Porcelain Vase

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KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 51 http://www.naenara.com.kp Porcelain Vase

A gift presented to Chairman Kim Jong Il by D. T. Yazov, former Soviet Defence Minister and Marshal, in August 2001.

52 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 KOREA TODAY Monthly Journal (690) Printed in English, Russian and Chinese

C O N T E N T S

Living on Honour ················································································································ 3

Kim Jong Il and CNC (1) ···································································································· 5

Motive Force for Building of Economic Giant··········································································· 8

Poultry Research Institute ··································································································· 9

An Old Scientist Recalls······································································································10

Beneficial Fish Farming······································································································11

Lifeline·····························································································································12

High Goal ·························································································································14

Relying on Their Own Resources ··························································································15

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 1

Supreme Commander and Soldiers ············································· 16

Faithful to Songun Idea ···························································· 18

Parental Affection ···································································· 19

Chima and Jogori Permeated with Lofty Wish······························ 20

Images of Gold Medalists ·························································· 22

Sport Brings Life to the Disabled················································ 24

Land of Popular Policies···························································· 26 Front Cover: Statue of Korea—One Big Family ···························································· 28 Chairman Kim Jong Il is A Clinical Medicine Researcher’s Hobby ······································ 30 unveiled at Kim Il Sung University in October 2013 Doctor Couple·········································································· 31 Short Story

A Rainy Evening ······································································ 32

The Bell Rings on Jamae Islet···················································· 34

When Teachers Work Hard························································ 35

Distance Despised ···································································· 36

Strong Fighter Against Rheumatoid Diseases······························· 37

By Our Nation Itself ································································· 38

Struggle to Achieve the Independent and Peaceful

Reunification of Korea (3)·························································· 39

Culprit of Instability································································· 40

Souls Accuse············································································ 41 Back Cover: Moran Hill in Where Japan Heads for····························································· 42 winter World Heritage in Kaesong························································ 43 Photo by Ra Jin Hyok Korean Central History Museum (7) ··········································· 46

13502 ㄱ-38229 Kwak Jae U’s Wife ··································································· 48

2 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 Living on Honour

Y SINAM COOPERATIVE FARM IS AN True to his advices, we ex-servicemen members of M ordinary one you can find anywhere in Korea. I the Youth Subworkteam worked hard in the van of returned home from military service in September the group. Younger members also worked assidu- 2007, three months after Chairman Kim Jong Il ously, emulating us, to boost the grain production. visited the farm for the fourth time. In January the Chairman Kim Jong Il sent our farm tractors of next year I began to work as leader of the Youth a new style and other rolling stocks in February 2009 Subworkteam, when the farm’s management board helping us to do farming much better. chairwoman Kim Yong Sun admonished me, “I hope My team tried hard to do farming in a scientific you young people will be pillars and pioneers in and technical manner. One day my colleague Ri Hy- farming at our farm which has been honoured to be ang Mi said to me applying fertilizer in the field, visited by our great national leaders Kim Il Sung “Why don’t we study a method of giving fertilizer? and Kim Jong Il several times. The future of our The way we do it now, we can’t give an equal and farm rests on you.” I knew hers was a meaningful exact amount of fertilizer. And I think we waste a lot remark. of fertilizer.” That year my subworkteam was the first to finish That evening we had a collective discussion re- rice transplantation and begin weeding in the farm. garding the problem. The technical assistant Ku One June day around the time Chairman Chol Min suggested the idea of granulizing the fer- Kim Jong Il called at my farm again to our happy tilizer before applying. Soon a research team was surprise. He was satisfied that my farm was making organized and a machine was made to produce a change in agricultural production by improving granular fertilizer. With this as a momentum the management and operation including labour man- subworkteam began a course of learning agricultural agement and doing farming as required by science science and technology by themselves. Ku Chol Min and technology. He gave wise advices on making a took charge of the work. We helped and led one an- leap forward in production. other forward in getting agricultural knowledge. ►

Youth Subworkteam members return home from work.

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 3

They are engrossed in learning agricultural science and technology.

hard in the field day in and day out to increase grain production while leading the effort to make a facelift of the farming village, Kim Jong Il kindly asked us to have a souvenir photo taken together, saying we were praiseworthy. He was probably proud of us who were trying to develop our village into a wonderful They work hard to increase the grain produce. place with our own hands. After the photo was taken, he asked us to do a good farming while living in the ► Thanks to the efforts of all the members of the sub- good house and promised to come to see us again. workteam, a good machine was made to apply fertil- Hoping to welcome him to our farm in a rich au- izer. The machine took first place at the national tumn and show him our rich table, we built a stock- youth’s scientific and technological achievements breeding house and a greenhouse in addition. Look- exhibition held in commemoration of Youth Day in ing in the souvenir photograph we looked forward to 2010. Now enrolled in the study-while-working sys- his visit. One day we heard unexpected sad news that tem, all of us are assimilating latest farming knowl- the great national leader had passed on a train while edge. travelling for field guidance. We were gripped with My subworkteam developed an enjoyable life as sorrow, but rose up making a pledge in front of the well. First we carried out a project to refashion our souvenir photo to do a better farming to accomplish lodging to suit the features and tastes of us young his desire. people. At night we made bonfire and continued the Happy or sad, we turned to the photo, renewing construction. Some fell asleep by the fire, losing their our pledge. This year my subworkteam grew vegeta- shoes or clothes in the fire. But none of us yielded to ble seedlings in the greenhouse successfully before the difficulties, looking forward to the completion of transplanting them in the field. This was the first to our wonderful lodging. In a little over a month we be introduced in my farm. The biggest problem was finished a new lodging, totally different from the old how to heat the greenhouse. To solve the problem, one. Sim Kum Ok and her colleagues made a study untir- Building on this achievement we spearheaded the ingly despite repeated failures, and thus set a ra- effort to make a facelift of the farm. On July 6, 2011 tional heating system in the greenhouse. This in the season of weeding Chairman Kim Jong Il brought about a bright prospect for increased vege- visited my Sinam Cooperative Farm again. He was table production while saving a great deal of materi- pleased with the fact that my farm had considerably als and manpower. boosted the grain production and renewed the ap- We often stand in front of the souvenir photo pearance of the farming community by implementing these days, feeling proud of our successful fulfillment the Workers’ Party of Korea policy on rural develop- of our assignment of production this year, too. En- ment. He looked round the newly laid mechanization shrining the photo we will continue to work hard to workteam and our lodging of the Youth Subwork- increase production and thus make a contribution to team. Going round the bedrooms, youth school, din- the improvement of the people’s living standards. ing room, and the wash-cum-bath room, he praised us, saying it was really a good house. Hearing from Choe To Un, leader of the Youth Subworkteam the farm’s management board chairwoman that the of the Sinam Cooperative Farm, Ryongchon members of the Youth Subworkteam had worked County, North Phyongan Province

4 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 Kim Jong Il and CNC (1)

Chairman Kim Jong Il and national leader Kim Jong Un give field guidance for the building of an economic giant in October 2011.

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 5 The CNC technology helps increasing production at the Taean Heavy Machine Complex.

The Huichon Ryonha General Machine Factory.

6 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 In front of the first CNC the time studying valuable CNC more advanced. The technicians machines machines developed for the first and workers who design and N APRIL 29, 1995, time in Korea. manufacture the CNC machines O Chairman Kim Jong Il’s for themselves are really tal- car ran at full speed along a Giving applause three times ented,” he said, and added, “The suburban road in Pyongyang. A CNC machine began to Central Committee of the Presently the car entered the operate as instructed by a pro- Workers’ Party of Korea and the compound of a factory situated gram input. It was moving axes DPRK government should in a valley in verdure with all freely to process the workpiece highly appreciate the techni- kinds of full-bloomed flowers precisely. Looking carefully at cians, workers and officials who including azalea and royal the machine’s appearance and have contributed to the devel- azalea. The chairman went into operation, Kim Jong Il gave an opment of CNC machines. I’d a building in which stood two applause, saying that a won- like to extend my special thanks machines in the hall. derful machine had been born in to all of them.” The Chairman Approaching the machines, his country and proposing to warmly grasped the hands of he asked, “These are CNC ma- give congratulation to the new the general manager of the fac- chines, aren’t they?” They were machine. Then he took the tory. And then he clapped four-axis electric wire discharge processed graphite product in again. machines based on CNC tech- his hand and scrutinized The general manager was nology. With keen interest in the processed surface. filled with gratitude and swore the new machines, he asked “Conventional machine-tools to the Chairman, “We’ll defeat again who had made them. could hardly process this kind of our enemy with our own tech- Hearing they had been manu- goods. [The developers] are nology.” “That’s a nice pledge,” factured by the Ryonha Ma- praiseworthy; they worked with Kim Jong Il said. “Why don’t chine development group, he a resolution and have made we give the developers a big smiled brightly. latest CNC machines with hand for their good pledge?” he The national leader organ- credit,” he said to the accompa- said, giving another applause. ized the group on July 15, 1992 nying officials. In this way he clapped three involving researchers of Kim Earlier in 1982 the DPRK times to congratulate for the Chaek University of Technology succeeded in making NC ma- development of the new ma- and technicians of the local chine-tools laying the most ele- chines, the developers and factory and suggested naming mentary conditions for manu- their resolve. After many years the CNC machines they would facture of CNC machinery. Now passed, the Chairman often develop Ryonha Machine. The it made a dashing appearance recollected the unforgettable group had since made strenuous in the world of latest machinery day, saying, “I cannot forget efforts for years and success- by relying on its own efforts. the two machines standing in fully made new machines. “Now we produce NC lathes the hall at the time. They were That day Kim Jong Il was and even CNC electric wire the first ‘Ryonha Machines’ I wearing full smile on his face all discharge machines which are saw.”

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 7 Motive Force for Building of Economic Giant

INCE THE SUCCESSFUL S launch of the artificial earth satellite Kwangmyongsong 3-2 in December 2012 the Korean people have made a revolutionary upsurge in all fields of the national economy, holding high the banner “Let us bring about a radical turn in the building of an economic giant with the same spirit and mettle as were displayed in conquering space!” To attain cutting-edge science and technology in a short span of time and, on the basis, develop all fields of the national economy so as to make the people well off and lead a civilized life as early as possible is a policy of the Exhibitions of sci-tech achievements are organized to develop the Workers’ Party of Korea and the science and technology. government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. This the imported materials neces- Anju Area Coal-mining Complex is the first year in implementing sary for producing pig iron and and other enterprises in coal- the fourth five-year plan for de- improving the quality of steel. mining industry introduced new velopment of science and tech- Together with this a high- methods of blasting, thus boost- nology. Efforts were concen- temperature air-combustion ing production significantly. And trated on solving urgent scien- technology was widely intro- the technicians in the Songjin tific and technological problems duced. Modernization of factories Steel Complex established the in rapidly developing cutting- and enterprises in the field of method of precisely controlling edge science and technology, metal industry has made a the distribution of oxygen hydro- locally obtaining major raw ma- stride. mechanically with one burner, terials, fuel, materials and A novel mining technology discarding the old practice of equipment, updating technical has been introduced at several using several burners. This has and economic indices and im- mines, thus cutting the con- increased the production of the proving the people’s standard of sumption of props while further Juche iron. The workers of the living. In the course of this valu- increasing the output of coal. Taean Heavy Machine Complex able research successes were Besides, a newly-developed introduced the CNC technology achieved which further propelled nanogermicide and a growth into boring machines, turning the modernization of production nanostimulant have rendered lathes, cylindrical grinders and processes and boosted produc- great services to the agricultural planomillers with concerted ef- tion. production. A lot of successful forts, putting production proc- Scientists and technicians research projects have been esses on a higher technological manufactured a new type of tur- widely introduced in different level. The Sinuiju Cosmetics bine which is more efficient and sectors of the national economy Factory has developed a new has longer lifespan than existing including light and chemical skin whitening material and an ones, and introduced them into industries, greatly contributing anti-aging substance that suit hydropower stations, increasing to increasing the capacity of the the taste and aesthetic feelings of the power generation. And new national economy as a whole. the Koreans, so the quality of the technologies were developed, Meanwhile, a mass technical products has radically improved. which have played a big role in innovation campaign was vigor- In the agricultural sector corn-to- maintaining and reinforcing the ously pushed forward. The tech- corn double cropping was carried Juche iron production system, nicians in the Sunchon Area out, increasing per-hectare out- decreasing the consumption of Youth Coal-mining Complex, the put. The Musan Mining Complex ►

8 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 Poultry Research Institute

HANKS TO THE WORKERS’ PARTY OF other to put the poultry growing on an up-to-date T Korea policy of improving the people’s living basis. standards in a short span of time, chicken farms have Ryu Ik Son, head of a laboratory, says, “The de- been built across the country in compliance of the veloping reality demands us researchers to acceler- needs in the current century. These farms contribute ate the rate of technical improvement. I know we can a lot to the people’s living. do it. And we’ll do our best.” The developing reality demands scientific and Rim Sang Jun intensive production systems be established as early as possible. The task relies on the efforts of the re- Researchers make a culture-in-vitro experiment. searchers of the Poultry Research Institute of the Academy of Agricultural Science. For nearly 50 years the institute has achieved a lot of successes in breeding highly productive species of poultry, establishing scientific breeding methods, introducing comprehensive mechanization and carrying out modernization project. Building on rich experience, it is putting primary efforts into introduction of latest science and technology. In particular, researchers, working on the shop floor, solved many problems arising in growing poultry for both eggs and meat. New highly productive breeds they developed have been introduced at farms around the country. Researchers have also made a success of under- takings to put facilities of poultry farms on a higher level. Typical is the development of a new ventilating system and its introduction. In the past a tunnel- style ventilating system was dominant, which failed to ensure even temperature in a house. And it had to be changed from season to season. In the course of studying how to eliminate the shortcomings, the researchers developed a whirlwind-style ventilating system, which ensures proper ventilation all the year round and increases the egg production by 20% as against the old system. Researchers also developed a 3D hatching machine, bringing huge profit in production. In addition they have made new feed addi- tives and are now completing one method after an-

► has increased the production by development. As the scientific units, and many of them were newly laying a hundreds-of- and technological frontiers are highly appreciated. metres-long conveyor belt addi- expanded, the knowledge-based Kim Ung Chol, director of the tionally and, the Tanchon production and the industriali- State Nanotechnology Centre, Smeltery has built a large-scale zation of knowledge are becom- says, “We are responsible for the zinc oxide production process ing distinctive. The Central industrial revolution in this cen- and renovated the first-stage Committee of the General Fed- tury in our country. The prosper- liquefying process, and arranged eration of Science and Technol- ous future of Korea depends on a recycling process of muck. ogy of Korea sponsored the 10th us. We will make every effort to Now the universities of the nanotechnology presentation put the science and technology of country are actively engaging in and exhibition in July-August. It our country up to the world level circulation of intellectual proper- put on display over 1 000 at the earliest date.” ties, technical service, transfer of nanotechnology products of hun- technology and joint technical dreds of kinds from more than 20 Ri Chong Ho

