over their wins Among them are Jong Kum Hwa at tournaments, Pyon as little girl and Pyon Yun Ae who caught the fostered a precious dream in her eye of acrobatic fans and experts mind. I should be an acrobatic by performing elegant rhythms gymnast and make my family and highly technical movements happy as my aunts did. That’s of beauty to the tune of mild and how she began to learn heavy cheering music at the 9th Asian gymnastics when she was 8. She Acrobatic Gymnastics Champion- knew acrobatic gymnastics is ships 2015. based on heavy gymnastics, and so she was strenuous to acquire Duty of the Elder techniques. In those days she became known as player good at Jong Kum Hwa, the support- rhythmic somersault. And she ing gymnast in two-person model- also won honour at national tour- ling, was born the eldest to a naments. For such merits she was As the success in acrobatic worker’s family. Since she is of admitted in the sports team of the gymnastics depends on artistic few words and deep comprehen- Ministry of Commerce as per- performance of difficult move- sion, she is usually praised as former of two-person modelling. ments, it is essential to improve “prospective eldest daughter-in- Cherishing her precious dream in artistic skills and physical abili- law.” She is the oldest of children mind, she engrossed herself in ties. So, when she was put in not only in her family but also in somersault exercise, and tried charge of Jong and Pyon for a the training ground. She exerts hard to accomplish world-level pair, she set a proper training herself to share the same rhythm technical movements such as the schedule according to their physi- and mind with Pyon Yun Ae, her one of landing on the shoulder of cal builds, abilities and technical partner. the partner after turning a som- levels, and improved their skills Once they were doing exer- ersault sideways while keeping on a scientific basis. She con- cises to learn highly difficult the body straight. Soon she dis- ceived difficult movements, and technical movements. Pyon re- played her skills on the interna- carried out simulations persis- peatedly failed to perform rele- tional stage. She is not only a tently to accomplish the move- vant movements because of her lovely daughter of her family but ments herself for the girls to lack of experience. Jong felt Pyon a player the whole country knows. learn. Then she spared no time to was losing courage. At a break of help the girls master the per- training, she said, “Yun Ae, I Smart Guidance formance. Thanks to her exact know you are tired. But remem- demand and warm care Jong and ber that our daily training is pro- Kang Kum Hwa, 35, Merited Pyon finally became able to carry moting yourself to a higher stage Athlete, is known as capable out the acts perfectly, and thus on the platform of honour. Work coach. Since she was attending won a prize at the 9th Asian Acro- hard, and you will get to success. the Korea University of Physical batic Gymnastics Championships. You’d better take it easy as you Education she has written many Kang is still busy at her work are on the ground and try.” After papers contributable to the devel- with players, preparing a unique a moment of thinking Pyon said opment of acrobatic gymnastics work of great competitiveness in she’d have a try. In this way the and made unusual efforts to real- the international arena. pair attained high techniques one ize them. Pak Un Yong

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 29 Special Service Establishment for Scientists

harmony with rose-related deco- rations, making me feel warm and comfortable. There I met Pang Jong Chol, chief manager of the house, who said, “With the inauguration of the Mirae Scientists Street in November last year, my facility opened as a general welfare ser- vice centre for teachers and scien- tists. As the signboard reads, rose bath is the main service here.” He explained about the bath like this: “You clean yourself in the tub with rose petals floating in the water containing the essence of steamed rose petals. In the past it used to be part of luxurious life enjoyed by the royal family alone. In the bathroom there are some ►

ECENTLY I VISITED My eye was caught by a build- R the Mirae Scientists ing with the unique signboard Street. I found it lined with “Ryugyong Rose House.” It was high-rise apartment buildings of evening, and I could see teachers different shapes, and a network of and scientists entering the build- communal amenities including ing after the day’s work. It is a shops, restaurants and tailor’s. It smart two-storey house with a seemed as if the most favourite modern aesthetic taste. At the shops of the people gathered entrance girl servants were wel- there, like the Phyongchon coming customers with smile on Samilpho Specialty Shop and the their face. They, standing against Changgwang Shop. Many techni- a large rose-patterned decoration cal centres and cultural and wel- set on the wall up to the ceiling, fare facilities stand in lines to looked like fairies in a garden of accord well with the characteris- fresh full-blown roses. Everything tics of the street. in the reception hall was in good

30 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 ► bathtubs such as rose and ultra- eral exercise places including a scientists were playing in the sonic tubs and several saunas fitness room, a squash court, an sweat. “At first I felt it dull to with the application of precious amusement hall, a beauty salon play with the ball against the materials including agate.” and a face treatment and massage wall. But as I kept on I realized Over his words, I heard some room are found—all necessary for that this is good for the training voices, overflowing with joy, of cultural recreation. I first went to of my mind and body. Today scientists chatting over a drink in the fitness room where light mu- young fellows of my university the rest hall just after bath. sic was wafting. The customers are old customers here,” said “Great. I feel refreshed.” “I was were mostly grey-haired scien- Hong Un Chol, researcher of the one of the first customers of this tists. After turning rings to the Pyongyang University of Me- house. Now pimples have gone pleasant music Professor Choe chanical Engineering, with a from my face since I began to Sun Bok of the Kim Chaek Uni- smile, going downstairs after his come here.” versity of Technology said, “I training. Among the people full of joy, come here once a day. Because I When I stepped out of the Professor Ri Ok of the Kim Chaek feel more enthusiastic and effi- house together with some scien- University of Technology talked cient in my work as well as physi- tists who were expressing their to me, “We women love beauty by cally stronger. This is a very good thanks to the kind servants, it instinct. But many times I was place for me.” was already late evening, and the indifferent to fragrant flowers, as Visiting in turn the woman street was beautifully illuminated I was engrossed in the scientific scientists’ favourite haunts like with decorative lights. The de- research. Here we woman scien- the beauty salon and the face lightful faces seemed additive to tists are now blooming like flow- treatment and massage room, the brightness of the street. ers.” and the amusement hall liked by Leaving behind their pleasant both the young and old, I went to Ri Kum Chol talks, I went upstairs where sev- the squash court in which young

