KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 51 a Ceramic Jar

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 51 A Ceramic Jar

A gift presented to Chairman Kim Jong Il by the Mazowsze Song and Dance Troupe, Poland, and its head in 1987. 52 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 KOREA TODAY Monthly Journal (683) C O N T E N T S Printed in English, Russian and Chinese

WPK First Secretary Kim Jong Un’s Report to the March 2013 Plenary Meeting of the Party Central Committee ··········2 Nuclear Threat Leads to Birth of Nuclear State······························7 Bright Vista of Economic Giant Open············································9 Kim Il Sung Is the Eternal Sun of Mankind (2) ·························· 12 Warm Care ············································································· 13 Building Materials Gaining Public Favour··································· 14 For Rapid Progress in Light Industry “Okryu” Aroma ········································································ 16 Developers of Advanced Technology············································ 18 Honourable Titles and Degrees ·················································· 19 Front Cover: An upsurge in Pyongyang Vegetable Research Institute····································· 20 production is evident at the Chollima Steel Complex Lights That Never Go out at Night ············································· 22 For the Good of Posterity ·························································· 24 Photo by Ri Song Ik Sound Talents Are Trained························································ 25 Our Factory Hospital································································ 26

Researcher’s Conscience···························································· 27 Invigorating Mass Sports Activities ············································ 28 Worker Basketball Player ························································· 29 Honest Teacher ······································································· 30 Folk Dance Tondollari ······························································ 31 I’m a Worker’s Son ··································································· 32 Ryugyong Health Complex ························································ 33 Hills of Overburden Turns into Treasure····································· 35 Little Girl of Talent ·································································· 36 Efforts at Building of Secure and Stable Living Quarters··············· 37 Praiseworthy Life ···································································· 38 Paegundae ·············································································· 39 Rap-do Seabird Reserve ···························································· 40 Short Novel Back Cover: The Onjong Room No. 5 of the Holiday Village ·············································· 41 Stream of Mt. Kumgang in Chongryon’s Path····································································· 43 the evening Tok Islet and Ullung Island Belong to Korea································ 44 Photo by Kim Jin Ho Immortal Banner for Global Independence ·································· 45 True Nature of “Human Rights Judge”········································ 46 13502 ㄱ-38208 Dangerous Attempt of Japan ····················································· 47

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 1

WPK First Secretary Kim Jong Un’s Report to the March 2013 Plenary Meeting of the Party Central Committee

OMRADES, queathed to us, thus building a thriving country in C Today we are holding a plenary meeting of which our people would enjoy all the benefits of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of socialism. Korea. At this meeting we will discuss and adopt Carrying on the construction of the economy an important strategic line for bringing closer the and upbuilding of the nuclear forces simultane- victory of the revolutionary cause of Juche pio- ously is an indispensable requirement of the pre- neered on Mt. Paektu as required by the prevailing vailing situation. situation and the developing revolution. We intended to concentrate our efforts on eco- Under the wise leadership of the great nomic construction by relying on the self-defensive President Kim Il Sung and General Kim Jong Il, war deterrents which the great Generalissimos our revolution has travelled the glorious road of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il had created all victory by bravely overcoming the worst difficulties their lives, so that the people would not tighten and challenges in the protracted and severe strug- their belts any longer but enjoy the benefits of gle against the allied imperialist forces. socialism. However, a great obstacle has been The enemy, frightened by the soaring mettle of created in front of us. our service personnel and other people who are The United States and its vassal forces, picking charging forward full of confidence for final victory a quarrel with our successful launch in last under the Party’s leadership, have enlisted all December of a peaceful man-made satellite, rail- their political, economic and military forces to iso- roaded a brigandish “resolution on sanctions” late and stifle our Republic; as a consequence, the through the UN Security Council. It was a hostile, situation in our country has reached such a grave outrageous act that illegalizes the legimate right of level as that in a country on the brink of war. a sovereign state to launch a satellite. Today we are faced with the important task to To cope with this situation and as a link in the achieve the decisive victory in the all-out show- whole chain of substantial countermeasures to down with the United States for smashing its daily defend the country’s sovereignty and security, we increasing schemes to stifle our Republic and to were compelled to conduct the third underground develop the Juche-based socialist country into a nuclear test of a self-defensive nature. powerful Paektusan nation which no one in the The hostile forces, including the United States, world would dare provoke for ever. grew crazier and adopted another “sanctions reso- Proceeding from the requirements of the pre- lution,” which is harsher than the previous one. In vailing situation and the developing revolution, the the meantime, they have staged joint military ex- Central Committee of the Party puts forth the new ercises Key Resolve and Foal Eagle by enlisting strategic line of simultaneously carrying on the vast aggressive forces to ignite a nuclear war. construction of the economy and the upbuilding of Rallied solidly behind the Central Committee of the nuclear forces. the Party, our service personnel and other people This line is a strategic line for directing greater have turned out as one in the anti-US, all-out efforts to economic construction while consolidat- showdown to respond to the enemy’s aggressive ing the country’s defence capabilities by developing war with a righteous war for national reunifica- the nuclear forces which the great General be- tion. Frightened by our harder line, the enemy dare