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 9 An Old Scientist Recalls

I RYONG AM IS AN R authority on rock mechanics. When we called on him at his home, he told us a story in deep retrospect: Ri was born into an extremely poor tenant’s family as the 5th of six children before national liberation. He couldn’t go to school until he was ten years old. He managed to enter a primary school only at the age of 11. However, he was expelled from school because he failed to pay tuition fees. He left his country and went to Japan. There he began attending a school by supporting himself with difficulty, Ri Ryong Am (second right) talks about his study of the lithostatic but he finally gave up studying pressure in a coal-mine opening. unable to bear school expenses. Fortune smiled at him only that the President, legendary complete them, instead of in- after his country was liberated in hero of the Korean nation who dulging in laboratory. In the August 1945 and the General they had long worshipped, vis- 1970s he, at the Komdok Mining Association of Korean Residents ited their home. The couple felt Complex, conceived a new rea- in Japan (Chongryon) was the President’s care was warmer sonable calculating method of formed in 1955. The day when he than the parents’ affection. pillar measurement and intro- was given stipends from his Hoping to become pillars of duced it to the production, thus motherland by way of Chon- the country by studying hard, helping to produce nearly gryon, he made up his mind to Ryong Am entered the then Kim 150 000 tons more ores, when follow the path of patriotism to Chaek College of Technology and most people thought it impossi- repay to the motherland. Deter- his wife the then Pyongyang ble. In the 1980s he evolved a mined to be a scientist working Medical College. From his child- geostatic theory in accordance for the fatherland, he and his hood he had a dream of digging with the condition of the Tertiary wife got aboard the first repa- abundant mineral resources of geologic formation of Korea, and triation ship and returned to the the country and distributing on the basis of it studied and motherland. them to the poor people like him. developed a mining method of In late December 1959, soon This was why he chose to learn using no pillars, and thus con- after they moved into a new mining engineering. tributed to the increase of coal house following their repatria- After graduation from the production by 25% and reduction tion, President Kim Il Sung college with honours he was ap- of tunnelling by 40% in the coun- visited their home. He encourag- pointed to a research institute try’s major coal mines. In the ingly said to them that they and began to demonstrate fully 1990s he made a success in sav- should study hard to be excellent his ability and enthusiasm. It ing materials including timber, persons, and looked after their was like a volcano erupting. He concrete and reinforcing rods by new life with parental care. It always went to the field to pick as much as 38% and increasing seemed like a dream to them right issues for his research and the period of tunnel maintenance ►

10 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 ► 1.8 times by solving a scientific on stratum stress broke a new life, he said with a smile, “In fact, problem of maintaining main ground in geostatic theory and I have done nothing great. Yet tunnels at coal mines. In the rock mechanics and laid a scien- my country has crowned me with 2000s he suggested a hypothesis, tific foundation for designing and all honours. I ask young scien- which made a sensation in geo- building of various kinds of bed- tists to achieve brilliant sci-tech logical circles. Seeing a strangely rock underground structure. successes for the development of bending prop, he, instead of the Though of advanced age, he our country.” previous conception that the is still seen in big mines work- As member of the Interna- vertical direction stress of a stra- ing hard to solve problems of tional Lithological Society, presi- tum is always bigger than the ground pressure arising in dent of the Korean Rock Me- horizontal one, set up a new idea deep-stratum mining, guaran- chanics Society, chairman of the that the horizontal direction teeing the stability of tunnel Subcommittee for Deliberation of stress can sometimes be bigger structure and normalizing the Academic Degrees on Mining than the vertical one according to production. Engineering, member of the Whenever he made successes the strata’s conditions and State Commission for Delibera- in his researches, the country depth. He built a geo-mechanical tion of Scientific and Technologi- gave him honours like the titles hypothesis on the reason. To cal Papers and member of the of the DPRK Labour Hero, aca- prove this hypothesis, he manu- DPRK Screening Commission for demician, doctor and professor. factured an experimental device Qualification of Academician- In addition, he was awarded and developed a computer- ship, he is now devoting all his Kim Il Sung Prize on the occa- controlled system to measure energy to the social and scientific sion of President Kim Il Sung’s and process the data on stratum activities, raising of reserve sci- 100th birthday. stress, and at last established a entists and writing of papers. relevant measuring method. The … establishment of a new concept Finishing an account of his Ri Kum Chol

Beneficial Fish Farming

HE ANGLING ON THE kept in a section closed with increased by hundreds of grams T Taedong River and the Pot- synthetic-fibre nets or iron nets or even one kilogram in several hong River in early morning and which float on the water. The months. evening is quite a picture—an section is surrounded by nets on In October last the bureau old man is pleased to catch a big all sides except the bottom, and sent fish produced by such carp while a young man feels fish grow up, eating natural or method to orphanages, kinder- disappointed to have a small fish artificial feed there. This method gartens, nurseries and catering and lets it go into the river. Such needs lower costs and fish grow establishments in the city. Kim a scenery is attributable to the faster with a high rate of sur- Kwon Hwi, officer of the bureau, unknown efforts of the officials vival. The net is mobile and easy says, “This method enables us to and workers of the Pyongyang to handle, and increases the pro- produce fish in large quantities, Fish Farming Management Bu- ductivity regardless of its den- and it is very profitable that one reau. The bureau grows a huge sity. In May last the workers of worker can manage a large area number of fry at fish farms in the management bureau set the and no power is needed at all. So Pyongyang and releases them in nets on the Taedong River and we are going to actively apply rivers and streams including the put tens of thousands of newly this method next year.” Taedong and Pothong rivers. hatched carps, crucian carps, Now the bureau is making Recently they developed a silver carps and the like into the preparations to put freshwater new method of freshwater fish nets. Afterwards, they set simi- fish farming on a scientific and farming and introduced it into lar frames in several places of technological basis next year. production. It is a method of the Taedong and Pothong rivers

growing fish in a frame of float- to produce a large quantity of ing nets. In other words, fry are fish. They say the weight of fish Ri Sun Nyo

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 11

Lifeline

HE UNRYUL MINE scores of years. increased production of the iron T became well known all Chairman Kim Jong Il un- ore for nearly 40 years, while across Korea for its long-distance derstood the situation of the expanding the land of the nation conveyor belt laid in the mid- mine in detail and suggested a steadily. 1970s. Before the conveyor belt splendid idea of laying a long- O Sok Ju, a veteran miner, was laid, the mine was under distance conveyor belt to carry says, “The management staff of unbearable stress because of the earth out straight to the sea the mine has changed several mountains of earth removed for from the mine. times and generations of the Soon the conveyor belt workers have also changed, but

stretched out into the sea and the belt has undergone no re- has made tangible service for placement, standing steadfast. ► The long-distance conveyer belt of the Unryul Mine.

12 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 ► Whenever senior officials leave or take office, they put the belt as the first item of transfer and delivery. When new workers come, they are shown the belt first.” The management and operation of the belt have been sustained by several state patents and more than 250 technical innovations. Once they had to set up a new motor station during the period of the “Arduous The crushing plant. March” when even a ton of steel billet or cement was counted. officials, however, knew it was a looking after the belt regarding it The project needed a lot of mate- matter of critical importance in as the lifeline of the mine. rials and equipment. The senior the management of the mine. While setting up the station They called upon all the employ- by their own efforts, they also ees to turn out in the project. found a scientific guarantee for Workers, whether skilled or un- laying such stations in over twice skilled, got together to consult longer distance than before. With different opinions. Finally a each of the sections of the belt bright and innovative idea came increased more than twice, a out. It was to set up a movable great deal of equipment and motor station which could go out labour were saved, the number of into the sea along with the ex- points of earth transfer de- tending of the belt, instead of creased making it possible to building a fixed station which lengthen the lifetime of the belt. needed a colossal amount of ma- In this way the belt has been in terials and manpower. As for the operation without any replace- novel idea, it was to use a frame- ment and without any break in work of a large excavator and operation. This makes up only a mount it with motors and speed small part of the history of the reducers. Then, the excavator belt. would be able to move ahead Today the belt is stretching along with the stretching bank. out in another direction, leaving The simple yet bright conception a good bank and demonstrating came from the devoted efforts of its power to the full. the employees who had been Chae Kwang Myong

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 13 High Goal

HE PYONGYANG ELEC- most difficult problem. Om Chol this factory can guarantee their T tronic Medical Appliances Ryong and other technicians quality while saving the cost of Factory is making efforts to de- conducted research work day and production a great deal as com- velop and produce electronic night for the grasping of elec- pared with previous ones im- medical appliances that are very tronic elements and technical ported from abroad. They took effective in the diagnosis of hu- properties of medical appliances special and first places at na- man diseases in reliance upon its and completed the technical de- tional exhibitions of medical own strength and techniques. sign in a matter of one year, the appliances and won a prize at a Formerly, this factory turned out design that was said to require national scientific and technical only several kinds of medical three years. exhibition of the public health appliances such as an appliance The technicians including Ri sector. Chief engineer Hwang for X-ray diagnosis, that for dis- Song Chan, chief of the technical Myong Song says: “This time we infection by high-pressure steam affairs department, developed are convinced that we will be and that for obtaining distilled the circuit, controlling devices able to succeed in whatever we water with a high degree of pu- and programs necessary for the do if we set a high goal and go for rity. Chief engineer Hwang Myong Song and some other technical personnel working at the factory drew up a plan to produce medical appliances for functional diagnosis that are able to diag- nose human diseases in time and correctly in keeping with developing realities. They include an instrument for the supersonic diagnosis of the abdomen, an electrocardiograph, an electroen- cephalograph, an electromyog- raph, etc. Even when making a single medical appliance, they set themselves a goal of making it up to date strictly in accordance with the constitutions of the Koreans and the international standards and decided on Researches are made steadily to improve technical performance of deepening their research work to electronic medical appliances. attain this goal. To ensure this end, the fac- operation of medical appliances it. In the future, we are going to tory formed technical forces with on their own, thus making it deepen our research work to the main stress on the technical possible to produce electronic lengthen the expected life span of affairs department and vigor- medical appliances on a high electronic medical appliances, ously pushed ahead with the degree of precision and scientific including the instrument for the work of solving scientific and accuracy. In addition, the techni- supersonic diagnosis of the abdo- technical problems arising in the cians developed in depth the men and to make these appli- production of medical appliances. research work for the examina- ances convenient in handling Development of electronic medi- tion of technical indices of newly- and ensure their accuracy as cal appliances, the first ever produced facilities. While visit- much as possible.” undertaking in the country, was ing many hospitals in Pyongyang The factory’s electronic medi- not an easy task as was said. and in local areas they conducted cal appliances enjoy favourable Technicians and workers had no clinical experiments on scores of comment at central and local experience in the manufacture of occasions and renewed technical hospitals, and the demand for medical appliances of this kind indices so that the appliances them is on the increase without and they were short of technical could compete in the interna- letup. skills pertaining to them. Before tional arena. anything else, designing was the The appliances produced at Jo Yong Il

14 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 Relying on Their Own Resources

AST APRIL THE PY- obstacles in planned production, disturb the enthusiastic en- L ongyang CVD Tools Devel- leading to great loss in the busi- deavour. Finally the company opment Company laid a marvel- ness. Now the managers, tech- built a workshop producing lous workshop with its own ef- nicians and researchers of the tungsten carbide powder which forts and techniques, which pro- company decided to erect a is of high purity and precision duces superfine materials workshop to produce tungsten size, followed by successful test needed for manufacture of hard carbide powder, which is the operation. The production of metal relying on domestic mate- material of hard metal tools. tungsten carbide powder, the rials. With the establishment of They were in high spirit. In main material of hard metal, by the new workshop the employees solving technical problems aris- feeding domestic materials is are more proud of their company. ing in manufacture and setup of now bringing a huge profit to Recalling the project, Ro Myong facilities, they solicited re- the company. This put the mod- Chol, chief of the materials researchers of relevant institutes ern processes of producing hard search department, says, “In the for their wise ideas and opin- metal and CVD tools on a secure past my company relied on for- ions. Thanks to their hard work footing. eign supply of materials in mak- different facilities and installa- According to Pak Chang ing hard metal tools. This made tions were set up successfully Nam, official in charge of pro- us spend a good portion of earn- one by one. In the course of the duction, the new workshop ings in obtaining the material.” construction there also hap- turns out tungsten carbide pow- The ban on the export of pened some failures like the one der much more than needed for materials in foreign countries a in the erection of the hydrogen the company’s annual consump- few years ago brought many generator, but they could hardly tion, so the surplus is intended for export. The cost of produc- CVD facilities the company has developed by itself. tion has fallen by more than half the past one that was based on imported material. Also the company has become able to make far better cutting tools and hard metal tools to be used in CNC machine tools and other kinds of machines. The company’s tools are enjoying great popularity among the users, and orders are streaming in.

Song Ryo Myong

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 15 Supreme Commander and Soldiers

OU AND SUPREME COMMANDER AND ing of a thriving nation as well as defender of the “Y the soldiers are all comrades working for the country, he dispatched military units to sites of revolution.” This is what Kim Jong Il often said to construction of large-scale power plants, highways, commanding officers of the Korean People’s Army large-scale land realignment and waterways, and to while leading the KPA as its Supreme Commander. agriculture, power, coal and other sectors of the His view was that the army of the national leader can national economy to carry out difficult and laborious be trained successfully only when the supreme com- jobs. mander and the officers and men of the army are To be worthy of his great trust and expectation, rather united with a sense of kinship than inter- the officers and men of the Korean People’s Army, twined by orders and instructions. A powerful means upholding the slogan of “Let us shoulder both na- of unity in this regard is ardent care for and trust in tional defence and socialist construction!” erected a the rank and file. Kim Jong Il regarded the soldiers lot of monumental edifices across the country and not from the point of military rank but from the view effected an upsurge in important sectors of the so- that they are his revolutionary comrades sharing the cialist construction such as coal mining, power gen- same idea and purpose; he showed warm comradely eration and agriculture even in the time of the care for and absolute trust in them and led them with “Arduous March” and the forced march. a kind heart. Kim Jong Il was always on the way of inspec- He put forward the KPA as the backbone of the tion of military units. His interest was not confined nation among others, with his absolute confidence to the military affairs. Seeing the soldiers as his in it. From the latter half of the 1990s Korea was children he took the burden of looking after them, faced with inconceivable hardships due to the im- training and leading them forward as his obligation. perialists’ policy of sanctions against the country. At Bearing the sense of duty he went on his way of the critical moment the national leader, working out inspection of the military units without interrup- a new cause of accomplishing Songun politics in an tion. His way led to wherever there were soldiers, to all-round way, put forward the KPA as the pillar be more concrete, to their bedrooms, steam-filled and the main driving force of the revolution. This kitchens, wash-cum-bath rooms, storehouses of food was an expression of his steadfast belief in the and other supplies and even to animal houses. Many army. Thanks to his trust, the army stood in the van legendary stories came into existence on the way: of the revolution and construction as the mainstay When he saw some soldiers having a meal in the of the nation and the main political force of the darkness he asked his driver to turn on the head- nation. When the soldiers were carrying out service light for the sake of the soldiers; true to his promise in the spirit of safeguarding the national leader he made to an ordinary couple whose children were resolutely, implementing the order of the leader at serving in the army at the front, he went to the front the cost of their lives and making a heroic sacrifice to see the soldiers and look after them kind- of themselves, Kim Jong Il called the spirit the heartedly like their parents, having photos taken revolutionary soldier spirit and made sure that the with them; once when he arrived at a unit early in entire nation emulated the spirit positively. He also the morning by travelling through the night, he inspired the army to play the role of the main driv- stayed outside for hours despite the cold wind lest ing force in the creation and construction as well as he should wake the soldiers. national defence. Holding that the army is creator of One day in January 2008 Kim Jong Il went to a the people’s happy life and shock force in the build- KPA unit. He looked in the hall dedicated to the show ►