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 31 This Is Where I Live in

OME DAYS AGO WHEN became able to go to school and S we were staying in Mangum- she and her husband, like other dong, Sariwon City, North people, became legitimate mas- Hwanghae Province, local officials ters of the land as well as the told us that there is a 100-year- country thanks to the agrarian old woman in Neighbourhood reform law. She worked assidu- Unit No. 12. We decided to go to ously in the field. When she was see her for an interview. On our asked to take care of herself, she Kim Yong Dok. way we met the elderly woman’s said she had never been to hospi- daughter-in-law, Son Pok Dok, tal before liberation because of Health Law. You have to obey the 77. She welcomed us and told a lack of money and that tilling her law.” At the words, Kim thought story about her mother-in-law. own land given by the govern- of her five siblings who had died ment now she felt well as if all miserably in the deplorable world Kim Yong Dok, the centenar- her old illnesses had gone off. when the country was under the ian, was born a tenant farmer’s Thanks to state policies she went military occupation of the Japa- third daughter in Taedong-ri, to renowned sanatoria for treat- nese imperialists. Hwangju County on December 18, ment of postpartum diseases and As she got older, it became a 1915. She underwent bitter sor- backache. Every condition was routine to receive her doctor in row of deprivation of the country provided to help her get treat- charge who brought tonics, dong eking out a hard life of contempt ment without any worry. officials her subsidy, and service and persecution as nursemaid. Hoping to repay the care workers of the district living ne- She got married and had her chil- shown to her, Kim didn’t stop cessaries. In December last year dren but her face was always working even after she had re- she celebrated her 100th birthday gloomy because of poverty and tired. She prepared aid materials amidst congratulations of so hunger. Although she suffered for workers at major construction many people. She received a from postpartum diseases and projects. birthday spread from the state. backache, she could not afford to One day not long after her see a doctor. She toiled and retirement she was unexpectedly On arriving at home, we found moiled in the field from dawn till visited by some doctors at her Kim at needlework without the night. Exhausted as she was, she home. They said they were there aid of glasses. She said, had to do washing and needle- because she had not appeared “Reporting about me is not bad, work for pay at night. This was for regular health checkup. When but I would like to ask you to how she could feed her five chil- the old woman said they made a write about our world where liv- dren. visit in vain as she was healthy, a ing a hundred years is celebrated The liberation of the country doctor remarked, “The elderly as a national event. This is where (August 15, 1945) brought happi- should have regular health I live in.” ness to her home—her children checkup according to the Public Kim Un Jong

32 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 The Small House Fostering a Great Future

HE MIRAE (FUTURE) old people, and students and Since the library now has a T Library in Mangyongdae schoolchildren. comprehensive lecture room, District, Pyongyang, is housed in Pak Mi Hyang, nurse of the symposiums are held frequently a cosy building of a medium size. Mangyongdae District People’s for the working people to share It was refurnished as the first IT- Hospital, is attending the dis- their knowledge and experience, based library in the city two years tance-learning course of the to say nothing of lectures. ago to serve as a centre for mak- Pyongyang Medical College of Jang Chol Ho, student of the ing all people well-versed in sci- Kim Il Sung University and an Distance Learning College of the ence and technology. active reader of the library. She Kim Chaek University of Tech- In recent years the library has often comes to the library near nology and worker of the Pyongy- increased its book stock two times her house on her way home from ang Steel Works, likes to call the and stocked its e-data base with work. She is very inquiring by library “our crossing” because millions of books. Some time ago nature and is fond of spending everyone who wants to fulfil his optical fibre cables were laid on more of her time in the library. No assignment in the present era of for exclusive use of the library more than a reading place before, the knowledge-based economy, and all conditions were provided the library has now turned into a will come here between his home for readers to contact the state school. She says, “Mirae Library. and workplace. All of such people ► computer network and the dis- How good the tance-learning networks of all name is. Though universities and colleges. And it it is housed in a was connected to the sci-tech small building, diffusion room of the recently- whenever I enter erected Sci-Tech Complex so it, I often feel that necessary sci-tech data like coming into could be obtained from it at any a wide and won- time. It is visited by people of derful world I all units in the district and work- used to dream ers, office staffs, housekeepers, of.”

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 33 The Way to School

days, he made friends with other any longer for his poor eyesight, ordinary children without any and his school performance fell trouble under the special concern gradually. Worse still, his eye- of his nurses and teachers. Natu- sight went from bad to worse. rally clear-headed and having a Soon he gave up going to school. high spirit of inquiry he had a But whenever he stood alone in good memory of what he had the yard of his house and turned heard or seen. When he encoun- his eyes to the road to the school tered with difficult problems, he where the sound of singing came delved into them until he got the from, he wished to play with his solution. So his neighbours’ loving classmates even if he couldn’t go Ri Wi Song has recovered care for the boy was exceptional. to school. Tears ran from his eyes, his eyesight. In particular, Wi Song’s kinder- which he wiped lest his parent NE DAY FOUR YEARS garten teacher and officials of the could see them. O ago, a boy was standing in dong office often visited his home One day three years ago Wi front of the gate to the Kuchon probably paying greater attention Song happened to hear the news Primary School, Sariwon City, than his parents. They tried hard from TV that the Okryu Chil- North Hwanghae Province. He to improve his eyesight to enable dren’s Hospital had been newly seemed to be an unyielding child him to get systematic education, built in Pyongyang. He called his with his somewhat thick lips and visiting so many hospitals to- mother, but she was too busy to raised forehead. Listening atten- gether with his mother. They went turn to him. She had to look after tively to the resonant sounds of to several hospitals in the city and his father in sickbed who was in a reading and singing from the Pyongyang, but they were told it worse condition at that time. school windows, he sighed un- was almost impossible to cure his Having discretion earlier for his awares. The boy was Ri Wi Song, case as it was hereditary. age Wi Song didn’t mention about the only son of an honoured dis- Time passed, and Wi Song was the hospital any more as he didn’t abled ex-soldier’s family in Ku- admitted to the local primary want to hurt his mother. chon-dong No. 4, Sariwon City. school. Though his teacher and One of those days officials of His eyesight was poor since he classmates made efforts to help the City People’s Committee was born. Yet he grew up cheer- him work at his studies, he turned called at his house to acquaint fully. Though his vision was 0.02 depressed day after day. He found themselves with his family situa- in the nursery and kindergarten it difficult to play with his friends tion. Feeling their caressing kind- ►

► are men of ingenuity and general train themselves into talents and ogy and making all people well- favourites at their workplaces. Mi encourage them to open up the versed in science and technology Hyang, too, caused a sensation by road to a bright future by dint of is a shortcut to the building of a writing a dissertation on intro- science and technology. And now thriving nation. In this sense, our ducing psychotherapy in treat- most of the readers of the library library, though small and not ment with her own knowledge became students of the distance long since its foundation, is a acquired at the library. Such learning colleges. Kim Jin Suk, large house fostering the future of examples not only delight all director of the library, says: “It is our country as its name indi- working people who come here an accepted truth that our future cates.” but also stimulate their desire to depends on science and technol- Ri Kum Chol