2 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 not lash out at random, but have not given up their hold the treasured sword of nuclear weapons and wild dream to stifle our Republic. the more widely we should open the gate to pros- Our peaceful efforts for the economic construc- perity. tion and the improvement of the people’s standard To carry on the economic construction and of living are but to be accompanied by an acute upbuilding of the nuclear forces simultaneously at struggle against the enemy, and the US schemes to present is the law-governed requirement of our stifle our Republic by means of sanctions and developing revolution. pressure and thus pull down our nuclear deter- The cause of Songun revolution associated with rents and our socialist system will persist for long. the ennobling lives of the great Generalissimos The United States is most afraid of our nuclear has today greeted a new, historic turning-point. deterrents, which are small-sized, light and diver- We must consolidate the strength of Songun to sified, and is making last-ditch efforts as they the maximum and, by relying on it, build without think that if we, possessed of nuclear weapons, fail a strongest country in the world, a people’s achieve economic prosperity, its hostile policy paradise, in which all the people live happily with towards the DPRK will come to naught. nothing to envy in the world. Unshakable is our That the hostile policy the United States pur- Party’s determination to enable our people, who sues against the DPRK is getting more vicious in have invariably followed it overcoming various recent years is also related with the fact that it has hardships, to enjoy the happiest and most affluent moved the strategic centre for its hegemony in the life in the world on the strength of Songun. world to the Asia-Pacific region and designated our The effort to develop the economy and improve country as the primary target of its attack. the people’s standard of living can be successful Proceeding from this, the United States is arti- only when it is backed by powerful military capa- ficially aggravating the tension, picking a quarrel bilities, nuclear forces. In the spirit with which we with our launch of a peaceful satellite without any conquered outer space and with the mettle with good reason, and taking this as an excuse, is con- which we succeeded in the nuclear test of a high ducting large-scale joint war exercises one after level, we must push ahead simultaneously with the another by mobilizing enormous aggressive forces. campaign to defend the country and the construc- It is intent on dismantling our nuclear armaments tion of an economic giant, and thus achieve the and overthrowing our system by all means and happiness of the people and the prosperity of the methods. powerful Paektusan nation without fail. The tragic events that have taken place in sev- Carrying on the economic construction and the eral countries in recent years show that if the upbuilding of the nuclear forces simultaneously is strength of a country is weak, it cannot defend its an urgent requirement for categorically rejecting sovereignty and the dignity of its nation nor the domination and intervention of foreign forces achieve the happiness and prosperity of its people. and accelerating the historic cause of national We must never forget the lessons of the coun- reunification, the supreme desire of our nation. tries in the Balkan Peninsula and the Middle East The nuclear weapons we are possessed of are a which failed to possess powerful self-defensive precious asset of the entire nation which will capabilities, looking to big countries, or gave up guarantee for ever the prosperity of a reunified even their existing war deterrents under the pres- country. sure and appeasement of the imperialists, ending The strategic line of simultaneously carrying on up becoming victims of aggression. the economic construction and the upbuilding of The enemy are now blackmailing us, saying the nuclear forces is a righteous line that will make that we cannot achieve economic development it possible to brilliantly implement the cause of unless we give up our nuclear weapons; at the building a thriving socialist country by remarkably same time, they are appeasing us, saying that if we consolidating our war deterrents and putting spurs choose another road, they would help us to be well- to the economic construction. off. Our nuclear forces are reliable war deterrents The more they do so, the more firmly we must and a guarantee for the defending of the sover-