16 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 ► of the unit’s history, and then stepped into the mess send a manifest message that he will adhere to hall. Seeing pickled vegetables like radish, garlic Songun politics of Chairman Kim Jong Il. Mean- and cucumber, he told the officers to replenish salt while, it hints at his mode of work. in time for the soldiers as they shed much sweat in Kim Jong Un shares warm feelings of frater- training, saying that providing them with pickled nity with the soldiers by mixing himself with them vegetables is as important as giving them meat. the way Kim Jong Il did. One sultry summer day When he was looking into a bean storeroom, he last year Kim Jong Un went to see a women’s wore a broad smile with a hand on a pile of bean coast artillery company which was well known sacks, saying he was pleased to see sacks of beans across the nation as Persimmon Tree Company. It in piles. was closely associated with the leadership of One early morning Kim Jong Il visited a KPA President Kim Il Sung and Chairman unit. After giving important instructions regard- Kim Jong Il. Looking into different places of the ing combat preparations, he said he wanted to see company, he said that he would feel warm-hearted soldiers asleep in bed at least, if not allowed to simply at the mentioning of the Persimmon Tree meet them as it was early in the morning. “I al- Company. He showed meticulous care for the sol- ways keep them in my mind,” he said, heading for diers at every place of the company he dropped in. the barracks. In the barracks the soldiers were Understanding the soldiers’ reluctance to bid fare- fast asleep. Some of them were without any blan- well, he asked each of them to come up to him to ket over them, which were thrown off, and others have a photo taken. were with their legs and arms overlapped, and When he visited the Jangjaedo Defending Unit still others were even snoring. Having seen the and the Hero Mudo Defending Unit of the KPA in soldiers for a good while, Kim Jong Il told his early September last he looked round the newly accompanying officers to go out lest they should built barracks, wash-cum-bath rooms, and the awake them. Outside the barracks he said with a mess halls. Hearing that the soldiers on the islets bright smile that he felt as if he had been relieved were happy to have barracks better than their of all his fatigues to see the soldiers in sound houses in their home towns and villages and have sleep. This is one of the many stories woven about all living conditions arranged comfortably at the the kinship relations between the supreme highest possible level, and that the soldiers on the commander and his soldiers. Thanks to his warm land were envious of the soldiers on the islet posts, care for the soldiers the whole army has developed Kim Jong Un was more than satisfied. Looking into a single-hearted entity based on the revolu- round the newly built dwellings for the local offi- tionary comradeship between the supreme com- cers’ families, he praised they were well built and mander and the rank and file. advised that the officers’ families should move in as Kim Jong Il’s idea and leadership are now soon as possible to enjoy a happy life. When he was being successfully maintained by Supreme leaving Jangjae Islet, the soldiers and their family Commander Kim Jong Un of the Korean People’s members jumped into the sea water shedding tears Army. Early last year the American AP news of thanks. Now the Supreme Commander got off agency reported to the following effect: After the the boat and asked them to come out of the water. passing of Chairman Kim Jong Il the new na- “I won’t leave until you are all out of water,” he tional leader Kim Jong Un inspected Seoul Ryu said, and told officers to issue an order to come out Kyong Su Guards 105th Tank Division. He sent of the water. He got aboard again only after all the smiling greetings to the soldiers and gave them soldiers were out of the water. warm applause. He drew some officers up to him Kim Jong Un’s warm care is encouraging the and told them something close up to their ears. KPA officers and men to be loyal to their duty in Despite the tight schedule of military inspection, he national defence and the building of a thriving looked round the beds of soldiers, and went so far as socialist nation. to turn a water tap to see if they had enough supply of water. His visit to the tank division purports to Sim Chol Yong

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 17 Faithful to Songun Idea

ONGUN IS A PROUD TRADITION OF THE ple’s Republic of Korea adopted the Socialist Consti- S Korean revolution which was pioneered tution that embodies the idea and principles of the by President Kim Il Sung and led by him and Songun revolution and established a new state ad- Chairman Kim Jong Il and the banner of victory ministration structure, whose backbone is the Na- and glory. tional Defence Commission, and led all state affairs In his talk, titled Let Us Add Eternal Brilliance to to be conducted on the principle of giving precedence Comrade Kim Jong Il’s Great Idea and Achieve- to military affairs. ments of the Songun Revolution, given to the Work- He formulated, systematized and developed the ers’ Party of Korea’s organ Rodong Sinmun and the idea of the Songun revolution, an idea of giving im- Korean People’s Army’s organ Joson Inmingun to portance and precedence to military affairs in imple- mark the Day of Songun on August 25, 2013, the menting the masses’ cause of independence, the so- supreme national leader Kim Jong Un said: cialist cause, and pushing ahead with the overall revolution and construction with the revolutionary “[Kim Jong Il’s] visit to Seoul Ryu Kyong Su army as the core force. Guards 105th Tank Division of the KPA on August His idea of the Songun revolution throws a fresh 25, 1960 was a historic event that proclaimed his light on the political theory that Songun politics is succession of the cause of the Songun revolution and the most powerful mode of politics and the basic the start of his Songun-based leadership. Songun mode of socialist politics. was [his] revolutionary idea, his practice in the revo- Kim Jong Il elucidated for the first time in his- lution, his political ideal and his political mode.” During the long period spanning more than half a tory that socialist politics for fully realizing the inde- century from the day when he started his leadership pendent demands and interests of the masses should be Songun politics that gives importance and prece- of the Songun revolution, Kim Jong Il visited one dence to military affairs, and formulated Songun KPA unit after another, strengthening the army to politics as the basic mode of socialist politics. be an invincible revolutionary army, and victoriously His Songun idea is a revolutionary idea and the- led the revolution and construction by force of ory which embodies a thoroughgoing anti- Songun. imperialist, independent stand and the spirit of en- Regarding the strengthening of the KPA as the nobling love of the country, nation and people and most important of affairs in the Songun revolution, which is based on an iron faith and willpower. he raised the KPA as the buttress, the main force, of Songun, a new term in our era, is credited to the revolution and achieved the historic victory in the Kim Jong Il who, taking full responsibility for the grim anti-imperialist, anti-US showdown in defence of the country’s security and socialism by training destiny and future of the country and people amid the KPA to be the army of the national leader long-drawn-out, sharp confrontation with an imperi- boundlessly faithful to the cause of the Workers’ alist power, solved all problems in the Korean way Party of Korea, to be an invincible revolutionary and in conformity with the demands and interests of army. He defined the spirit of defending the national the Korean people. Thanks to the idea of the Songun leader resolutely, the spirit of implementing his in- revolution the Korean people have defended the dig- structions at any cost and the self-sacrificing spirit nity of the country, independence of the people and displayed by the service personnel as a revolutionary gains of socialism with credit and opened the way for spirit symbolic and representative of the Songun era, the prosperity of the country and rosy future of the as the revolutionary soldier spirit, and led all the nation by their own strength, that is, by force of service personnel and people to live and struggle in arms. that spirit, thus ensuring that a great turn and Kim Jong Il safeguarded with honour the Juche- changes were brought about in all sectors of the oriented socialism, which President Kim Il Sung revolution and construction. had established, and assured the solid continuity of He saw to it that the First Session of the Tenth the revolutionary cause of Juche, the revolutionary Supreme People’s Assembly of the Democratic Peo- cause of Songun, by dint of his leadership of the ►

18 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 Parental Affection

NE DAY IN AUGUST 2001 KIM JONG IL away from their parents’ care and have little train- O visited a recruit training company. He saw the ing, they might miss their home more sorely than recruits’ simple artistic performance in the com- others. If you don’t take good care of their life, they pany’s education room and dropped in at the dining might not be loyal to military service for home- hall, the kitchen and the storehouse for subsidiary sickness.” foods. Marvelling at the stacks of materials for sub- The Chairman instructed earnestly that the offi- sidiary foods he expressed his satisfaction, saying cers take good care of the recruits with parental af- that they had everything in the storehouse. fection so that they become attached to the company Noticing the sacks of soybean he asked how life and used to military service. much soybean the company had produced and what The company commander told himself inwardly, kind of dish they made from the soybean. Hearing “How warm-hearted he is! He looks like the soldiers’ an answer that they made soybean malt to prepare father.” bean paste for soup and often made Piji for the sol- Before leaving the company, the Chairman had diers, Kim Jong Il looked happy. Now understand- a photo taken with the recruits. His care for the ing the day’s menu, he said: “You should look after soldiers was as warm as the parents’ for their chil- the recruits well. As they have just joined the army dren.

► Songun revolution. Kim Jong Il effected a fresh turn in the struggle Under his energetic guidance, the KPA developed for independent reunification of the country and into a vanguard detachment which regards defend- firmly defended global peace and security on the ing the national leader resolutely as its lifeblood and strength of his leadership of the Songun revolution. takes the lead in implementing the orders of its He ushered in the June 15 era of reunification “By Supreme Commander at all costs, and into a trail- our nation itself,” provided a precious asset for re- blazer in the struggle to accomplish the cause of the unification of the country and the common prosperity Songun revolution. A forceful drive was waged to of the nation and safeguarded peace in Asia and the make the defence industry Juche-oriented, modern rest of the world by smashing the imperialists’ unin- and IT-based, enabling the nation to produce any terrupted schemes to unleash a war. sophisticated military equipment as it wishes by His idea and achievements of the Songun revolu- relying on its own effort and technology. tion are now faithfully carried forward by Kim Jong Il laid firm material and technological Kim Jong Un. The idea of the Songun revolution is foundations for the building of a thriving socialist a great guideline of the Korean revolution and country. Under his leadership a grand plan for Kim Jong Il’s successful Songun-based leadership is building a prosperous country was unfolded during a motive force for victory. the days of the “Arduous March” and forced march, Kim Jong Un manifested on several occasions when the revolution was undergoing grim trials, and his unshakeable faith and unbreakable will to carry an energetic movement of creating fresh miracles forward and accomplish the revolutionary cause of and innovations swept across the country. Fierce Juche, invariably holding aloft the banner of Songun. flames of the industrial revolution in the new century He is wisely leading the Korean people in their flared up ushering in the era of the knowledge-based struggle to invariably follow the road of Songun, the economy, monumental structures representative of road of independence and the road of socialism that the era were built in all parts of the country and Kim Jong Il traversed all his life, translate his in- model works of Songun culture were created in large structions into reality and accomplish the revolu- numbers. What the service personnel and people tionary cause of Juche or the cause of Songun, with created in the Songun era under his guidance consti- credit. tutes a valuable asset for the prosperity of Kim Il Sung’s nation and Kim Jong Il’s Korea. Yom Song Hui

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 19 Chima and Jogori Permeated with Lofty Wish

are permeated with the noble jogori of purple colour and chima spirit and soul of the Korean of navy-blue colour. When she women and with their pure sen- found a little maid who, affected timent and emotions. However, with a fever, was abandoned in a they could not but be a symbol of forlorn shack, she wrapped up misfortune to the ruined Korean the girl in her own skirt unhesi- people who were deprived of tatingly and saved her from their country by the Japanese death with her utmost sincerity. And when she had a talk with imperialists. Hundreds of thou- those women who were lament- sands of Korean women were ing over their unfortunate taken away as the comfort status, she inspired them with a women of the former Japanese hope of good luck, telling them army and their chastity was about a story of the lodestar violated mercilessly; Japanese shining high over Mt. Paektu. As police pounced upon Korean she considered the protection of women in groups and rent to General Kim Il Sung with her pieces their chima and jogori very life to be her lifelong cause, with scissors on the pretext that she kept herself neat and trim as N OCTOBER LAST YEAR A they would not wear the dress commander in charge of his I mosaic providing a vivid de- indicative of the lowest social guard whether she was in mili- piction of the image of status in Japan. How can we put tary uniform or in chima and Kim Jong Suk, the anti-Japanese these miserable plights into jogori. war heroine, was erected at words! One day in mid-February Kim Il Sung Military Univer- On the day of my wedding 1946, the year after national sity on the occasion of the 60th that came only once in my life, I, liberation, Kim Il Sung, sitting anniversary of its founding. The living in China in those days, together with officials in the picture of Kim Jong Suk stand- had to suffer the sorrow of wear- sector of information in his resi- ing on the shore of Lake Samji, ing a Chinese national dress, dence till late at night, was giv- dressed in simple chima (Korean instead of wearing chima of deep ing instructions pertaining to skirt) and jogori (Korean jacket red colour and jogori of green the broadcasting service. for women), looked quite impor- colour and embellishing myself Kim Jong Suk was also present tant to me. All her life she, at- with “seven treasures” in accor- there, serving them tea. Sud- tired in military uniform or in dance with a custom peculiar to denly, a shot came into hearing chima and jogori, exerted herself the Korean nation. As she had from somewhere around. Then to let the people of this country, experienced the sadness and the light went out and every- the members of this nation, know thing went black in the room. At resentment of a ruined nation to who the saviour of their fate and that moment someone rushed the marrow from her childhood, the leader of their nation was forward like a gust of wind, tak- Kim Jong Suk took part in the and kindly led them to uphold ing a Mauser in hand, and stood the lodestar of great national anti-Japanese war led by in the doorway to block it up. It unity forever. Though I never General Kim Il Sung in her was Kim Jong Suk. With her met her, her great wish, reflected teens, filled with firm conviction body she held back Kim Il Sung in her modest and simple Korean that the General, the sun of the who was wishing to get out of the dress, is quite alive in my mem- nation, alone would be able to room and know what had hap- ory. Now I am going to write save our country and nation. On pened outside, and told him in a something, unable to repress the way of the bloody struggle resolute tone: “On no account you strong emotions. she became his closest comrade are allowed to do so. You can and woman commander of Mt. never step out of here. This is the 1 Paektu whose name was enough demand of the guards.” Her to make Japs tremble with fear manner was so resolute that it Chima and jogori are not when they heard of it. was enough to remind me of a simple dress. They are associ- The dress she wore when she mighty fortress. ated with the long history and came to Taoqianli for the first She was attired in Korean culture of the Korean nation time to carry out the mission of dress with a bright smile on her spanning over 5 000 years and underground political work was face when she exchanged her ►