34 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 ► ness for his family, Wi Song made ordered, putting her hands to her When he returned home after a remark about the Okryu Chil- cheeks. leaving the hospital, he found his dren’s Hospital beside himself. Nourishing meal was not all. family had moved to a new house Learning his desire now, the Wi Song was administered expen- which was provided by the City officials took him to the hospital sive tonics. A good many kindly People’s Committee. In the new the next day. minds were devoted to the little house he wrote a letter of thanks When they knew how Wi Song body. A woman brought him wild on a sheet of snow-white paper had come there, the hospital ad- honey and other tonics which she with his small hand, telling about ministration staff organized a had intended to give to her child his delight of recovery from his team in charge of his treatment staying in the hospital, saying pent-up anguish, as well as his comprising competent medical that good nutrition was essential feelings of boundless gratitude. workers of the Department of for good treatment; and a pupil “Dear respected leader Ophthalmology and the Depart- came to the hospital every day to Kim Jong Un, ment of Koryo Medicine. Meas- help Wi Song learn handwriting “I am Ri Wi Song, a pupil of ures were taken to check degen- even after he had left hospital. Class A in the fourth year of the eration of retina caused by con- And managers of different public Kuchon Primary School, Sariwon genital disorder, and a suitable service facilities including the City, North Hwanghae Province. diet for his condition was estab- Munsu Water Park invited him to I’ve regained my sight at the Ok- lished. have a pleasant time after recov- ryu Children’s Hospital. I feel as if When the boy was struggling ery. Wi Song was too young to I were in a dream. to escape from painful injection, understand those minds. So when … the medics became stern and the chairman of the Sariwon City “In the past I couldn’t recog- strict on him, while encouraging People’s Committee came to see nize my mother an inch ahead, but him to be confident in his success him in hospital, he asked how it now I can see her clearly in the in treatment. Their painstaking was that many people took good distance. Spending a very won- treatment and efforts bore fruit. care of him. “That’s what our derful time at this excellent palace Wi Song’s visual acuity rose to one respected leader Kim Jong Un of children I watched the new from zero in November last year wants,” replied the chairman. All parts of the animation The Boy when it was less than a year after things Wi Song experienced in the General with my bright eyes… the beginning of treatment. Hold- hospital were great mental and Now I can go to school.” ing her son by the hand who was physical nourishment to him. Kim Chol Ung in a rapture of delight, Wi Song’s mother said, “My son is laughing Ri tells about the book he read to his classmates. his fill for the first time in his life. This palace of love has given him the happiness which we could not afford him for many years.” The miracle of recovery was not merely attributable to the medical attainments. One day Wi Song, tilting his head, asked his doctor Kim Hyang Sun, “How is it that you give me three eggs a day when you give one to others?” “Our socialist system has ar- ranged it because you’re short of the normal weight. So, take them all and get this much plump,” she

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 35 Immortal Youth

(Continued from the last issue)

Left-handed Children’s Union Sub-branch Chairwoman

HEN THE MOVEMENT W for running sports circles in schools started across the country, Ri Ja Chong had a spe- cial interest in it with enthusi- asm. With a desire to run the table-tennis circle, he volunteered to become sports teacher of the Namsa Middle School in a moun- tainous village of Sakju County by she already knows I’m selecting Yong Sun thought it was no the Amnok River after graduating Children’s Union activists and use arguing any more with her from the Sinuiju Teacher-training excellent students, Ri thought to teacher. College. himself. “Oh, yes! So, you’re Pak The next day the vice head of First of all, he set out to select Yong Sun who is sub-branch the school called Ri. players in his own way. From chairwoman and a model student. “How are things going on in among the third-grade students, Good. If your teacher has no ob- your circle?” the vice head asked. he picked out left-handed Chil- jection, I’ll accept you.” “Thank “Going on well because of the dren’s Union activists. There you, sir.” school’s backing. But some teach- arose responses of different sorts Now Pak Yong Ok came for- ers cause trouble by refusing to to his method of selecting players. ward. Actually she was right- give me the students of my Some teachers and students handed, but she said she was left- choice.” raised an objection, but left- handed. “Who are the students?” handed girls interested in table “Do you mean what you say?” “Pak Yong Sun and other eli- tennis were eager to join the cir- Ri asked. gible students aren’t allowed to cle. One of them was Pak Yong “Yes. I can use both hands,” join the circle for various reasons. Sun, a lovely girl with a round replied Yong Ok. One of them is not permitted to face and sharp eyes. An older girl “Very good. You two come to come to us because she is the Yong Ok who was taller and agile- the circle from tomorrow.” leader of the Children’s Union looking came with Yong Sun un- Pak Yong Sun went to her sub-branch. I think it’s unjust.” der the lead of O Yong Suk (the teacher right way. When her “Their teachers must have first to be picked by Ri). teacher heard that Yong Sun was some reasons of their own. All Looking Yong Sun up and going to join the table-tennis cir- right, I’ll see to that. Now, I’ve down, Ri said sullenly, “You’re too cle, she was surprised and ob- heard you only accept left-handed short.” To this Yong Sun muttered jected to it, saying sternly, “You children or members of the Chil- her reply, with her big eyes spar- know the work of the chairwoman dren’s Union sub-branch commit- kling, “I think there are children of the Children’s Union sub- tee. Is that true?” who grow taller late.” branch is more important to you, “Yes, that’s true.” Ri was struck dumb by her and what’s the use of joining a “What’s the reason? Is there daring retort. He thought she was sports circle when you’re well up any scientific justification that right. Then she went on, “Well, in your lessons?” left-handed persons are better I’m an activist of the Children’s “But I want to be good at fitted for sport?” Union sub-branch and behind everything,” she insisted. “I once read a book that said nobody in study in my class.” So, “That’s a flippant idea!” most of the left-handed students ►

36 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 ► are clever and have better physi- quently, the three girls became dle School registered great suc- cal ability. That’s why I’m admit- rivals to each other. cesses; they won first place in ting such children to the circle.” As soon as the morning class girls’ team event and snatched “You mean you’ve chosen Yong was over, they came to the physi- first, second and third prizes in Sun for that reason.” cal training room. With each singles. With this, they were “No, I haven’t picked her out; passing day they made rapid qualified for participation in the she came to me by herself. In progress in games. Ri made provincial games slated for the general, it is true that those who strenuous effort to let them mas- winter vacation in December at volunteer to do sports are better ter exact skills of serving, fore- the Sinuiju Stadium. But as this suited for it.” hand stroke and drive as early as was their debut in the provincial The vice headmaster advised possible. He had an urge to train games, they took third places in Ri kindly with a generous smile, them quickly to make them fit all events. In August the next “Your motive is good. But the enough to participate in the an- year, however, the girls of the movement for running sports nual table tennis contests of school participated in the provin- circles is a mass sports activity. It schools in the county. cial games again as representa- is advisable to accept all students tives of the county, winning first who are eager to play table ten- Advance through place by beating off the Sinuiju nis.” Competition team in the finals. And Pak Yong This was how Yong Sun be- Ok, O Yong Suk and Pak Yong came a member of the table- With an unremitting zeal and Sun won first, second and third tennis circle. Ri’s concern for Yong fortitude Pak Yong Sun strove places respectively in girls’ sin- Sun was great. When she came to hard in training till late at night gles. the physical training room for the without noticing the lapse of The table-tennis coaches from first time, he asked her, “Yong time. With a determination to the central sports teams who were Sun, take a penholder grip of the overtake her two rivals, she en- there to select reserve players racket, and then a shake-hand deavoured to get more personal were astonished at the matches grip.” He taught her how to grip guidance from Ri, showing great played by the students of the the bat by his own hand move- zest in training. Other members Namsa Middle School. Kim Hui ment. of the table-tennis circle looked Jin of the February 8 Sports Team “Listen to me. All of you take at Yong Sun amazingly and fol- called on Ri Ja Chong and said grips of the racket in two ways, lowed suit, oblivious of break and that Pak Yong Sun caught his and choose the convenient one. fatigue. This called forth acute fancy, and that he would come for Yong Sun, how about you?” wordless competition between all her in one or two years, asking Ri “I like this one.” of them. to train her and prefect her driv- “Then you train with the left- Ri Ja Chong saw to giving ing skills. Coach Kim Hong Gi of handed penholder grip. And now, impartial individual guidance to the Amnokgang Sports Team took Yong Ok, what’s your choice?” everyone in consideration of their away Pak Yong Ok and O Yong “Teacher Ri, I’m actually wishes and mentality. Their en- Suk immediately. right-handed, but as I can play thusiasm and spirits soared day Ri Ja Chong had never ex- with the left hand, I told you I’m after day, resulting in rapid im- pected that his pupils would be left-handed. May I not play with provement in their skills. In the taken away to the sports teams so the right hand?” “Why not?” Ri New Year the County office gave early. He was very pleased and replied with a smile. “As you can notice that sports events would be became full of self-confidence. But play with both hands, you can held during the school vacation in on the other hand, he was worried take the initiative in matches.” August. In preparations for it, Ri if his pupils would meet the ex- “I see. I’ll do as you tell me,” organized a league tournament of pectations of the central sports said Yong Ok with pleasure. all students for a test game. Then teams. “So, you three including O he formed teams of boys and girls Pak Yong Sun spent longer Yong Suk are all left-handed pen- with those winning fifth place and hours than before in training holder-grip players. Well, from upward in the tournament and herself. Ri devoted his all to im- now, you compete with one an- gave them hard training by proving her skills of left-handed other to see who is the best,” Ri means of competition. drive. Driving skill was Ri’s forte. concluded. He had an exceptional August came. At the sports So, he trained her with confidence liking for the three girls. He was games sponsored by the county to round off her driving tricks. determined to train them by administration office, the table- means of competition. Conse- tennis players of the Namsa Mid- (To be continued)

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 37 Seventy Years of Humanitarianism

public healthcare, a Red Cross also conducted a mass-involving organization was established in movement to improve the living April 1946 as health service and conditions in a hygienic and cul- relief body. On October 18, 1946 tured way and put efforts in re- the organization was developed moving sources of all kinds of into the Red Cross Society of infectious diseases and improving North Korea by a law of the Pro- health. Years after its foundation visional People’s Committee of it became a public organization North Korea, and in December with many members. It set up and 1948 after the founding of the managed more than 200 treat- DPRK it was renamed the Red ment establishments and sanita- Cross Society of the DPRK. tion facilities, and thus contrib- Chief secretary Ri Ho Rim. The law on the DPRK Red uted to protecting the people’s Cross Society laid a solid legal lives and improving their health OME TIME AGO A KOREA foundation for its activities. Today and welfare. S Today reporter interviewed our society has a well-regulated During the Fatherland Lib- Ri Ho Rim, chief secretary of the organizational system ranging eration War, the society organized Red Cross Society of the Democ- from the central, provincial, city, frontline relief teams to cope with ratic People’s Republic of Korea. county and ri echelons down to the wartime condition. They gave Excerpts: small village units involving hun- a helping hand in carrying the Seventy years have passed dreds of thousands of young vol- wounded and treating them in since the establishment of the Red unteers. It became a powerful field hospitals. In the postwar Cross Society of the DPRK. It is organization able to cope with any days the society arranged an ex- not a short history, I think. kind of emergency promptly. tensive public assistance move- Right. The Red Cross Society The society has fully carried ment to procure and distribute of North Korea was founded on out its mission for improvement of hundreds of thousands of pieces of October 18, 1946 soon after the the people’s health and welfare clothes, quilts, blankets and country’s liberation (August 15, and for the relief of the sufferers thousands of tons of food, and give 1945). The country was still in a of disasters since its founding. medical help to war victims difficult condition in the after- That’s right. Soon after its through all provincial Red Cross math of the Japanese imperial- foundation, the society organized hospitals and scores of thousands ists’ scores-of-year-long military branches in every province, city of sanitation posts. In addition, it occupation. The healthcare was and county and saw to it that established a Red Cross home for quite backward. treatment tours were first ar- war orphans and rendered assis- In order to help improve the ranged in areas with no doctors. It tance to the reunion of the war- ►

Separated families and relatives in the A course on rescuing north and south of Korea meet their kin. lives in emergency.

38 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 ► torn families and relatives. by the Japanese imperialists. ferent activities for emergency The society has made a great Your society’s activity is now relief, water sanitation and other effort to offer relief to the south going ahead towards a clear-cut services, Korean people and protect the strategic goal, I would say. Your society must be in close rights and interests of the over- In November 2012 the confer- contact with international Red seas Koreans, which is a consis- ence of the DPRK Red Cross Soci- Cross organizations. tent policy of the DPRK govern- ety adopted a strategic plan end- Sure. Since its foundation, it ment. It held Red Cross talks with ing 2016. According to the plan we has steadily developed its contact its counterpart in south Korea have concentrated our efforts on and cooperation with the ICRC several times to send the DPRK’s the work of preventing and easing and national Red Cross organiza- art troupe and home-visiting natural calamities. We’ve made tions of different countries. The group to south Korea via Pan- arrangements to cope with natu- society entered the International munjom in 1985. When some re- ral damages, save people’s lives Federation of Red Cross and Red gions of south Korea suffered and raise the self-rehabilitation Crescent Societies on May 11, flooding it sent 50 000 soks (one ability. We’ve pressed on with 1956. We, on the humanitarian sok is equivalent to about 144 kg) confirmation of disastrous dan- principle, have since contributed of rice, 100 000 tons of cement, gers and completion of the early- to the relief activities for victims 500 000 metres of cloth and large warning system in close contact of natural calamities by sending quantities of medicine as relief with different local branches and funds and relief goods to scores of goods to the flood victims in local people’s committees. We are countries in the events of floods, September 1984. Thanks to its conducting the work of volunteers’ typhoons, tidal waves and earth- positive endeavour, over 60 un- training and evacuation drills quakes. In particular, when sev- converted long-term ex-prisoners against possible calamities in a eral regions of our country were including Ri In Mo returned from wider scale. badly hit by unprecedented floods, south Korea to the DPRK. In ac- In addition, young Red Cross tidal waves and typhoons con- cordance with the ideal of the volunteer’s activities are making secutively for years from 1995, we June 15 North-South Joint Decla- brisk headway, including planting took all possible measures to sta- ration, it pushed ahead with hu- trees in spring and autumn, bilize the people’s living condi- manitarian programmes for sepa- keeping traffic safety and diffus- tions and reconstruct the dam- rated families and relatives to ing health information. Our soci- aged facilities in close contact reunite and exchange correspon- ety has arranged short courses on with the International Federation dence and video messages in the building and managing compre- of Red Cross and Red Crescent north and south of the peninsula. hensive sanitary facilities and Societies. As many as 100 000 Korean resi- various social and medical service In the future, too, we’ll con- dents in Japan could return to the activities. When Rason City suf- tinue to perform our duty faith- DPRK as they hoped as a result of fered flooding last year, we took fully to meet the fundamental the DPRK-Japan Red Cross talks part in the rehabilitation and principles and humanitarian mis- held to repatriate Koreans who reconstruction campaign in possi- sion of the international Red had been forcibly taken to Japan ble areas, while carrying out dif- Cross movement. ‰