20 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 ► first greetings with the people in liberation from Japanese mili- and jogori are associated with the homeland after the country’s tary occupation. When the her pure and ardent desire to liberation and when she was women representatives to the see the day when the country exerting herself to bring the line conference arrived in Pyongyang, would be reunified and the peo- of building a new Korea put for- she saw to it that chima and ple would be well off. I should ward by Kim Il Sung home to jogori for women representatives like to say that her chima and many workers and peasants, totaling more than 20 were made jogori are the most beautiful, travelling across the country. On in all sincerity overnight with the most expensive, the most the day of the historic first elec- good materials to suit their age graceful and the best in the tion, at the first parade of our and taste, saying that if the world. army and in the hall of the open- women representatives wore Many years had glided by ing ceremony of the Pyongyang Korean dress peculiar to the since then. However, without Institute, her unforgettable ap- nation it would be well suited to forgetting his mother even a pearance was that she was al- the atmosphere of the conference moment, Kim Jong Il showed ways dressed in chima and and would be good for the na- our people and all our fellow- jogori. The chima worn by tional conference. Koreans the sincerity he had Kim Jong Suk was, indeed, a Reflected in every suit of failed to manifest to his mother. “great sea” that embraced all Korean dress was the great trust He sent costly silk chima and fellow Koreans with warm feel- and expectation of Kim Jong Suk jogori and various birthday gifts ings and affection though it was who hoped that the Korean to the anti-Japanese war women not broad. women who had been formerly veterans, the women who had groaning under feudal subordi- participated in artistic contests 2 nation and fetter would band of wives of military personnel together as one on the road of and even to ordinary women who Chairman of the DPRK working for the great cause of had experienced the sorrow of National Defence Commission the nation and would vigorously living in alien lands like me. Kim Jong Il told officials one turn one of the two wheels for the Our national leader September night that fell on an sacred work of national reunifi- Kim Jong Un saw to it that a anniversary of his mother cation. All her life she made so mosaic picture of Kim Jong Suk Kim Jong Suk’s death that no many clothes for revolutionary standing on the shore of Lake one had probably wished for comrades and people and went Samji, dressed in chima and national reunification as ar- through indescribable hardships, jogori, was set up at dently as her. He recalled: Dur- but she had not a single suit of Kim Il Sung Military Univer- ing their call on my mother, anti- new dress for herself. To our sity. I think that this reflects his Japanese war veterans earnestly great sorrow she passed away adamant will and firm determi- asked her to have a suit of dress when she was too young. On top nation to realize without fail the at least now that they had their of that in her wardrobes there lofty wish of the great persons of own territory, power and wealth, was not even a single new dress Mt. Paektu by defending the unlike the days when they were to be put on her. Upon learning immortal exploits of active in Mt. Paektu. My mother this anti-Japanese war women Kim Jong Suk who creditably reasoned with them, saying, veterans wailed and mourned ensured the succession of the “When all our fellow-countrymen over her death more bitterly. Songun revolution, the succes- are better clothed and enjoy a Saving others by sacrificing sion of the cause of guarding the more comfortable life, let all of us oneself is the beautiful virtue of national leader resolutely, wear- live in plenty, dressed in silks.” human beings asserted by our ing military uniform of woman Immediately after national religion of Chondogyo. This vir- commander of Mt. Paektu or in liberation Ryo Un Hyong, a poli- tue is a fundamental thing to be chima and jogori loved by the tician active in south Korea, done not only by our religion of Korean women in her lifetime. came to Pyongyang and made a Chondogyo but also by every Coming near is the day when call at Kim Il Sung’s residence. human being. That is why the all the 70 million Koreans will It is said that at that time history of mankind and the his- enjoy happiness and comfort he could not recognize tory of religion bestow praise under the leadership of the su- Kim Jong Suk right away who forever on those who sacrificed preme leader Kim Jong Un in a greeted him in a modest way themselves for others, calling reunified, powerful state as while doing housework, dressed them saints. But history does wished by the great persons of in plain cotton chima and jogori not know yet such a saint as Mt. Paektu. All our people are and with rubber shoes on. He Kim Jong Suk who dedicated now filled with confidence in thought she was a “domestic her passion, spirit and whatever victory and our future is bright. servant” in the residence. she had only for the sake of her It happened on the eve of a country and people. She con- Ryu Mi Yong, national conference in which sumed her energy solely for Chairwoman of the representatives from the north Kim Il Sung and the people all Central Committee and the south would sit together her life without seeking her of the Chondoist for the first time after Korea’s personal comfort. Her chima Chongu Party

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 21 Images of Gold Medalists

PRK ATHLETES PERFORMED WELL AT DPRK record in the snatch in men’s 50 kg category of D the 2013 Asian Weightlifting Championships weightlifting at the 2007 DPRK junior champion- held in Kazakhstan on June 21-25 last year and the ships and took first place in total. He also won men’s 2013 Asian Cup & Inter-club Junior and Senior 56 kg category in the 2011 world junior champion- Weightlifting Championships in Pyongyang in Sep- ships. Last year he set a new Olympic record in the tember last year. Among them were Om Yun Chol jerk in men’s 56 kg category of weightlifting at the and Ryang Chun Hwa. 30th Olympic Games by lifting 168 kg, which is three times heavier than his own weight, and thus took Man of iron will first place by lifting a total of 293 kg. Yun Chol set a world record this year by jerking up 169 kg in his Om’s coach and friends say he is a born weight- category at the Asian Cup & Inter-club Junior and lifter and that he is going steady with will and Senior Weightlifting Championships. weightlifting. He makes exact demands on himself in training and has a good skill of controlling his feel- The breakthrough maker ings. He was born in Chongjin City, North Hamgyong Province, as son of a worker of the Chongjin Fishing Mounting the platform of the 2013 Asian Weight- Station. From his childhood he was fond of sport. lifting Championships on the first day, Ryang Chun When he was ten years old, he began to learn Hwa felt rather uneasy as she was the first of her weightlifting at the juvenile sports school in Sunam team to launch into the match. Recalling that day she District, Chongjin. His attachment to weightlifting says, “When I grasped the barbell, I felt a strong and his cheerful and tenacious disposition drove him sense of responsibility. I knew what effect my record to be a promising weightlifter. He repeated move- will have upon my people’s psychology.” She, how- ments for hundreds of times to master a basic skill, ever, bagged the gold medal in women’s 48 kg cate- and often trained all night to develop a perfect gory, the first medal for her team at the champion- movement. When he was 14 he joined the Amnok- ships. Earlier, she had taken third place in the gang Sports Team, in which he grew up as a compe- weightlifting event of women’s 48 kg category in the tent athlete both mentally and physically. Of course, East Asian Games in 2009 and second place in the he had hard times more often than not. Can I become weightlifting event of women’s 48 kg category at the a weightlifting star? He often asked himself, when he 26th Universiad in 2011. remembered his neighbours who had asked him to To a journalist’s question of what she had thought bring honour to the motherland by winning gold at the moment of lifting the barbell she answered: “I medals, seeing him off when he left his seaside vil- thought that the honour of my country rests on the lage. I’ll have my national flag flutter high in the sky barbell I had to lift.” She took first place in total in without fail. Such a determination encouraged him to the women’s 48 kg category at the 2013 Asian Cup & buckle down to training. Inter-club Junior and Senior Weightlifting His effort paid off. When he was 17 he set a new Championships.

22 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 Om Yun Chol sets a new world record in the jerk in men’s 56 kg category at the 2013 Asian Cup & Inter-club Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships and wins his category in total.

Ryang Chun Hwa wins women’s 48 kg category in total at the 2013 Asian Cup & Inter-club Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships.

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 23 Sport Brings Life to the Disabled

HE 2013 TABLE TENNIS qualified at preliminaries from public interest. I should say it is T Tournament of the Disabled across the country. One of the really a great success that dis- and Amateur Players took place highlights in the tournament was abled persons who used to confine in Pyongyang. The tournament, the doubles events of the disabled themselves in the barrier of their which was sponsored by the Ko- and amateurs. own life for fear of disability, have rean Sports Association of the Ri Pun Hui, secretary of the come into the active life of human Disabled for the fourth time, drew association, says, “It isn’t for their beings, rising above their physi- disabled persons and amateurs high skills that the matches drew cal disadvantages.” Ri is a former ►

Participants in the Paralympics.

24 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 ► winner of the ITTF World Cham- pionships. Now she has been working for the association since its foundation in January 2010. When people asked her why she was going to work with the disabled, she replied that the disabled also have responsibility to live a worthwhile life with joy. A periodical once introduced Ri as woman living a third life. The association was admitted into the International Paralym- pic Committee as associate member at its 15th general meeting. Ri is exerting herself to energize the More and more disabled people launch into sporting activities. association. By virtue of her efforts the disabled people are pro- reservation: “Now I have a goal to my house to alleviate my desire vided with opportunities to make live for. I believe I can do some- to go out to play. As I grew up I public appearances. For example, thing for society, and I know I realized that I could hardly play Rim Ju Song, 18, took part in the will do it without fail.” table tennis amidst the enthusi- swimming event of the Paralym- Im Myong Ho, 38, in Sinuiju astic cheers. And I fell in agony. pics held in August last year. City, North Phyongan Province, But today I’ve fulfilled my dream, When he had lost one of his arms was crippled in one leg by polio and words fail me. This time I and legs in an accident at the age when he was three. He, however, came second, but I’ll train hard to of six, smiles and hopes disap- challenged the 2013 table tennis win the prize next time. To be peared from him. But when he tournament and won second frank, I hope I will win an inter- took third place in the match he place. He says, “When I was national game by strenuous proudly said to people with a young, my parents helped me training and have our national smile on his face and without any play table tennis in the yard of flag rise high up.” Many disabled people around The members of the Korean Sports Association of the Disabled are engaged in different programmes. the country are launching into sporting activities such as swimming and table tennis. In accordance with the condition the association is mapping out training plans according to their physical conditions and takes proper measures to implement them. Meanwhile, volunteers are increasing in number amid the growing public concern for the disabled. The disabled’s sphere of activity is expanding day by day.

An Song Duk

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 25 Land of Popular Policies

HE MAGNIFICENT CELE- Party of Korea and follow it to Noteworthy in this respect T brations of the 65th founding the end. This is thanks to the fact are the policies now in force in anniversary of the Democratic that the Party and the govern- the country. Universal free People’s Republic of Korea in ment have worked out and im- medical service was introduced September last were a clear plemented popular policies on on January 1, 1953, when the demonstration of the Korean the principle of championing the country was engaged in the Fa- people’s determination to have people’s demand and interests therland Liberation War. The absolute trust in the Workers’ faithfully. level of the medical service grew considerably with the adoption of a law on complete, universal free medical service at the 7th session of the 2nd Supreme People’s Assembly in 1960. Ubiquitous all around the country are clinics and hospitals, and the section doctor system is in operation to look after all the inhabitants. The Korean people are provided free of charge with all services for medical examination, experi- ►

Scientists and technicians move to new apartments given by the state free of charge in Septem- ber 2013.

26 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013

Students learn advanced technology under the state’s free education system.

► mental tests, drugs, hospitaliza- sory primary education was the nation’s universal compul- tion, diagnosis, treatment, travel planned to come into effect on sory free education is all- to and from sanatoria, medical September 1, 1950, but it was inclusive, comprehensive and checkup and consultation, vacci- realized in August 1956 due to full-scale. Thanks to such an nation and other preventive the Korean war started by the educational system powerful measures, and even prosthesis. US imperialists. The 6th session scientific and technological These free services are equally of the 3rd Supreme People’s As- forces have grown up capable given to all people, irrespective of sembly held in November 1966 enough to manufacture and sex, age, occupation, residence, proclaimed the law on enforcing launch artificial earth satellites and the quantity and quality of a universal 9-year compulsory and develop CNC technology the labour done. Recently a dy- technical education from April with the nation’s own efforts and namic effort has been under way 1967. Then, in April 1975 the 5th resources. to improve the hygienic quality session of the 5th Supreme Peo- Korea builds apartments at and modernization of health ple’s Assembly decided to change state expenses and provides service; telemedicine-based sur- over to an 11-year compulsory them to the people for free. A gery support system and other education completely across the typical example is that modern latest medical achievements country from September 1, 1975. apartment blocks were built in have been widely introduced, The Supreme People’s Assembly suburban Pyongyang this year putting the medical service on a ordinance on introducing a uni- for more than 1 000 families and higher level. versal 12-year compulsory edu- were given to scientists for noth- The country has steadily de- cation was proclaimed last year ing in September last. Popular veloped the universal compul- at the 6th session of the 12th SPA, policies include the social insur- sory free education system under which is in force in an all-round ance and social security systems a legal guarantee. The 4th session way. based on state and public ex- of the DPRK Supreme People’s To say nothing of the school- penses. Such policies are growing Assembly adopted the Law on ing, all other forms of education in kind year after year sustained the Introduction of the Universal including public education and by legal guarantees. Compulsory Primary Education the study-while-working system in September 1949. The compul- are given at state expenses, so Paek Sol Song

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 27 Korea—One Big Family

Kim Hyon Hwan, head of the Independent Idea Institute in the United States (Continued from the last issue)

Home of the People and Big, Harmonious Family in the flesh the imperialists have been opposed to north Korea century after century. This savage his- HERE ARE MANY POLITICIANS AROUND tory spans nearly 70 years. T the world styling themselves as servants for the Chairman Kim Jong Il safeguarded the people’s people and most national leaders seeking for the home against the ceaseless, vicious moves of the harmony and unity of society. If there is any who has imperialists to encircle and stifle the country. The translated it into reality, he or she deserves to be Chairman devoted his all to the people until the last called God of miracles in this regard. Yet President moment of his life holding the imperialists in check Kim Il Sung, who performed such a miracle, held by means of Songun politics, and there are numerous that his God is the people. By this he meant the peo- anecdotes of the Chairman’s affection for the people. ple are the lord of creation. Common people were In his lifetime he once said that his whole life could always there in the history of humankind, but no one be summarized by only one word people. The idea of could ever put them forward as masters of their des- “The people are my God,” which gives priority to the tiny or make a complex society into one big family. people’s interests above all things, is the cherished President Kim Il Sung wrote in his reminis- viewpoint and maxim of the successive leaders of cences With the Century Vol. 1: “‘The people are my north Korea. God’ has been my constant view and motto. The My people are the best in the world; Make tireless principle of Juche, which calls for drawing on the efforts for the good of the people; The people are my strength of the masses who are the masters of the God; Everything for the people and everything by revolution and construction, is my political creed. relying on them!—these statements consist in the This has been the axiom that has led me to devote my viewpoint of giving priority and affection to the peo- whole life to the people.” ple, maintained by Kim Jong Un, First Chairman of It was the President’s maxim in his life and the DPRK National Defence Commission. His per- struggle that when you believe in the people and rely sonality of infinite benevolence and high moral on them at all times you shall always emerge victori- ground attract the people giving them tender and ous but that when you are forsaken by them, you will warm feelings. Whenever he meets people and sol- always fail. Guided by this maxim the President built diers and takes a photo session with them, he poses the first home of the people in the world, that is, the with them arm in arm and shoulder to shoulder. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The US im- Whenever he meets children he hugs them warmly perialists and 15 of its vassal states, south Korean and is reluctant to let them go. When he was leaving puppet army and the Japanese militarist forces Jangjae and Mu islets after inspecting them, he was started the Korean war on June 25, 1950 to demolish tearful as he was waving his hand for a long time on the DPRK. However, the President firmly defended a rocking small wooden boat, asking the soldiers and the people’s home against all the odds and success- officers’ families to go back home out of the waist- fully made it far better. The spiritual mainstay of deep sea water. This scene touched the people’s north Korea is independence. Regarding it as thorn heartstring and moved the world. That scene re- ►

28 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 ► minded them of a true image of the mother. paradise which gives eternal happiness to the people. Such motherly care is more evident in the letters The army and the people of the north respect their between the national leader and the people, often leader as the sun. This context is referred to as har- posted on the newspaper Rodong Sinmun of north monious whole or big family. Compulsory 12-year Korea. In December last year I was very surprised education is given for nothing, students receive when I heard from a friend of mine living in Japan scholarship, and the people take medical treatment that Kim Jong Un had written an answer to the free of charge and are given new apartments for free. letter from a naturalized Japanese woman who had This is the real image of north Korea. an unacceptable record of life. He wrote that mothers Last year a foreigner visited a worker’s family feel sorry for their children’s pain more sorely than living in a new apartment in Changjon Street, Py- anyone else, that they look after the children more ongyang. He asked the host how much his flat’s floor carefully than anyone else while unhesitatingly giv- space was and how much the price of the flat was. ing flesh and blood to them, that it is their psychol- The second question was quite a baffling one, for few ogy to feel happy to see their children get along well people know it in the north, because the state gives and regard it as life’s luck that cannot be bartered for housing free of charge. It was an unheard-of story in anything, and that the people call the Workers’ Party any other countries. After his return home the for- of Korea “mother.” eigner said to his friends: To people in a capitalist You can hardly fathom the depth of the love and country it sounds like a dreamlike mystery. Such trust shown in the leader’s autographic messages. things are daily occurrences in north Korea, and His care for the national community is as good as the unfamiliar to other countries that can hardly take one of parents with many children. Though he is busy after or imitate the north. with state affairs he reads letters from all people, North Korea, which regards the people as God whether they are from a kindergartner or an elderly and subordinates everything to their service, is a man, and writes his replies to them. This is a specific model human society that others should follow, and practice in north Korea. Once a poet claimed that an earthly paradise of the people. The country, man can live if he has mother and the sunshine on though short of material wellbeing, is alive with pure earth. The north Korean people call the Workers’ humanity and mutual care and good neighbourhood Party of Korea mother and its loving care sunshine. sustained by laudable virtues worthy of man. In the Through articles carried by Rodong Sinmun and first ideal society of humanity the national leader videos posted on Internet pages I see the people and the people are related as kith and kin. Most faithfully supporting their leader while singing of his families have scrolls hung on the wall like an essen- care as that of the Party and mother. And I dare say tial. They are written with the sentence “Everything the bond between the leader and the nation sur- goes well in a harmonious family” which comes from passes that of kinsfolk and that even nuclear bombs the President’s reminiscences. As it implies there is cannot break this kind of ties. not a shadow of doubt that everything in the harmo- Indeed, the relationship between the leader and nious society will go well in whatever ordeals and the people reminds us of celebrated pictures pro- hardships duced by complete painters. Endowed with out- Harmony is a long-cherished hope of each family, standing personalities unprecedented in history, the and it is a miracle that it has been applied into the national leader is maintaining the tradition of the state politics of north Korea, not limited in home popular leadership whereby he regards the people as affairs. God; so the north Korean community is an earthly (To be continued)