Publicity activities of young volunteers Efforts are made to aid victims of calamities for Red Cross service. and provide sanitary conditions.

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 39 Mt. Chilbo (4)

Tal Gate in Sea Chilbo.

Sea Chilbo thick pine grove in keeping with letter of the county myong and the wide sea. Halfway up the tall the fisherman’s surname thae. EA CHILBO, DIFFERENT islet there is Ryong (dragon) Sea Chilbo has Put Rock look- S from Inner and Outer Chil- Cave formed by sea water erosion ing like a brush, together with bos, is a scenic masterpiece on the and hollow deep down to the sea. Yonjok (water-bottle) Rock, Mok east coast of Korea made up of Mujigae Rock stands on the coast (ink-stick) Rock and Pyoru (ink- sheer cliffs with fantastic-shaped of Jungphyong. From of old it has stone) Rock. There is a tale told of rocks around them, some rising been famous together with Sol these rocks. A painter from out of the sea, big and small islets Islet and Tal (moon) Gate for its heaven came down to Mt. Chilbo near them and blue waves end- scenic beauty. One of its ends is and tried to paint Sea Chilbo. But lessly surging in on the rocks and on the hillside and the other in he found himself still immature to sending up sprays. the sea. When the waves send up paint it, and so he decided to go up Sea Chilbo is full of beautiful sprays, the rock appears to stand to heaven and train himself for scenic spots—Sol (pine-tree) Is- above clouds. Choesokgum (rock) ten years before coming back to let, Mujigae (rainbow) Rock, presents a singular sight, resem- Sea Chilbo. He returned to Choksok Rocks looking like many bling a man bearing a knapsack heaven leaving his painting tools candle lights, Unson Cave known followed by a woman with a baby behind. The names of the rocks for its legend that fairies from on her back and a dog tagging came from the tale. There are also heaven playing on Sol Islet would along behind. Since Sea Chilbo is scenic spots called Puchae (fan) hide in the cave at a sign of hu- known as a fishing ground from Rock, Songbyok (wall) Rock, mans approaching, picturesque olden times, it has a tale related Khokkiri (elephant) Rock, and so Chaehwa Peak just like a land- to myongthae (pollack). The tale forth. When it is seen from afar, scape picture, Chilbo Rock re- is about a fisherman, Thae, living Khokkiri Rock related to rock sembling a beauty, and Kaksi in Pochon, Myongchon. He cave is just like an elephant with (bride) Rock. Among them Sol caught a fish never known before its trunk in the sea. So the place is Islet is well-known as a scenic in the area, so the fish was called Sangam Cliff. Further, spot for its cliffs, rocks and a named myongthae after the first there is a spot of scenic beauty ►

40 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 ► called Tal Gate which looks like the moon in its shape. Tal Gate is an erosion arch of lava with a high cliff at the back and scores of metres deep sea in front. Its one end is stuck to a huge rock hill and the other in the sea. The gate is famous for many traditions. It was widely told about by fisher- men who passed through it, and it served as a refuge in a stormy weather. It was said that Tal Gate served as a resting place for the moon to get a good view of the picturesque Sea Chilbo in the daytime. Sea Chilbo has many other scenic spots like Jolsung (superb beauty) Peak, Sonnam Sea Chilbo in the morning. (fairy man) Rock, Sonnyo (fairy woman) Rock and Ryangju (couple) Rock. Pak Un Yong

Sol Islet in Sea Chilbo.

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 41 Musical Instruments of Korea

N THEIR 5 000-YEAR-LONG At the time, there were over 50 I history notable with a brilliant kinds of musical instruments. culture, the Korean people have Their number increased to over 60 made and used musical instru- in the period of Koryo (918–1392) ments of their own, peculiar in and nearly 90 during the Feudal tone and shape, which suited to Joson Dynasty (1392–1910). their sentiments and emotions. The musical instruments of In the primitive ages the mu- Korea, however, were barred from sical instruments were made of developing in a normal way due to animal bones, horns and hide, and the Japanese aggressors’ seizure bronze, and so they were bone of the country. They followed the flutes, horn bugles, bronze bells barbaric policy of destroying the and gongs, and drums. In ancient national culture of Korea. After times extending from early 3000 the country’s liberation from the BC to the early 3rd century BC Japanese imperialists’ military when Koguryo, the first feudal occupation on August 15, 1945, state of Korea, was founded, vari- the musical instruments revived ous musical instruments like and developed rapidly. Measures tophi flute and konghu were pro- of the state to develop them to- duced. In the period of Three tally removed their faults, and Kingdoms (Koguryo, Paekje and new instruments were invented. Silla) musicians and ordinary The improved musical instru- people made many musical in- ments came to have greater com- struments. This led to the creation pass and volume of sound, and of orchestral music with wind, their tone colour, clear, soft and stringed and percussion instru- elegant, became more beautiful. ments and the development of the Kayagum, the Korean harp march music. Besides, there were which came into being in the early other kinds of stringed instru- or middle 6th century, was widely A standing drum ments like ajaeng and yanggum. used for solo and ensemble. Its ► (4th-5th century). Development of national musical instruments is encouraged.

42 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 Kodong, Jade thungso and phyonjong.

► original pentatonic scale was de- ing tone, is played for recital and the musical ambience with lively veloped to a whole-tone scale, its folk musical performance. At pre- tunes, and they are used for hard sound volume became richer and sent, it serves as a good instru- props and people’s entertain- its unique tone colour grew more ment to represent people’s emo- ments. distinctive. tions well, for it has been im- Many musical instruments Wind instruments like proved to control the intervals have been newly produced and thungso, jotae and flute were freely and is capable of producing widely used. Typical of them are improved and widely played by keen and soft sounds. oungum and okryugum. Invented people. Thungso, a wind instru- Drum, gong and janggo and in 1962, oungum is used to ac- ment widely used since the time other kinds of percussion instru- company various performances of Koryo for its soft and enchant- ments play a great role in exalting such as recital, ensemble, concert and songs, because it has clear timbre and rich representation. In particular, the mixed orchestra of the strings with oungum as the core and the wind and accordion gives a peculiar emotion and mood tenderer than other orches- tras. Okryugum, made in the early 1970s, has unique tone and large volume. It can be used for recital and also can play an im- portant role in ensemble of na- tional musical instruments. It ensures a national colouring and emotion in the mixed orchestra. The national musical instru- ments, pride of the Korean people, are developing further. Pak Yong Il

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 43 Ingenious Strategem

I SUN SIN (1545–1598) ships and get ready for battle.” enemy ships went to the bottom R was a famous patriotic He gave orders to every ship and of the sea and few ships could naval commander of Korea who sent out scouts to all directions. escape from the battle. frustrated the Japanese invaders’ The commanders obeyed him When the battle was con- attempt of aggression in the sea reluctantly as it was a military cluded to victory the Korean offi- during the Imjin Patriotic War in order. They thought it unreason- cers and soldiers praised that Ri 1592–1598. able to get ready for battle when Sun Sin had supernatural fore- One night during the war the it was as bright as day and there sight. Otherwise he could hardly soldiers of a Korean fleet under was no sign of the enemy move- know that the enemy ships would Admiral Ri’s command were at ment. Soldiers who had been come to fight when the moon was ease with the anchors dropped, asleep in scout ships awoke and as bright as day. The next day, Ri though they were facing the en- secretly approached the enemy was asked by an officer when he emy. Ri himself was lying for area in all directions. Now Ri was was inspecting the fleet. He was sleep, his head on a drum, with waiting in expectation in the just the one who had been on his armour on in the command command post. patrol of the sentinels the previ- post. After a while of sleep, he Around the time when the ous night. clipped his eyes open feeling that moon was setting in the west, a “Admiral Ri, how could you the room suddenly became as scout returned back and reported know the enemy would attack us bright as day. Through the win- on the movement of the enemy. last night?” dow he could see the cloud clear- The cunning enemy was drawing “Ah, it’s you who hinted me ing away and a full moon shining near through the dark area in the at it. You said the Japanese high in the sky. At the moment shadow of mountains, instead of would not attack us on a moonlit there came murmurs from out- the moonlit area. night and told everyone to sleep side, and he sprang up suddenly. Ri got aboard and waited for well.” He heard a junior commander of the enemy. He then ordered to “That’s right, sir. Everyone his on his round of inspection of fire a gun as signal of a general had the same idea with me.” sentinels, say, “Oh! Our soldiers counter-attack. The ships that “Exactly, so did the enemy.” can have a good night. As the had been on stand-by launched “What? You mean the en- moon is as bright as day, the en- an offensive to the right and left emy?” emy could hardly attempt to at- of the enemy fleet, showering “Certainly. They also decided tack us.” shells. Surprised to meet the Ko- we thought they would not attack Ri opened the door and or- rean navy unexpectedly the ag- on a moonlit night.” dered him to bring a bowl of gressor force fired recklessly. But “Definitely.” wine. After drinking it he told to they were at loss how to fight as “So I thought they would call in all commanders. When they weren’t in a battle forma- come. I am far from supernatural they gathered Ri seriously or- tion. They were all thrown into and our victory is attributable to dered, “You immediately make confusion to fight in a cramped you.” your soldiers get aboard your area in the shadow. Finally many Ri Song Chol

44 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 Matter of Paramount Importance in International Relationship

T IS A UNANIMOUS WILL countries and nations should form realize its wild ambition of global I of humankind to live in the and make further development of supremacy. In particular, it is world free of aggression and war, the international relations on the doggedly pursuing the hostile domination and subjugation. basis of recognizing and respect- policy against the DPRK so as to Nevertheless, aggression and war ing mutual sovereignty. stamp out the nation’s sover- are everyday occurrences around The principle of respecting eignty. Washington is hindering the world, leaving indescribable sovereignty is the most important the DPRK’s right to space devel- misfortunes and sufferings with of the main principles to be ob- opment in every way while de- countless people. served in international relation- scribing the nation’s launch of In order to build a stable and ship. The principle of respecting artificial earth satellites as peaceful world as desired by sovereignty is an internationally “launch of missiles,” and egging mankind, it is imperative to es- approved fundamental principle its vassal forces on to stage a vi- tablish an order of international along with those of territorial cious “human rights” racket relationship based on respect for integrity, nonaggression, nonin- against the country to overthrow national sovereignty. Mutual terference in each other’s internal its people-centric socialist system respect for sovereignty between affairs, equality and mutual selected by the Korean people. countries is a prerequisite for a benefit. Those principles were The US has persisted in ignoring fair order in international rela- recognized and confirmed in the the DPRK’s just demand for re- tions and the groundwork for UN Charter, the Ten Principles of placing the Armistice Agreement their development. Because, Bandung adopted in Indonesia in with a peace pact to remove the above all things, this is the time April 1955 and other interna- danger of war, ease tension and when all the nations live and tional conferences as well as trea- create a peaceful environment in develop independently as master ties concluded by several coun- the Korean peninsula. Instead, it of their own destiny, and because tries in the world. has clung to its hostile policy to- the independence means their The principle of respecting wards the DPRK, escalating the lifeline. The time when the impe- sovereignty is surely the key tension in the peninsula. rialist powers could divide and principle in international rela- The anti-DPRK hostile policy rule the world at their own will tions. The other principles origi- of the US is a leftover from the has gone, and we are in the era of nated from the one of respecting old time when it had dominated independence when all the coun- sovereignty, and their observation the world by force. The pursuance tries have emerged legitimately in relies on the guarantee of sover- of the hostile policy is an anachro- the international arena, develop- eignty. So the violation of the key nistic choice taken from an out- ing the international relations to principle in international rela- moded view and a criminal act of meet their independent require- tions becomes a serious contra- violating outrageously the funda- ments and interests. vention of the international law mental principles to be observed in Every nation has equal rights and a criminal doing. international relations. The world in international relations, and the The Workers’ Party of Korea opinion has already predicted that bigger and developed countries and the government of the De- the US’s high-handedness and have no right to violate the sover- mocratic People’s Republic of Ko- arbitrariness rejecting the re- eignty of the smaller and less rea are developing relations of quirements of the time and the developed ones. Infringement of a friendship and cooperation with international law cannot last long, certain country’s sovereignty is all the countries that are friendly but lead to its downfall. just violation of its independent to the DPRK, while invariably It is a firm stand of the WPK aspiration, interests and dignity, maintaining the principle of re- and the DPRK government to and such international relations specting sovereignty. build a new independent world inevitably lead to its repulsion, The United States, however, is together with the world’s progres- and even a severe crisis like ruthlessly violating other coun- sive people aspiring to independ- armed conflict. Therefore, all the tries’ sovereignty in an attempt to ence, justice and peace. ‰