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 29 A Clinical Medicine Researcher’s Hobby

OLLECTING POSTAGE STAMPS IS AN C important part of the life to Kim Hyon Nam, researcher of the circulation department of the clinical medicine institute of Kim Man Yu Hospital. He began to collect stamps when he was young. Seven- teen years ago when he was attending Pyongyang Medical College of Kim Il Sung University (the Pyongyang University of Medicine at the time), he heard that a stamp exhibition was open on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the issuing of the first postage stamp in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. He went to the exhibition in a hurry. There he had an understanding of the nation’s history easily, viewing the stamps, including the nation’s first stamps titled “Samsonam” and “Mugunghwa.” Kim Kim Hyon Nam and his son discuss what to recalls, “I was strongly impressed at the display. present to a stamp exhibition. Each of the stamps carries the history and culture of the nation. I knew they were more than important. spiritual wealth in life. A rich spiritual enjoyment is And I felt an urge to join the exhibition.” a source of attachment to your life and a source of In reality he presented his work to the stamp enthusiastic exertion.” exhibition the next year. Titled “The New History of A man of medical science who has written a Land Development,” his collection of stamps was number of medical books including “Recipe of Good highly praised for its new idea of showing the sys- Health and Recuperation,” and produced many in- tematic development of the land in the country. For ventions and new conceptions for medical develop- the next exhibition he prepared what was titled ment, he takes pride in his gathering of stamps. “Korean-style Roof and Its Formative Art” which Stamps provide a happy sentiment to his family dealt with the architecture of Korea. It took him as as well. His son, attending the Pyongyang Ryong- many as six months to make the album, delving into wang Senior Middle School, also likes collecting the world of architecture. In the work he presented a stamps. He presented his first collection of stamps, vivid show of the origin and the process of develop- titled “Flying Motorcar,” to a stamp exhibition when ment of the Korean-style roof and the difference be- he was 12. Based on personification, it was a won- tween the Korean-style roof and foreign ones. The derful show of the children’s mentality, so drawing a most interesting work of his was “The Eagle” which great attraction from the public. dealt with the materials of how the airplane, code- Kim Hyon Nam says, “I gave him a stamp album named “Eagle in the Sky,” was manufactured by for a birthday gift on his second birthday, which applying the principle and properties of free flight at contained some stamps of automobiles. Probably that a high altitude. It well shows how the planes de- was the stimulation of my son’s production of ‘Flying fended the aerial territory of the nation securely Motorcar’.” during the Fatherland Liberation War and in the Having a great liking for literature and painting following years. As the work gives a good combina- from his childhood, Kim enjoys painting together tion of the natural bird’s features and the patriotic with his son on holidays or in spare time. While spirit of the Korean people, it left a deep impression making a picture he thinks of what to produce for a on the mind of the visitors. coming stamp exhibition. Many stamp fans and col- Over the years a lot of stamps were put in his lectors call on him at home or phone him asking for store and his creative ability grew day by day, mak- his help. ing him possessed of knowledge of diversified areas. Kim says, “I like it very much when little collec- He is often asked, “You must be busy with your tors come to see me, and sometimes offer my stamps treatment and research, and have little time to col- to them. When they are happy with them, I feel lect stamps and prepare for the stamp exhibitions. happy myself. Stamp collection nurtures patriotism Aren’t you tired?” as well as a good hobby, I say.” Kim answers, “Collecting stamps is a pleasant activity that brings you sentimental happiness and Rim Ok

30 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 Doctor Couple

OOK OVER THERE. THE DOCTOR COUPLE “L is returning home together this evening, too.” Someone called out to the neighbours in Neighbour- hood Unit No. 83, Phalgol-dong No. 2, Mangyongdae District, Pyongyang. The couple was having a heated argument, making energetic gestures, though their eyes were sharing mutual loving care. The husband was making assertions while the wife was listening with attention like a naïve student. Marvelling at them I felt an urge to have a look in their world of academic studies even on the road of return home. Now I knew they were Kang Tok Gil, who is a section chief at Kim Il Sung University, and Jong Kyong Sun, who is a department chief of Pyongyang Medical College of Kim Il Sung University. Both of them learned at Kim Il Sung University. The wife majored in history while the husband studied natural sciences, particularly a domain of phys- ics. They met at an oratorical meeting in 1980, one Doctor Jong Kyong Sun (centre), department head month before they finished university. At the forum of Pyongyang Medical College of Kim Il Sung Kang spoke vehemently about his ambition relating University. to the world development of science. Jong also ad- dressed the meeting, calling on the students to sub- merge themselves in real practice and train them- dren, the country was going through a hard time. She selves as revolutionary personnel of real ability as was always busy, both at university and at home. demanded by the country and the nation. Her ad- Her husband was mostly away from home, engaging dress sounded particularly moving to Kang. He was himself in important projects of automatic control at attracted by the girl’s honest mind coupled with a different places. Jong recalls she nearly fell from sense of her mission before the time. With this the exhaustion. One day she betrayed to her husband two became friendly, and their relation grew deep. what she had in her mind, saying, “I’m afraid I’m After university the girl worked as lecturer at the going to look after the family alone at home.” then Pyongyang University of Medicine. Though Kang, who had already received the doctorate five busy she often called on Kang at his university, years before in his thirties, said apologetically, “I’m bringing him reference books helpful to his research. sorry I haven’t helped you sincerely, looking after my Years later they got married, pledging to become a own work. By the way, I feel as if I were talking to a couple of doctors by solving problems of crucial im- woman quite different from who you used to be. You portance in developing the country and thus have a should continue to teach at university and finish your laudable life. doctorate paper.” The pledge, however, was not easy to keep. In Now he helped his wife doing household chores 1997 when the wife was already mother of two chil- and engaged himself in the study of history, collecting a lot of historical materials and data to present Doctor Kang Tok Gil, section chief of them to her. Nearly ten years of hard work bore fine Kim Il Sung University. fruit at last. Assisted by her husband Jong’s paper passed, causing a great sensation in the world of historical studies. In this way the couple became known to the public as a proud couple of scientists who are faithful to their pledge of love. By helping each other they each have written scores of research papers and a dozen textbooks and reference books, thus making a tangible contribution to the nation’s development of science and education. When people speak highly of them, saying it’s wonderful to see the couple wear doctorate medals on the breast and that the medals were all the more brilliant on their breast, Jong says, “You know each of our medals bear two hearts.” Ri Kum Chol

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 31 Short Story A Rainy Evening

By Kim Kyong Il (Continued from the last issue)

HE DRIZZLE KEPT ON Jun Bom flushed as if he had waited no more than an hour. T falling steadily and Jun been caught while doing a bad You’ll surely be here within to- Bom’s aching legs got more and thing. “No, I was mistaken,” he day, won’t you?” Her tone was far more laden with troubles. Nev- babbled. “That’s my apartment from angry but full of tactful ertheless, he felt buoyed at the over there. I live on the fourth irony and loving care. thought of the proud young man, floor.” “That’s for sure,” he an- who was engrossed in learning The young man looked down swered. “Well, I’ve got an un- and inquiry and contemplation at Jun Bom for a while, and then healthy man in hand. I’m going even on the way back home. Our said gently, “You’re being ab- to help him to his home and see country has lots of such young surd, mister. You’re not going to you soon.” people, and what a bright future fool me any more. I know you “I understand. I’m not idling our country has! Jun Bom was were not mistaken but intended myself either. I’ve just read fif- cheerful. to let me take the seat. I’m noth- teen pages of a foreign book on He plodded through the rain, ing. You shouldn’t have done it— fish detection here under the and he had no idea how long he with such bad legs.” street lamp. Lucky enough, I’ve had walked when he got to the In an attempt to avoid such hinted my mother alone that I’m fork road. Some more walk an awkward moment Jun Bom coming home with you. You’re so straight along the street, and he switched the conversation by unpunctual, and I could hardly would reach his apartment. All asking, “By the way, what’s up find anyone like you in my re- at once he felt exhausted in his with you here? Why have you search centre. I can’t believe I’m legs as he let go his exertions. He returned?” going steady with you, a bad thought he should have a mo- “My apartment is around the fellow. By the way, who do you ment of rest under a tree. He terminal stop,” the young man say you’re with there?’ would be less likely noticed as it replied. “In fact, I have a date Jun Bom seemed to be talk- was getting darker and darker with my girlfriend somewhere ing succinctly about what had and there were fewer pedestri- about here. I remember she said happened. Then he stole a glance ans down the street. we would meet in front of a li- at Jun Bom and went on speak- Finding his way under a tree brary here. I doubt she is still ing with a smile. “Probably it’s where he thought he would have waiting for me. Would you please your father.” less rain, he squatted down and excuse me?” Sounds of merry laughter began to massage his painful He receded a few steps, took burst forth. “Don’t be stupid. My knees, when a young man out a cell phone and pressed father does not take the bus. showed up in front of him sud- buttons. Perhaps the line was Never.” denly. Jun Bom looked up to find soon connected, for he spoke into Suddenly the young man it was the young man to whom he the phone in a subdued voice. seemed to have realized that her had bid farewell in the bus. “Hello, it’s me. I’m terribly sorry. voice was being amplified. He “Oh, it’s you there. How is it I was lost in reading on the bus pressed the off button in haste. that you are in here?” Jun Bom and passed the stop. I’ve run up He talked some more words with asked in surprise. here. You’re still there waiting, her before approaching Jun Bom The young man looked more aren’t you?” again with an apologetic grin. surprised than Jun Bom. “I think Much clearer was the girl’s “She is kind-hearted and your home is not around that bus voice from the other end of the considerate, but makes such stop,” he said affirmatively. phone. “Don’t be so sorry. I’ve remarks,” he babbled. Jun Bom ►

32 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 ► felt like urging him to go his way, “Yeah. She is the one and as if he could now let him go, Jun but soon changed his mind. He only child in my family, but not Bom rang the doorbell. His wife let himself rely on the young so good as you. She is old enough opened the door immediately, man’s support and began to move to get married, but she seems to when Jun Bom forcibly pulled in along slowly. have no fiancé. She argues she the wide-eyed young man by the Instantly Jun Bom spoke won’t get married until she has sleeve, crying in a virile voice, shaking the silence, “You must got an academic degree, but it’s “Look, my darling, I’ve brought be in love with her. Do you really nothing but a shield against her somebody with me. This is really love her?” mother who plagues her with the a good man. Why don’t you come The young man made a gen- problem of marriage. An aca- in, young man?” tle smile, saying, “We first un- demic degree is the last thing The young man jumped for derstood each other while mak- you can obtain effortlessly, isn’t surprise. “I’ve got to go. You ing a research together before we it? I’m afraid she regards a doc- know why. Good-bye.” He made a fell in love. We shared the bitter torate as a dowry.” bow in haste and ran down the and the sweet while experiencing At last they arrived at the stairs. failures and successes. In the apartment. The young man cast Seeing him off with a glance course of this we felt sympathetic a glance towards the library of trust and expectation, Jun about each other, I dare say. To which was hardly to be seen in Bom murmured to himself, tell you the truth, it’s a day of the falling dusk. Perhaps he was “You’re making haste in vain, crucial importance to me today. quite vexed. Now he was going to young man. You’ve got to come We’ve rather gained an approval make a farewell, asking, “Could back, I know.” from her mother for our mar- you go up to the fourth floor all His wife stood aghast, unable riage. But I hear her father is by yourself?” to understand what was happen- very strict and demanding. My “Sure, I can. I’m very much ing. Now the husband said in an girlfriend and I intended to be at obliged to you. Now you’d better affectionate voice, “My darling, her home early this evening and make a dash to your love.” ring Il Sim right now. She need greet her father with due cere- Still worried, the young man not stay out there in front of the mony when he comes back. But gave a look at about the fourth library that is already closed. I’m afraid I’ve to show up untidy floor of the apartment and then She could hardly find a fiancé if like this. I know I’m rather at Jun Bom’s knees alterna- she rogues about like that. She wrong for the occasion.” tively, and then took him by the isn’t as quick as her father. How “Hmmm, appearance isn’t a arm decisively. “I’m afraid you could she get a doctorate ahead big problem, I should say. This— could hardly climb up with your of me when she is that much and this—are important,” Jun poor legs,” he said. “Now that I’m slow? Hardly so.” Bom spoke, pointing to the here, let me help you up to your Jun Bom stepped into his breast and head of the young flat.” room and opened the window man. Jun Bom, feigning an atti- wide. A cold wind swept his face. The young fellow gave a tude that he had not noticed the What a nice man he is. What a smile, saying, “Yet, you know young man was busy, wore a fresh and vigorous generation style is an index of the mind.” happy look, and accepted his his is. Their enthusiasm, their “Don’t be worried,” Jun Bom favour gladly, saying, “I’m happy impeccable manners and cour- encouraged. “You’ll pass this you could help me out to the last. tesy were more than heart- evening, I’m sure. Do you have to My legs bother me whenever we warming. chew down to the dregs if you have a bad weather.” The rain was still falling. want to know the taste? No, only The young man showed no But, strange to say, Jun Bom felt a bite is enough. If it were for me, sign of worry, but pushed his as if it were a spring evening I’d readily adopt you as my son- strong arm under Jun Bom’s when a golden twilight was set- in-law. I’ve got no blessing like armpit and supported him up- ting to the western sky and the that.” stairs. street trees’ leaves were waving “Do you have a daughter?” Finally they got to the door. affectionately. the young man asked. Wearing a smile of complacence The end

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 33 The Bell Rings on Jamae Islet