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 45 Impending Doom of the She-devil

HE VICIOUS NORTH POLICY OF THE erly’s poverty level is the highest in the world, and T south Korean authorities has driven the inter- all the other economic and livelihood indices have Korean relations into the worst ever catastrophe, fallen to the lowest level in the world, including the leaving the Korean peninsula in the sustained dan- percentage of temporary employees, the unemploy- ger of war which might break out at any moment. In ment rate, the minimum wage level, the average March last alone, the south Korean ruler Park Geun sleeping hours of the workers, and the birth rate. The Hye, turning a deaf ear to the repeated warnings economic growth has fallen from four to two percent, from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the national debt has snowballed to a trillion US the unanimous disapproval of the whole nation, in- dollars, tantamount to 64.5 percent of the GDP, and stigated the south Korean “National Assembly” to the total debt of all the households has reached as railroad the so-called law on human rights in the many as 1.2 trillion US dollars. north and the law on prevention of terrorism, which Now the south Korean people of all strata have are both wicked machines to be used in confrontation labelled Park as source of disgrace for the nation. with their fellow countrymen in the north. Worse They are out in a struggle against the Park regime, still, she conducted the Key Resolve and Foal Eagle claiming that Park should be impeached as soon as 16 joint military rehearsals with the US by inviting a possible as she is destroying the hope of humanity huge American force including an aircraft carrier, and that it is necessary to make this year the year of strategic nuclear bombers and other nuclear war curbing the mad rush of the Park regime. The an- equipment and even special task units. What should tipathy against Park is also vehemently heard in go unnoticed is that those military exercises were foreign countries as well. conducted under the overt signboard of “removal of The world’s influential media in the United the north’s summit” and “occupation of Pyongyang,” States, Britain, France and other countries sorely unlike they did in the past claiming they were denounced Park’s dictatorship under the headlines “annual” and “defensive” routine drills. of “Encroachment of the Freedom of Speech in In- Park has been so malignant that she intention- ternational Spotlight,” “Revival of Dictatorship,” ally brought to rupture the dialogue between the “Threat to Democracy,” and the like. The south Ko- north and south authorities which had been ar- rea-based Foreign Press Club in Seoul, the Border- ranged with so many difficulties, has resorted to less Association of Journalists, and the Interna- ceaseless provocative moves for nuclear war against tional Journalists Federation also called Park a the north and has pursued a fratricidal strife instead heinous dictator, noting that the daughter of the of improved north-south relations and peaceful re- dictator has turned out for fascist repression. The unification of the nation, which is the cherished de- French newspaper Figaro, the German trade journal sire of all the Korean people. Her policy of desperate GTAI and many other foreign media withdrew their confrontation against the fellow countrymen and war branches and dispatches from south Korea as a sign of aggression against the north means a revelation of of their protest for Park’s dictatorship and crack- her pathetic jealousy and rejection of the rapidly down on speech. When the anniversary of Park’s developing DPRK. It is also indicative of her last- assumption to office comes round, scores of cities ditch effort to divert the wrath of the people for her around the world see simultaneous demonstrations pushing the south Korean community into a living for Park’s resignation under the banner of “Park Is hell through arrogance and incompetence and save Not Lawful President,” “Park Should Resign” and her miserable remnant days from the crisis. the like. Park’s three years in power has been stained with At present Park is clinging to the patronage of the indelible crimes which will never go unpunished US more desperately as the voices of denunciation before the history and the nation. By resurrecting and protest are growing louder among the Korean the despotism of her father Park Chung Hee who was people and the international community. She fanned the notorious author of the “Yushin” dictatorship, up the Americans’ cooking of a UN resolution on she has reduced the south Korean society to a tundra sanctions against the DPRK and is now working with which is devoid of even elementary democracy. a greater frenzy for confrontation against the north. Thanks to her the overall poverty rate of the south She is attempting to introduce into south Korea Koreans is the sixth highest in the world, the eld- THAAD which can cover thousands of km in opera- ►

46 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 Surely Wrong Policy

OW THE TENURE OF THE US PRESIDENT tion of the country. Flatly ignoring the DPRK’s con- N Obama has dwindled to half a year. In structive proposals to put an end to the precarious his presidential campaign he pledged to visit the situation in the Korean peninsula and have a con- Democratic People’s Republic of Korea within a year sultation on several issues including the denucleari- if he took office. No sooner had he become master of zation of the peninsula and the world, the US has White House than he overturned his pledge by an- persisted in blockade and nuclear blackmail and nouncing the so-called “strategic patience” policy conducted aggressive nuclear war exercises against towards the DPRK in 2009. the DPRK uninterruptedly. By the “strategic patience” Obama meant waiting Last year the US rejected the DPRK’s just de- with “patience” for the time when the DPRK would mand for the US to halt US-south Korea joint mili- show an actual change, that is, “nuclear abandon- tary drills in and around south Korea to ease the ment first,” while denying dialogue with it, putting tension in the Korean peninsula. Instead, it waged pressure and applying sanctions. Obama flew this joint marine rehearsals in the east and south seas of arrow to Pyongyang. Though he coined the new Korea by mobilizing the nuclear-powered submarine phrase of “strategic patience” and made public his Olympia thus escalating the tension in the penin- own policy, it has, in essence, a thread of connection sula. Obsessed with the pathetic inclination to dis- with the policies of his predecessor administrations approval of the DPRK, the Americans have not given aimed at isolation and suffocation of the DPRK. up the scheme of stifling the DPRK with a nuclear Worse still, the hostile acts reached the extreme preemptive strike of higher qualitative and quanti- during his reign. tative degrees. Under the circumstances in which its In 2014 the US Defense Department went so far supreme interests were exposed to violation by the as to overtly announce to the world that it would US’s nuclear threats the DPRK could not but choose prevail over the DPRK by force of arms. The US’s to further strengthen its defence capability, that is, persistent application of the strategy of sanctions, build up its nuclear force to cope with the US’s nu- blockade and appeasement tells the truth of the clear menace. announcement. The international community has Alexandr Zevin, head of the DPRK Research witnessed for years the dangerous attempts at Centre of the Far East Institute under the Russian political isolation, economic suffocation and ideologi- Academy of Sciences, disclosed that the United cal disintegration. States has actually ignored the existence of this The US has intensified its moves of suffocation country (the DPRK) while refusing to have dialogue while forcing the “nuclear abandonment first” and with it, and that the DPRK’s recent H-bomb test was isolating the DPRK militarily, economically and a natural outcome of the US’s hostile attitude to- diplomatically. The Obama government has been wards those countries that pursue foreign policies to denying the DPRK’s legitimate right of space devel- the American disadvantage. opment as a sovereign state. It instigated the UN After all, Obama’s obstinate clinging to the Security Council to cook up a “resolution on sanc- “strategic patience” has boomeranged on his country. tions” and has carried on hostile acts while staging a misleading campaign about the human rights situa- Kim Yong Un