ECENTLY I VISITED JAMAE ISLET, A year. Since then, the same helicopter flies to my R lighthouse islet, in the West Sea of Korea, which islet every winter. Today on the occasion of the is more than 40 km away from the land. There I birthday of our great leader Kim Jong Il the plane happened to have an access to a diary of Jon Pok Sun, has come to my islet again carrying a present to the a teacher of the local branch school, who has worked only pupil of my branch school, the same kind of there as a teacher for 37 years. present given to all other children across the country. Kwang Chol is quite delighted to receive the The day when a new school year begins present, and I wonder if he knows how blessed he is. (September 1, 1978) A letter It is the first school-opening day for me at the (November 30, 2011) branch school on this Jamae Islet. Until a few days Today I received a letter from Jong Sim. Part of it ago I was teaching dozens of children at a primary reads: “Dear madam, I am happy to hear that you school in Nampho City. But today I gave lessons to no have been awarded the title of ‘Merited Teacher.’ It’s more than three kids. This branch school was estab- already ten years since I finished the Jamae branch lished for three children three years ago. Although I school, and now I am a senior soldier. I often recollect came here with a determination to dedicate my whole my days at the branch school: once we went for a life to the children on the lighthouse islet, I was more natural observation guided by you; we were sur- or less disappointed to find no more than a dozen prised to see a tadpole specimen grow to be a frog, inhabitants on the islet, including four keepers of the which is not to be seen on our islet. And I still have a lighthouse and their family members. And I was a vivid memory of our going on a sightseeing in Py- little embarrassed to see no more than the sea en- ongyang and camping on Mt. Myohyang aboard the closing the islet all around. But I like the cozy school school ship Tungdae. I can hardly forget the signifi- which is equipped with all kinds of teaching materi- cant ceremony of my finishing the school, attended by als and aids including an organ, a globe, plant speci- officials from the land. I thought them all quite mens and stuffed animals. When I was giving the natural as a teenager. But now I know how beneficial first lesson all the inhabitants gathered and looked the country was about my branch school and how into the classroom from outside. Seeing the curious much expense the state had to bear for my education. and bright eyes of the pupils, I felt strained, like I think I’m going back to my home on Jamae Islet when I stood at the teacher’s table for the first time after I finish my military service.” in my life—I can’t tell why. At the mother tongue The bell keeps ringing lesson, I asked the children to make a composition (March 31, 2013) under the title of “My Hope.” Yong Jin wished he Today Song Chol, the 23rd pupil of my branch would become captain of a big ship and Su Jong school, has finished the school. He had the honour of hoped she would become a singer. Song Gun said he having a photo taken with our national leader wished to be such a good swimmer as to swim across Kim Jong Un last year when he was attending the the West Sea of Korea. Hearing him all burst into celebrations of the 66th anniversary of the Korean laughter. I was encouraged to see the bright and Children’s Union. When his parents and I saw him cheerful images of the kids, and said inwardly, “Be on TV at a concert given by the Unhasu Orchestra ambitious, kids. You’ll be able to accomplish your titled “Take care of the rising children!” we were ambition.” doubtful of our sight. Song Chol was sitting by our “Plane for the islet inhabitants’ use” national leader, who stroked him on the head lov- (February 15, 1989) ingly and gave him a pep talk. I was overwhelmed The helicopter flew to my islet today for the with emotion to think that my branch school is en- ninth time. The people of the islet gave a hearty shrined in the heart of the national leader all the welcome to the familiar pilot, who, as soon as he got time. When Song Chol returned from Pyongyang, down from the plane, looked for a pupil—he called the whole islet turned out to welcome him, saying him “my master.” The pilot is no less than a they had another happy event. Thirty-seven years “member of our family.” He makes a polite greeting have already passed since I settled here. Twenty odd to me. Once I went to the land to attend a short years ago Song Chol’s mother left the branch school course of teaching during the winter vacation. On and today her eldest son has just finished the branch my way home I found the sea in a shambles with school now. How time flies. Her youngest son, Song sheets of ice, blocking my travel to the islet. I was Bom, is attending the branch school. The bell of my worried, for I knew I couldn’t give a lesson on the branch school keeps ringing on Jamae Islet from first day of the new school year if I was delayed until generation after generation. Quite impressive is the the way was opened. Unexpectedly, however, a remark made by Song Chol’s mother: “Tomorrow a helicopter came to bring me to the islet. I later knew new school year will begin with Song Bom as the the government had made an arrangement for my single pupil of the Jamaedo Branch School—just as return to the school so that the children could have usual on our islet.” lessons rightfully on the first day of the new school Rim Ok

34 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 When Teachers Work Hard

HERE WAS A MEETING And the teachers were encour- years. T in Pyongyang in August last aged to take part in the school- Typical was the 21st national to confer diplomas and medals on and nationally-arranged sympo- multi-subject contest. Second- students who obtained excellent siums on teaching methods. year student Choe Su Hwang results in the 21st national multi- As a result, the teachers’ took the top place by solving a subject contest. Students of the abilities improved and new real- heat engine problem—presented Pothonggang District Segori istic methods and inventions in the field of mechanics of phys- Senior Middle School snatched were produced for better educa- ics—by an unusual method of three gold and one silver medals tion. The managers of the school equivalent circuit. Second-year to the wonder and admiration of visited classes at work on a student Kung Se Bom who took all the participants, who ex- regular basis and gave proper first place in mathematics sur- claimed, “It is really an excellent appreciation of the teachers by prised the judges by solving a school.” When many teachers analysing how the students un- difficult geometrical problem. and students came up to con- derstood what they were taught, Moreover, Choe Il Chol solved a gratulate, the winners said in thus fueling the teachers’ enthu- complicated inequality question unison, “All these medals do not siasm. In addition, a great effort simply by using Jensen inequal- belong to us, but to the teachers was directed to the improvement ity, and thus was highly appreci- of our school who have made of the students’ abilities by ated. Third-year student Jon Sok unsparing efforts to improve our means of computer-projector Jun, too, won the gold medal in abilities.” lessons, video lessons and field the composition contest by dis- In the past the school had study. playing his rich stock of vocabu- attached primary attention to In the course of this, the stu- lary and power of expression. the work of improving the students made considerable pro- Assistant headmaster Yu dents’ abilities and made scru- gress and many of them won Kyong Min says, “Our school pulous arrangements. The national contests. Many teach- produces many excellent stu- teachers had worked enthusias- ers, too, were awarded the title of dents. It is the result of our ef- tically, but the students’ aca- “October 8 Model Teacher.” This forts to apply novel methods in demic attainments showed little is how students of the school education as required by the progress. Headmistress Kim have achieved special award and developing reality.” Sung Hui thought hard over the first place at national multi- problem and decided to change subject contests for over ten Sim Yong Jin teaching methods. From that time on, the school made sure that the students were well aware of the importance of the class and understood fully what they were taught. First of all the teachers made efforts to be well prepared for the 45-minute-long class. Teaching plans were renewed to reflect detailed and methodological ideas of heuristic teaching including questions of different contents, answers and conclu- sions, and the use of visual aids. Model classes were given in all departments and generalized.

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 35 Distance Despised

HE TEST APPLICATION T of the telemedicine-based surgery support system turned out successful at the Sunchon City People’s Hospital in South Phyongan Province in March last. Three months later the system was successfully introduced into more than 200 hospitals including almost all provincial, city (district) and county hospitals. It is part of the telemedical service. Thanks to the introduction competent surgeons working at senior hospitals can give direct guidance to their col- A consultation via the telemedicine-based surgical support system. leagues at junior hospitals while watching the operational envi- doctors from central hospitals telemedicine is in operation on a ronment and condition by way of without the need to travel. The nationwide scale, that it is in- remote control. The system also system is also in force in Onsong tended to look after all the work- affords the condition in which County, North Hamgyong Prov- ing people free of charge, and surgeons outside the theatre can ince, the northernmost tip of the that it has been put into service watch the operational situation country. in a short span of time on a high in the telemedical service room In August last Pyongyang level.” in real time and consult the hosted a WHO southeast Asian Son Chang Ho, section chief opinion of other doctors. regional technical consultation of the Public Health Manage- The system is most favourite on telemedicine. On a visit to the ment Research Institute which is with inhabitants in regions far Yonsan County People’s Hospital the initiator of the telemedicine from central hospitals. Sindo, in North Hwanghae Province, in the country, says, “Already in seat of the Sindo County, North the participants in the consulta- the time of expanding the tele- Phyongan Province, is an island tion said unanimously, “It’s a medicine all across the country, south of the famous Pidan Is- hospital far from urban areas, we worked out a plan of the in- land. It takes half a day by sea yet it is as clean as urban ones. It troduction of the telemedicine- from the island to Sinuiju, the is noteworthy that such a moun- based surgery support system as capital city of the province. In tain hospital has a telemedical the next stage of the telemedi- the past when patients were service system that pertains to cine project and proceeded with sent to provincial or central the care of the common people the relevant studies. We are hospitals, it caused quite a like the workers and farmers.” going to develop the telemedical trouble to the patients and in Pak Jong Min, department service system in a diversified some cases the illness got worse, director of the Ministry of Public manner.” missing a proper time for opera- Health, says, “The main proper- Now medical service has no tion on the way. Now that the ties of the Korean telemedicine distinction of distance between telemedicine has been estab- commented upon by the partici- the hospital and the patient in lished in the county hospital, pants in the meeting fall under Korea. patients are put to the care of three categories, that is, the Rim Sang Jun

36 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 Strong Fighter Against Rheumatoid Diseases

’D LONG SUFFERED FROM RHEUMATOID “I suffered from rheumatoid arthritis from 1993. “I arthritis until I took the Castor Aralia Antineu- The long-standing dosage of aspirin and prednisolone ralgic which cured me of it miraculously.” “I strongly brought the side-effect of threatening poisoning; I recommend you the Castor Aralia Antineuralgic had swelling in the whole body and had a bad appe- instead of feeling disappointed at your obstinate tite. Because of the general impotence I could not go disease.” These are some of the statements made by out for a walk. In 1999 I took the Castor Aralia Anti- people who recovered from their diseases after using neuralgic for four months, and in the course of this the Castor Aralia Antineualgic developed by the the poisoning from prednisolone disappeared, the Pyongyang Medical Specialty & Health Food Devel- high fever fell, and the deformation and stiffness in opment Centre. The public is more and more at- the wrists, knees and hands were no longer to be tracted by the medicine for its great effect on treat- seen. Earlier my husband also suffered from nervous ment of obstinate diseases. hypertension and symptoms of cerebral thrombosis, Generally known as “bone cancer,” rheumatoid but the Castor Aralia Antineuralgic removed him of arthritis is a long-lasting disease that causes your headache, neuralgia and insomnia.” limbs, legs, shoulders, spine and all the joints to Song Tae Hyok, resident in Yongphung-ri, swell and become painful, leading to deformation and Kumya County, South Hamgyong Province rigidity. The Castor Aralia Antineuralgic is consid- “I had had bad sleep and nervous symptoms like ered an effective treatment of rheumatoid diseases. itchy eyebrows and tearfulness since 1999. In De- The pill restores the function of the autonomic cember 2004 I took your medicine for 20 days and nerve control, thus combating as many as 40 kinds of now I’m Okay.” diseases like sciatic neuralgia, painful back, general Kim Ha Yon, resident in Wasan-dong, Sosong neuralgia, cardiac neurosis, nervous hypertension, District, Pyongyang nervous gastric diseases and stomach cramps. “I had had the pains from ischiodynia for seven Another merit of the drug is that it cures diseases years before I took your medicine for three days, and caused by oxidized wastes being accumulated in the it relieved me of the symptoms—even the aching body. When oxidized wastes are accumulated in the toes. It’s more than a surprise to me to have got well body, the cells dwindle giving rise to small wrinkles with only three pills of your medicine.” and speckles. When the wastes stick to the wall of the Yom Chung Song, resident in Sinan-dong, vessel, it causes arteriosclerosis and cerebral throm- Munchon City, Kangwon Province bosis. And when they harm the gene of the cell it “In early 1984 I shouted too loudly and with this I induces incurable diseases like cancer. The Castor began to lose my voice. I had an operation in my Aralia Antineuralgic helps discharge the wastes out larynx and I recovered my speech. But ten years later of the body, thus expediting the cure of diseases I had a relapse of the problem. Now I began to use caused by the wastes. your medicine, and days later I got my voice again all When there grows an isomer like an outgrowth or of a sudden. I’ve since had no problem with my a cartilage on the spine, bone or joint area, it will press speech.” the nerve causing pains. In this case even a surgical Jong Song Chol, resident in Sonnae-dong, Man- operation is often ineffective. If you take the Castor gyongdae District, Pyongyang Aralia Antineuralgic at this moment, the isomer will “I had aftereffects of cerebral concussion, defor- be disintegrated and disappear. It is not fortuitous mation of the back and gastric troubles due to cold that many people become erect again with their spine limbs. Your medicine cured me of the aftereffects of straightened up after using the antineuralgic. cerebral concussion in five days, and the back in two As the medicine is effective in treating obstinate months and later my limbs got warm bringing back diseases, it has won considerable popularity since it my appetite.” was developed. It won a gold medal at the 9th na- Kang Chol, resident in Kinmaul-dong No. 2, tional invention and new technology exhibition, and Moranbong District, Pyongyang the gold award and the Excellent Product award at “I had had bald head since 2006. I took your an international know-how and product show held in medicine for three days, and I began to have hairs Dalian, China, in 2008. days later and soon I had proper hair. One of my Now the centre receives many letters of thanks colleagues also suffered from alopecia areata, but got and phone calls from those who have been relieved well with your medicine.” from a critical moment or regained vitality of life Realities about the medicine show that drugs thanks to the Castor Aralia Antineuralgic. Some of made from medicinal herbs richly available in the the messages follow: country can be effective treatments of obstinate dis- Om Un Ju, resident in Chilgol-dong No.1, Man- eases. gyongdae District, Pyongyang Rim Ok

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 37 By Our Nation Itself

N IMPORTANT TASK OF THE KOREAN practical solution of problems. A large breach was A people in the national reunification movement made in the barrier of national division with rail- is to improve north-south relations and open up a ways and roads—severed over half a century— way to peace and reunification. In order to improve reconnected and air and sea routes opened. These inter-Korean relations in keeping with the current of all contributed much to removing the mistrust and the times and the nation’s desire, both sides should expanding cooperation and exchange. All the mem- hold fast to the principle of “By our nation itself” as bers of the nation, experiencing the validity and the banner of national reunification. Because only vitality of the idea of “By our nation itself,” came to when the banner of “By our nation itself” is held be fully aware that “By our nation itself” is just the aloft, will a turning-point be made in national reuni- lifeline and fundamental guarantee for independent fication. reunification and peace and prosperity. If he truly The Koreans who had harmoniously lived in one aspires after improvement of inter-Korean relations country as a homogeneous nation for over 5 000 years and national reunification, he ought to reject sub- came to be divided into two sides with the end of mission to and dependence on outside forces and World War II. The division into the north and the hold aloft the idea of “By our nation itself” as the south is entirely contrary to the desire and demand of banner of national reunification. the Korean nation. It is the product of the world- However, the south Korean regime is going supremacy strategy and aggressive anti-DPRK policy against the time. They have spent the whole of this of the US imperialists. Having split the country into year running amuck with such aggressive war re- two sides, the US, for over half a century, has inter- hearsals as Foal Eagle, Key Resolve and Ulji Free- fered in every way in the nation’s effort to reunify the dom Guardian hand in glove with the US imperial- country, seeking to fish in troubled waters of inter- ists. It is clear that dangerous nuclear war rehearsals Korean confrontation. It is clear that such foreign in and around the Korean peninsula, which are acts forces will never work for one Korea. The only way is detrimental to the spirit of “By our nation itself,” to have confidence in the nation’s own resources and pose serious obstacles to reconciliation, unity and rely on them. The issue of national reunification rests reunification of the north and the south. on none other than the Koreans as it is an internal The Korean people should subordinate and orien- affair of the nation. Nobody has the right to interfere tate everything to the great national cause of reuni- in the nation’s internal problems or can reunify the fying the country from the standpoint of giving pri- country instead of the Korean nation. Only when you ority and attaching importance to the nation and play your role and fulfil your responsibility, will you achieving unity. To rely on foreign forces and pursue be able to solve your problems easily. Deeply aware fratricidal confrontation in collusion with outside that they are responsible for their destiny, the Ko- forces, instead of working to solve the problem of rean people must reject foreign forces’ interference in national reunification with the Korean nation’s own the endeavour for reunification and work hard to efforts, is an anti-national act against one Korea. reunify the country independently with their own If both sides discuss all the problems related to efforts. reunification in accord with the nation’s desire and History has already proved almighty are the demand on the basis of the ardent love for the nation concerted efforts of the Korean nation. In the June and the spirit of national independence, the country’s 15 era, the Korean nation achieved miraculous suc- reunification will surely come in an independent and cesses by holding aloft the banner of “By our nation peaceful way after all. itself.” The north-south summit meeting, held in The historic June 15 North-South Joint Declara- Pyongyang in June 2000, adopted the June 15 tion and the October 4 Declaration indicate the fun- North-South Joint Declaration to solve the problem damental principles and methods to achieve inde- of reunification with concerted efforts of the Korean pendent reunification and peace and prosperity with nation. And the inter-Korean summit talks, held in concerted efforts of the Korean nation. When all the October 2007, adopted the October 4 Declaration, Koreans join their patriotic intention and mind un- practical programme for implementation of the der the banner of “By our nation itself,” an important June 15 Declaration. The north-south dialogue was turning-point will come in the endeavour for inde- no longer bound by the previous stereotyped frame, pendent reunification. developing into ground of trust and cooperation for Choe Chol Nam

38 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 Struggle to Achieve the Independent and Peaceful Reunification of Korea (3)

Three Principles of National Reunification north-south joint statement was published with the three principles as the keynote. The President met N THE 1960S THE US IMPERIALISTS AND south Korean delegates on November 3 that year I their south Korean stooges carried out the May 16 who were staying in Pyongyang to take part in the military coup and set up a military fascist dictator- 2nd meeting of the co-chairpersons of the north- ship which they used it to strengthen suppression of south coordinating committee and suggested the the south Korean people and pursuance of their ag- idea of promoting many-sided inter-Korean coop- gressive war policy. In the early 1970s they got into eration and exchange in all fields of politics, de- scrapes. The American manoeuvres of aggression fence, the economy, culture and foreign relations as and war ended in failure across the world. Inside the an important step in implementing the agreements United States, the anti-war movement grew in in- stipulated in the joint statement. tensity, and the economy was in continued crisis due Building on the three principles the DPRK gov- to economic stagnation and inflation. In an attempt ernment made sincere efforts to achieve independent to find a way out in the deceptive “peace strategy,” and peaceful reunification of the country. At the 1st, the US imperialists announced a policy of switching 2nd and 3rd sessions of the north-south coordinating over from “cold war” to “peace,” and from committee it made concrete proposals for compre- “confrontation” to “dialogue” and “co-existence.” The hensive cooperation and exchange and put forward south Korean regime had no other way but to put on special ways to remove obstacles to national reunifi- a show of advocating “peace” and “negotiation” in cation. The inter-Korean dialogue gave an impetus to order to avoid the serious crisis of government caused the nationwide trend towards reunification. Not only by the strong resistance of the anti-fascist, democ- the people in the north but also patriotic-minded ratic forces. youth and students, democratic figures and people of Coping with this situation President all strata in the south turned out in the struggle for Kim Il Sung advanced three principles of national national reunification. reunification which he had been thinking over for a Scared at the high-spirited struggle of the entire long time. Kim Il Sung, in his speech at a mass rally Korean nation the US imperialists and the south of Pyongyang citizens welcoming Samdech Norodom Korean puppets came up with a policy of “two Ko- Sihanouk, head of state of Cambodia and chairman of reas” aimed at delaying reunification and perpetu- the National United Front of Kampuchea, put for- ating national division. The south Korean junta, ward a wide-ranging negotiation policy, stating that instigated by the US imperialists, placed serious the DPRK was ready to have contact, at any time, obstacles to the talks, refusing all the fair and rea- with all political parties, including the ruling De- sonable proposals of the north. Behind the scene of mocratic Republican Party, and all public organiza- talks, they begged the Americans for permanent tions and individual personages in south Korea in stationing of US troops in south Korea while push- order to make a new turn in the national reunifica- ing ahead with war preparations. They cooked up tion movement. This policy won a unanimous support the fascist Yushin Constitution in October 1972, and sympathy at home and abroad alike. As a result and brutally suppressed and murdered patriots and of the initiative measures the DPRK government other people who fought for independence, democ- took to realize the new policy, the door to dialogue racy and reunification. On June 23, 1973 they is- opened and high-level political talks took place be- sued the so-called “special statement,” the gist of tween the north and the south. which was “simultaneous entry into the UN” by the The President met the south Korean delegate on north and the south, thus openly announcing a a visit to Pyongyang to participate in the political policy aimed at perpetuating the division of Korea. talks on May 3, 1972, when he proposed three prin- This caused the rupture of the inter-Korean dia- ciples of national reunification— independence, logue for reunification that had been arranged with peaceful reunification and great national unity—as great difficulty, and the gray cloud of permanent the fundamental principles of the reunification to be national division hung heavily. adhered to by both sides. On July 4, 1972 a historic Yom Song Hui

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 39 Culprit of Instability

OW THE KOREAN PEN- a huge number of GIs and the the Asia-Pacific region, it calcu- N insula is a focus of the south Korean puppet army. In lated that it needs to give priority world’s attention, because the the exercise a B-2A strategic to the Asia-Pacific region if it is to danger of war is looming heavily stealth bomber flew from the US dominate the world, hold the there without any valid system mainland to south Korea to have initiative in Northeast Asia if it is or agreement to restrain war. a nuclear bombing drill for the to grasp control of the region, and The Armistice Agreement con- first time. The US flew overseas- take the Korean peninsula which cluded 60 years ago is as good as based B-52 to the sky over south is located in the strategically im- wastepaper. Korea and staged strike drills portant position in Northeast The government of the De- targeting the interior of the Asia if it is to rule the subregion. mocratic People’s Republic of DPRK. In August as part of the In this regard the US needs an Korea has made sincere efforts to Ulji Freedom Guardian re- “acceptable reason,” and that is prevent war and settle perma- hearsal it sent B-52H nuclear- “threat” from the DPRK. nent peace and security in the carrying strategic bombers to the Long-standing tension and peninsula. In the current century airspace of south Korea several danger of war in the Korean it put forward a proposal to the times for an exercise of nuclear peninsula is what America needs United States that the parties strike against the DPRK. The badly, because it intends to lay concerned to the Armistice DPRK-targeted war exercises an encirclement around big na- Agreement should hold talks to and military drills staged by the tions in the Asia-Pacific region declare the end of the Korean US and the south Korean pup- and militarily restrain them war, and a proposal to hold talks pets known to the public total from growing powerful enough to as soon as possible to replace the over 18 000 times until now after confront it. It is going to deploy Armistice Agreement with a the conclusion of the Armistice 60% of its overseas forces in the peace treaty on the occasion of Agreement on July 27, 1953. Asia-Pacific region within ten the 60th anniversary of the out- However, none of them involved years. Recently it is trying to break of the war (June 25, 1950). as many armed troops and change the “UN Command” into This year it took measures to equipment as this year’s. The a “multinational alliance” to terminate the division of the United States continues to do make a progenitor of Asian-style country and achieve peace and aggressive war exercises, finding NATO. If an aggressive military security in the area. fault with the DPRK while bab- organization of the United States Nevertheless, the United bling on about the need to ease and its vassal nations comes into States, the mastermind of the the tension in the peninsula. existence in Northeast Asia in- division of Korea, flatly refused Then, what is America seeking cluding the Korean peninsula, it all proposals and initiatives of underhand? will inevitably cause local coun- the DPRK. Worse still, it carried At the outset of this century tries to take countermeasures, out DPRK-targeted military ex- the US argued that the Asian which will result in revival of the ercises, thus driving the situa- policy is at the core of its foreign past Cold War structure and an tion of the Korean peninsula to policy in the 21st century, and unprecedentedly increasing dan- the brink of war. The Foal Eagle that the Korean peninsula is the ger of thermonuclear war. joint military exercise started on focus of it. In accordance with the All this reality shows the March 1 this year can be cited as policy it is persistently engaged in United States is the breaker of an example. It was large-scale DPRK-stifling moves. In moving peace and security in the Korean joint field manoeuvres involving the point of its foreign strategy to peninsula.

40 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 Souls Accuse

N SOUTH KOREA THE and exchange with the north in fetters to the freedom of speech I National Security Law is de- an effort for national reconcilia- and press and victimizes people nounced as an anachronistic and tion and unity. It also labels who visit the DPRK or struggle anti-humanitarian demon. It is south Korean patriotic groups for national reconciliation and stuck in the way of progressive and organizations as anti-state unity. Pan-national rallies and social development and reform organizations and forces festivals for national reunification and plays havoc with the aspira- “intending to overthrow the sys- held by south Korean pro- tion and desire of the people for tem,” and stipulates their forma- reunification, democratic forces independence, democracy and tion, enrollment, activities and and youth and students were national reunification. For more supports as liable to be put to ruthlessly broken by the law. than 60 years it has been a criti- severe punishment. It was none other than the cal means of the regime in ruling A great number of patriots NSL that committed the anti- and suppressing the people’s and innocent people have fallen national and anti-ethical crime— righteous struggles. Since it was victims of this evil law. People the savage repression of the south enacted on December 1, 1948 involved in the incidents of the Korean people’s mourning ser- under the pretext of the national People’s Revolutionary Party in vices for the nation’s greatest security, it has been notorious as August 1964 and the Revolution- sorrow that befell their fellow a “legal” instrument against the ary Party for Reunification in countrymen in the north. In Feb- DPRK and the national reunifi- July 1968 were arrested and put ruary last the south Korean re- cation movement and for public to savage tortures before being gime brought Ro Su Hui, vice- “security” and maintenance of sentenced to death. Thanks to chairman of the South Headquar- power. this law, many progressive oppo- ters of the Pan-national Alliance The NSL stipulates the sition organizations aspiring to for Korea’s Reunification DPRK and its citizens as independence, democracy and (Pomminryon), who had visited “enemy” and bans the south Ko- national reunification were dis- Pyongyang to express his sympa- rean people’s patriotic struggle solved forcibly, and patriotic pro- thy for the greatest loss of the for national unity, independence, reunification organizations in- nation, to the mercy of the NSL, democracy and national reunifi- cluding the south Korean Federa- thereby sentencing him to four cation. It is a sacred right of the tion of General Student Councils years’ service and four years’ Korean people to work for reuni- (Hanchongryon) and the South disqualification on charges of fication as they have suffered all Headquarters of the Pan-national violation of the NSL. The absurd kinds of pains and misfortunes Alliance for Korea’s Reunification law criminalizes even the activi- due to the national division by (Pomminryon) were labelled as ties of the local people for their foreign forces. Nevertheless, the pro-north organizations and en- elementary right to existence and NSL defines the DPRK, the same emy-benefiting organizations as democracy, blaming them as anti- nation’s state, as the anti-state soon as they were formed and state acts. It has done immeasur- organization and regards it as have since been object of cruel able harm to the south Koreans— illegal to have contacts, travels suppression. The NSL provides and the whole nation. As it is rejected by not only south Kore- South Koreans struggle to have the National Security Law repealed. ans but also the legal circles at home and abroad and by human rights organizations as a brutal “illegal law” that is open to ran- dom abuse and misuse, why not repeal it right now? It is an urgent demand of the times to abolish the anti-ethical and fascist law that is strongly denounced and condemned by the international community. Souls of the many patriots and innocent people, known and unknown, who were arrested and executed by the law are now crying for abolition of the law that goes against the nation and national reunification. Rim Hye Gyong

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 41 Where Japan Heads for

HEN THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY Japanese ultraright forces are launching an at- W government was inaugurated in Japan at the tempt to revise the Constitution openly. Just before end of last year, there came apprehensive voices over his assumption to the prime ministership the ruler the fear of the country inclining further to the ex- uttered that he would commence his work by treme rightist tendency. China’s Xinhua news agency amending Article 96 of the Constitution, and in a disclosed that Japan has already chosen the rightist press conference on April 19 this year he reiterated political road and pursuance of military power. his intention to revise Article 96 in order to make it “What’s Japan going to do with the choice? How could easy to propose the motion to the Diet for a revision different nations around the world understand such of the Constitution. His plot to reshape the relevant a development?” asked the news agency, stressing article that stipulates the rule of amending the the need to be vigilant against Japan’s movement. Constitution is aimed at revising Article 9, the What kind of behavior has Japan been on, then? hardcore of the Constitution, by lowering the door- In his New Year address this year the present step to the amendment of the Constitution. Article 9 ruler avowed that he would regain a “strong Japan” bans the possession of combat capability of Japan, and on January 7 when he began his annual office, fighting of war, exercise of the right to collective he, at an LDP meeting, sang Kimigayo, a symbol of defence and the like. Once the article is amended, the past Japanese imperialism, as announcement of the country will have a Constitution allowing the the commencement of his annual work, and called nation to conduct a war along with a legal and in- out that “this is the first step for restoration of Ja- stitutional devise for becoming a military power and pan.” Last March at a meeting of the House of Rep- launching overseas aggression. This will free Japan resentatives budgetary committee of the Japanese from all shackles of domestic laws to dispatch its diet, he made an absurd statement distorting the aggression forces to any part of the world and carry decision of the Far East International Military Tri- out military operations. bunal, and at an official meeting denied again the Despite the worldwide economic crisis Japan is direct involvement of the old Japanese army in the augmenting its military expenditure, making the crime of sex slavery. Thanks to the ruler who refuses Northeast Asian situation still worse. The maritime to acknowledge his country’s history of aggression, Self-Defense Force has deployed the latest main the so-called “ceremony for restoration of the na- submarine at the Yokosuka base in Kanagawa Pre- tional sovereignty” which had been a civilian activity fecture. The Defense Ministry is going to increase the conducted by a rightist group for 17 years, took place number of subs up to 22 by the end of 2021. at a government level this year for the first time. On On the day that marked the 68th anniversary of August 15 this year a crowd of more than 100 ul- American nuclear bombing of Hiroshima, Japan traright politicians thronged to Yasukuni Shrine and launched the Izumo, the largest warship of the mari- made a show of honouring the souls of the dead kept time SDF. Referring to the event, the public opinion there. The chief executive admonished that for the opened naked criticism, labelling it as “sign of Ja- Cabinet ministers and MPs to visit the shrine, sym- pan’s rightist inclination” and likened it to break- bol of militarism, is the “right of the members of a through for Japan in its effort to possess nuclear sovereign state,” and made a shameful remark that weapon. the current peace and stability are inconceivable Also, the country is attempting to develop and apart from the “sacrifice” of the war criminals. deploy long-distance high-precision cruise missiles The persistent campaign of the Japanese extreme for itself. It has introduced high-capacity radars from rightists to spread militarist idea has spawned the America, creating a favourable condition for improv- spirit in the mind of the Japanese people of taking ing its pre-emptive strike capability. The SDF which over the idea of the war criminals instead of feeling used to be miserable in 1954 has now become a guilty of the past history. The younger generations world-famous aggression force equipped with modern are implanted with the revengeful spirit. Voices are weapons. heard arguing for “emperor-centric government” and All these facts show that the Japanese ruler has extreme nationalism and imperialist thinking and pursued the policy of reviving the militarist time in views are finding their way into the mind of the citi- an attempt to attain the old ambition of “Greater zens, inspiring them to support overseas dispatch of East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere.” He ought to be the Japanese soldiers and revision of the Constitu- advised that the following of the road of reinvasion tion. despite the lesson from the past century will lead to Availing themselves of the environment the ruin of the insular nation.