► tional range, despite the strong opposition of Russia miserably shot to death some time after foreign me- and China. All her attempts are aimed at avoiding dia began to denounce him. Likewise, the recent such a miserable fate as her father met, by soliciting shower of criticism of Park Geun Hye from the for- the US’s assistance. eign media is probably foretelling the doom of the For all her desperate efforts, nothing could save witch in the Blue House. As she inherits the DNA of the witch forsaken by the international community. the “Yushin” dictatorship and has followed in step of Recently some south Korean media reported that it her father, her end should be the same as his—this is is worth remembering that Park Chung Hee’s down- the unanimous opinion of the Korean and other peo- fall began with a New York Times report on scathing ples around the world. denunciation of him in 1979. Park Chung Hee was Kim Il Ryong

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 47 Wriggling Militarism

APAN MUST HAVE placed the nominal “three princi- in March 2016. Since the law J forgotten bitter lessons from ples of arms export” by the “three endorses exercise of the right to its defeat in World War II, for it is principles of transfer of military collective defense and expansion pursuing the policy of replaying hardware” that allow joint devel- of scope of activity of the “Self- its criminal history of aggression. opment of arms with other na- Defense Forces” and Japan is The policy is now extending under tions and their export abroad. By empowered to go to war unlike the sea. Last year marked the 70th so doing it removed a great obsta- when it was allowed to defend anniversary of Japan’s defeat, but cle on the road to military power. itself alone, it is necessary to raise the country passed a national After all the principle of ban has the defense budget—this is the security law on the basis of a new shifted to the one of possibility. country’s claim. As it is the second “Japan-US defense cooperation Now that it is legally allowed biggest military power after the guidelines.” This means a legal to export whole sets of arms in- US, it has now become the most guarantee for possible establish- stead of their parts, it is clear dangerous in Asia. The peace and ment of a war constitution which what Japan is heading for. Ja- security of Asia are being greatly would in turn legalize its right of pan’s militarist forces have come jeopardized by Japan and the belligerency and its right to par- into the open. They are giving situation is turning more volatile. ticipate in a war and carry its spurs to building of a military According to analysts, when aggression and war policy into power seeking reinvasion under- Australia eventually comes into practice. When the law was hand. An extension of the policy is the joint submarine development, passed the government was the move for joint submarine de- the triangular military alliance of showered with protests and de- velopment with Australia. The the US, Japan and Australia nunciations at home. And the final purpose of Japan is to realize would be further strengthened in mass media around the world its ambition of reinvasion of the Asia. Japan has already been warned that if Japan chose the Asian continent by accomplishing engaged in sealing the bond with road to revival of militarism over- modernization and overseas de- the US and Australia for a long whelmed with an anachronistic ployment of arms in the name of time while taking all kinds of joint ambition of reinvasion, it would joint development of military military drills with them on the end up in dire punishment. In- equipment. ground, in the sea and air. Evi- stead of pondering over it, the Military hardware and their dently this bond is keeping the Japanese government is pursuing parts developed by Japanese mu- regional situation precarious as it joint development of a submarine nitions monopolies are widely is aimed at provoking a war with Australia as part of its plan used in the sky, on the land and in against peace and security. to realize its ambition to become the sea. Only the undersea realm Japan is bound to admit its the “leader of Asia.” remains out of Japan’s touch. dirty history of invasion and Since the beginning of the When the insular nation gets plunder and make serious reflec- current century Japan has openly control of it, what would become tion and reparations for it. It is violated the “three principles of of Japan? The defense budget more than 70 years since its de- arms export” by conducting joint earmarked by the government feat in the war, but its plan to technological development of the for the fiscal year 2016 is quite become a military power and missile defense system with the aggressive. With the budget of plunge into reinvasion is getting US. Earlier Japan had pretended ￥5 054.2 billion (US$42 billion), ever more aggressive. Japan is to be a “pacifist nation” by making 1.5% higher than last year’s, strongly advised to remember a propaganda of the three princi- Japan is going to build up its that its repetition of criminal ples of banning the export of arms armed forces for reinvasion. invasion with its bitter lessons manufactured or developed at A greater concern came when rejected will only lead it into a home and relevant technology. the Kyodo news agency reported bottomless pit of destruction. It Behind the curtain of the princi- that the increase in the defense had better refrain from rash acts. ples it has done whatever it budget is due to the enforcement wanted. And last year Japan re- of the new National Security Law Choe Kwang Guk

48 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 Pobun Temple

HE POBUN TEMPLE IS the Main Hall, the Rahan House, golden foliage in autumn. The T a Buddhist establishment in the Sansin House, the Chilsong natural attraction has been de- Ryongbong-ri, Mangyongdae Dis- House and a Buddhist nunnery. veloped into a great public resort. trict, Pyongyang. Situated in Mt. The complex is situated appropri- Many people come to look round Ryongak—the name of which ately to suit the terrain. The the Pobun Temple day after day, originated from the peculiar Main Hall stands on an embank- which was restored to its original shape of the summit looking ment: the front is 10.27 m wide state. like a “dragon” just about to fly and the side is 6.2 m long. Inside, A sightseeing path is well laid up into the sky—the building it has a board-floored room and a to the peak of Mt. Ryongak and went up in the time of Koguryo floor-heated room. many facilities are set up for the (277 B.C.–A.D. 668). Later, it was The temple belongs to valu- people to spend an enjoyable rebuilt during the time of Feudal able national cultural heritage time. Joson Dynasty (1392–1910). Ac- conveying Korean people’s talent. One of the features of the sce- cording to a local epitaph, the Mt. Ryongak is called “Mt. nic spot is the Mangyongdae temple was built during the Kumgang in Pyongyang” as it has Children’s Camp at the foot of the Koguryo dynasty. Against the a skyscraping peak of a fantastic mountain. precipitous cliffy backdrop it shape, a thickly wooded forest stands divided in five houses of with many kinds of flowers, and Kim Tae Song

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016 49 50 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2016