42 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 World Heritage in Kaesong

The Mausoleum of King Wang Kon. AESONG HAS MAUSO- K leum of King Wang Kon, Mausoleum of King Kongmin, The Mausoleum of King Kongmin. Manwoldae, Koryo Songgyungwan (university), Kaesong Fort, Kae- song South Gate, Sungyang Pri- vate School, Monuments to Loy- alty, Sonjuk Bridge, Kaesong Chomsongdae Observatory, Myongnung Cluster of Tombs, Chilnung Cluster of Tombs and many other historical remains and sites. All of these things of great historical value pertain to different fields—politics, the economy and culture—of Koryo (918-1392), the first unified state of Korea. The Mausoleum of King Wang Kon, the founder king of Koryo Dynasty, is situated on a low hill of ►

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 43 The Kaesong Wall and the Kaesong South Gate.

Sonjuk Bridge and the Monuments to Loyalty.

44 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013

► Mt. Mansu connected with a branch ridge of Mt. Son- gak. Entering the gate to the mausoleum, you can see a shrine where to have memorial services and pavilions housing monuments. In the shrine are hung Wang Kon’s portrait and pictures of some significant episodes about the ruler of Koryo who unified the Korean nation as wished by the predecessor state, Koguryo, for unification. The two pavilions keep records of history, construction and repair of the mausoleum. Past the pavilion you see, on a high platform, King Wang Kon’s Mausoleum with Koguryo’s typical shape of earth mound and a stone chamber in it. The most interesting thing about the mausoleum is a gilt- bronze sedentary statue with a noble image of a sturdy man in his early forties, which vividly shows the dignified figure of Wang Kon who founded Koryo in the prime of his life. This statue was made after the real image of King Wang Kon, so it is a legacy of high historical and cultural value. The Mausoleum of King Kongmin which was built between 1365 and 1372 is of twin mounds, called Hyonnung (King Kongmin’s tomb) and Jongnung (the queen’s tomb), standing abreast. The mauso- The site of the Kaesong Chomsongdae Observatory. leum, a truthful showcase of Korean architectural attainment, was looted by the Japanese several army officer and diplomat at the close of Koryo Dy- times from 1905. nasty. Within the range of six or eight kilometres cen- Sonjuk Bridge in Sonjuk-dong is a stone one built tring on the heart of the city are found Myongnung in the time of Koryo to cross the Rogye Stream. It was Cluster of Tombs and Chilnung Cluster of Tombs originally called Sonji Bridge. Jong Mong Ju who had that belong to the royal family of Koryo Dynasty. been loyal to Koryo Dynasty was murdered on this Manwoldae, situated in Songak-dong, Kaesong, is bridge and a bamboo was said to have grown on the the site of the main royal palace in the time of Koryo bloody site, hence renamed Sonjuk Bridge. After- Dynasty. Though it’s nothing but a site, it helps have wards Yongjo and Kojong, kings of Feudal Joson an idea of the architectural appearance at the time. Dynasty, erected twin Monuments to Loyalty by the The Kaesong South Gate in Pugan-dong, Kae- bridge in honour of Jong’s moral value and loyalty, in song, was built in 1391-1393 and repaired in 1899. an endeavour to use them to maintain and What’s famous about the gate is a big bell that came strengthen their royal power. The turtle-shaped from Yonbok Temple. bases feel heavy and look magnificent and delicate. The town of Kaesong, which was the capital of Four patterns of wriggling dragons were engraved Koryo, originally consisted of a royal palace district, symmetrically on both sides in the lower part of the an imperial castle district, an inner-wall area and an monument’s head shaped like hip-saddle roof. outer-wall area, but there remain only trivial parts Kaesong Chomsongdae Observatory is estimated now. to have been built around the year 919, the early Koryo Songgyungwan was an educational insti- period of Koryo Dynasty, to study astronomical tution of the highest level in Koryo Dynasty. The phenomena. The astronomical part of the book His- Koryo authorities built Taemyong Palace as a de- tory of Koryo Dynasty (1451) has a number of ob- tached palace in the capital of Kaegyong (Kaesong at servation records on eclipses of the sun and the present) in 1047 and moved Kukjagam, the country’s moon, comets, shooting stars and sunspots. Kaesong top educational institution established in 992, to the Chomsongdae Observatory remains only in palace in 1087. Later the school was renamed Song- embankment now. gyungam in 1298, Songgyungwan in 1308, Kukjagam The 37th session of the UNESCO World Heritage in 1356 and Songgyungwan again in 1362. It existed Committee held on June 23 this year in Cambodia until the end of Koryo Dynasty. adopted a decision on registering historical remains Sungyang Private School in Sonjuk-dong, Kae- and sites in Kaesong as world heritage. song, was built in 1573 in the place of the house of Jong Mong Ju (1337-1392), a high-ranking official, Song Kum Chol

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 45 Korean Central History Museum (7)

The Korean People’s Struggle dong River in Korea, when it ships Shenandoah and China against Feudal Rulers and assaulted a Korean patrol war- made an illegal intrusion into the Foreign Invasion ship— which belonged to the Korean waters. The Americans Pyongyang military district— intended to dig up the remains of ALKING INTO A HALL killing and kidnapping Korean Namyongun, father of the then W we found on display data soldiers. When the Korean gov- ruler de facto of Feudal Joson and materials of the people’s ernment demanded that she Dynasty, and use it to force an struggle against the feudal gov- return the kidnapped soldiers unequal agreement on the Ko- ernment and foreign invaders in and go back home immediately, rean government. The Shenan- the middle of the 19th century. the Americans put forward an doah rampaged around Pyongy- Most noticeable were those on absurd ransom of 1 000 sacks of ang for plunder, drawing the the American invasion of Korea. rice and a good amount of gold, attention of the Korean govern- The American aggression ship silver, insam and other kinds of ment, when the China attempted General Sherman made inroads materials. Infuriated at this digging of the tomb of Na- into Korea in 1866 under the Kim Ung U, great-grandfather of myongun. But the aggression cloak of merchant ship. The pur- President Kim Il Sung, and ships could not take their aim, pose was to open a road of Ko- other Pyongyang people turned rebuffed by strong resistance rean aggression by using the out to drive out the invaders. from the local people. Then in ship as a tool in forcing conclu- They loaded a lot of boats with 1871 an American expedition sion of a treaty on the Korean firewood, set fire to the boats and consisting of five warships and feudal government, for the posi- let them flow downstream. The thousands of marines invaded tion of the Korean peninsula is of General Sherman was caught in Korea only to be repelled. One of great strategic importance in the fire and sank to the bottom of the the flags the Koreans held in the Asian continent. The General river. It was the first time that a struggle at the time was seen on Sherman was built in 1861 and heavily-armed modern warship display. belonged to the navy of the was sent to the bottom in the In the next hall were exhib- southern America with the name American history of invasion. On ited data and materials on the of Princess Royal. She partici- display in the museum were a anti-feudal, anti-aggression pated in the American Civil War gun and an anchor cable from the struggle of the Korean people before she was captured by the General Sherman. from the latter half of the 19th northern force. Then she was Pointing to a photo my guide century to around the March rebuilt in 1863 and made a con- explained: In 1868 American First Popular Uprising in 1919. ► tribution to the performance of the operations conducted by A cannon captured from the USS General Sherman. Sherman, commander of the western force of the northern America’s forces, who was notorious for committing murder, arson and plunder. With the end of the war she was named Gen- eral Sherman after the commander. At the moment she was a most developed warship fitted with both a steam engine and sails and a mechanical propeller. In 1866, with a crew of more than 90 people and a lot of gun- powder, shells, firearms and ammunitions aboard, the Gen- eral Sherman sailed up the Tae-

46 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013

► Having watched for a chance for invasion of Korea for a long time, Japan gave rise to the Unyao Incident, in which the Japanese warship Unyao opened gunfire off Kanghwa Island before it was repulsed by the Korean force. No sooner had the incident taken place than the Japanese aggression force made inroads into Kanghwa Island by mobilizing a fleet of seven warships and over 800 troops. They forced “negotiation” on the Korean government and cooked up the so- called Korea-Japan friendship pact, or Kanghwa-do treaty, in February 1876. As a result, Pusan Port was opened to the Japanese, Japanese settlements came into existence, the Japanese legation was set up and Wonsan through a coup the organization forgery. According to the guide and Inchon ports were opened. proclaimed the establishment of a Japan made up another treaty in This marked the beginning of new government on October 18, July 1907, which was called Korea’s falling into the Japanese formally informed it to legations Jongmi Seven-point Treaty. hand as its semi-colony. and consulates of different coun- We also saw materials on the The Korean people put up tries and declared the political pan-national anti-Japanese up- strong fights, enraged at the programme of the new govern- rising that erupted in Korea on encroachment of the nation’s ment, which consisted of 14 March 1, 1919. They included sovereignty and interest. In points, the following day. The tools used by the Japanese to Seoul Korean soldiers raided the programme included the matters torture Korean patriots who had Japanese legation and staged an of reshaping the outmoded feudal joined the uprising. The struggle anti-Japanese demonstration, system into a capitalist one in all broke out in Pyongyang with a which was later called Imo Sol- social and political domains in- peaceful demonstration of cheers diers’ Revolt. cluding politics, the economy, for Korean independence, and it Now we headed for another culture and defence. But, due to swept the whole country and even hall, when we saw some books Japan’s obstructive moves and spread to Manchuria and Shang- and postage stamps, which the Qing China’s military interven- hai in China, and the Maritime guide said had been issued by the tion, the government of the Province of Russia and Hawaii. Enlightenment Group following Enlightenment Group fell in Three months into the conflict up the 1884 Kapsin Coup, a bour- three days, bringing an end to the until the end of May the uprising geois reform in Korea. The bourgeois reform. was participated in by more than Kapsin Coup erupted in reflection Now we saw the original of two million people from all walks of Korea’s demand for national the Ulsa Five-point Treaty on of life. On display were also pho- development towards modern display. The treaty was what tos showing some of the more society. The Enlightenment came in November 1905 after the than 3 200 demonstrations and Group, a new-emerging political Japanese coercion upon Korea, revolts across the country. As an force headed by Kim Ok Gyun and it was devoid of the Korean eruption of the pent-up anger and (1851-1894), formed an organiza- emperor’s signature and royal grievance against the Japanese tion called Chunguigye stamping, making it legally inef- imperialists’ savage rule, the (Friendship Association) and con- fective. Nevertheless, Japan struggle developed into a pan- ducted positive activities in- robbed Korea of its right to di- national resistance against the tended to ward off foreign inva- plomacy using the “agreement.” Japanese imperialists. sion, protect the national sover- The 15th session of the UN Inter- Through the visit I got a bet- eignty, reform the feudal system national Law Conference in 1963 ter understanding of the history and develop the country along proclaimed the treaty as illegal and culture of the Korean nation. modern lines. Taking power and ineffective as it was a stark Rim Ok

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 47 Kwak Jae U’s Wife

WAK JAE U (1552-1617) family. Did you marry me to spending your time drinking K was commander of an work for me and my family or to without any worry at all. Our army of volunteers who was ac- irritate me and ruin my family? family is no better than a swal- tive in Kyongsang Province in Answer me.” low’s egg, and how dare you re- the Imjin Patriotic War (1592- She combed up her dishev- buke me for such a trifle?” 1598). There is a story about how eled hair and tidied herself up Her unexpected answer was he became famous. before saying, “You are being shocking. Kwak realized that he He was born a heroic and rude to me as if I’ve made a big had thought only of his wife’s ill chivalrous and friendly man. mistake.” manner, without any heed to the Once he and his friends were Exasperated, Kwak cried out, life of indulgence which would idling away their youth indulg- “You don’t keep the house clean make the country collapse. ing themselves in drinking and but sleep all day long. Isn’t it a Now he stopped drinking and word-mongering. After his wife, big mistake?” trained himself hard, honing the Jo by name, died from illness, he “You’re right,” she told, martial arts with his friends. His married another woman, Ri by “when you say the housewife wife, too, did all the household name. Strange enough, four days sleeping all day long will ruin the chores and farming from early after marriage Ri began to have house. But I think the house can morning until late at night, sup- a nap every day and do nothing be kept clean only when our porting her husband in combat at all. The family members and country is safe and secure. If a training. neighbours spoke ill of her life. swallow’s nest falls down to the When the Imjin Patriotic War At last Kwak knew it. Repress- ground the eggs in it will surely broke out with the intrusion of ing his anger, he said to his wife, be broken. Now our country is in the Japanese invaders, Kwak “What do you think you’re doing? a danger of collapse due to the soon earned fame. You’re disgracing me and my enemy’s invasion, but you’re Song Kum Chol

Ancestral Apple Tree of Korea

N APPLE TREE IN round at the bottom. Its They are a fairly same size, each A Ryongjon-ri, Pukchong branches are dark-brown and the weighing 120-140g. County, South Hamgyong Prov- leaves are elongated and dark- The tree was registered as a ince, is 115 years old. It is the green. Characteristic of the tree living monument and is well progenitor of the Ryongjon-ri is that triple shoots come out like looked after as it is of signifi- species of apple trees and the a bird’s foot at the end of a new cance in studying the maximum oldest apple tree in Korea. The twig. The tree blooms around age of apple trees. name of the species is Pukchong. May 10. Fruits are round, and Choe Hong Gwon, the Nature The tree is 4.62 m tall and 0.82 m ripen in middle or late October. Conservation Union of Korea

48 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 Singye Temple and Three-storey Pagoda

INGYE TEMPLE IS ONE according to the shape of base and the body. The re- S of the four celebrated tem- bracket. maining pagoda is 3.35 metres ples in Mt. Kumgang. (The At the close of the Feudal tall. One side of the foundation other three are Jangan, Phyo- Joson Dynasty there were 15 stone is 2.27 metres long. The hun and Yujom temples.) The buildings laid centring on Tae- base is made up of two tiers— hip-saddle-roofed temple was a ung Hall and a three-storey their proportion is 1:2. The good match for the surround- pagoda which had been built lower tier consisting of the ing Munphil, Sejon and Jipson over 1 400 years before. Dur- bottom, middle and top stones peaks. It was built in 519 and ing the Korean war (June 1950 is 0.56 metres high and the rebuilt in 1597. -July 1953) the US imperial- upper one is 1.05 metres high. Taeung Hall, the main ists’ indiscriminate bombings Every side of the base consists building, underwent overall devastated all the wooden in a stone plate on which stand maintenance in 1887. The hip- buildings including Taeung three pillars. Sculptures are saddle-roofed building was Hall, leaving the pagoda, stone cut between the pillars. The 12.45 metres wide and 7.45 structures including the one foundation stones are wider metres long. The pillars were used to fix a flagpole and sites than the pagoda body, giving a pot-bellied and two of the front of buildings. Some of them well-balanced sense. ones were topped with dragon were reconstructed. The pagoda is of good ar- sculptures. The hall, painted The pagoda stands on the chitectural effect in that it colourfully, had a combination central north-south axis in looks imposing and soaring up with silk, lotus, cloud and front of the site of Taeung as the lower part is spacious dragon patterns. Its beauty Hall. Originally it consisted of and heavy while the upper was further elevated with pat- the head, the body and the part is narrow and light. terns of lotus buds and leaves base, but now there are eight alternating with each other square foundation stones, the Song Kum Chol

KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013 49 50 KOREA TODAY No. 12, 2013