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 3 eignty of the nation. For nearly 70 years after the ment of the line of simultaneously carrying on appearance of the nuclear weapons, the worldwide the economic construction and defence upbuilding Cold War lasted for long and many wars, large and that was set forth by President Kim Il Sung and small, have been fought in various regions, but it applied by General Kim Jong Il thoroughly. was only the nuclear states that have not experi- At the Fifth Plenary Meeting of the Fourth enced military aggression. Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea If a country is fully capable of dealing precise held in December 1962 Comrade Kim Il Sung blows with nuclear weapons at aggressors and advanced the line of simultaneously developing the their bases wherever they may be on the earth, no economy and national defence capabilities, the first aggressors will dare attack it; the more enormous of its kind in history, and set forth the revolution- and stronger its power of nuclear strike, the ary slogan, “Rifle in one hand and hammer or greater its effectiveness of deterring war. In par- sickle in the other!” As he advanced this line and ticular, since our country is confronted with the created both the self-supporting national economy United States which possesses the largest arsenal and the self-reliant national defence capabilities, of nuclear weapons in the world and the latter we were able to firmly safeguard the gains of the constantly threatens us with nuclear weapons, we revolution unperturbed in the upheavals in which must beef up our nuclear forces both in quantity socialism collapsed in several countries. and in quality. Peace, prosperity and people’s While leading the fierce anti-US nuclear show- happy life all rest with powerful nuclear forces. down along the road of victory by dint of his distin- The strategic line of simultaneously carrying on guished Songun politics, General Kim Jong Il the economic construction and the upbuilding of achieved the great cause of possessing nuclear the nuclear forces is a realistic one which will bring weapons, thus defending Juche-based socialism about the maximum effect in the economic devel- and providing a strong springboard for building a opment and defence upbuilding in keeping with our thriving country. actual conditions. We are now doing anything we are determined The United States and its vassal forces are now to do in accordance with our faith, will and mettle scheming to hamper our effort to build an economic while resolutely frustrating the vicious moves of giant and improve the people’s standard of living the United States and its vassal forces to isolate by dragging us into arms race. The new line will enable us to further strengthen our defence capa- and stifle the DPRK. We owe this to the powerful bilities at small expense without increasing mili- nuclear deterrents, to the creation of which the tary expenditure and direct great efforts to the great Generalissimos devoted all their lives. The economic construction and the improving of the exploits of the Generalissimos who made our coun- people’s standard of living. try a dignified nuclear state in the world will shine We have strong atomic energy industry which for ever in the history of our nation. the great Generalissimos established with keen The Party’s line of stepping up the building of foresight, outstanding leadership and iron courage an economic giant while consolidating the defence and also inexhaustible uranium resources. capabilities of the country with the nuclear forces The Party’s line of simultaneously carrying on as the backbone is a treasured sword for hastening the economic construction and the upbuilding of the building of a thriving socialist country and the nuclear forces is a reasonable line which will national reunification, and it is a banner for our enable us to ease the strain on electric power sup- country to firmly defend the sovereignty and dig- ply at the same time as strengthening the nuclear nity of our nation for generation after generation. forces on the basis of the Juche-based atomic en- The strategic line reflects our Party’s unshak- ergy industry; it is also a just line which will make able faith and will to carry the revolutionary cause it possible to satisfactorily realize our Party’s plan of Juche through to completion along the road of and intention to enable the people to live a happy independence, the road of Songun and the road of life free from any worry while coping with the pre- socialism, which the President pioneered and the vailing situation on our own initiative. General continued to follow. This strategic line is a succession and develop- We must thoroughly implement the Party’s line

4 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 of simultaneously carrying on the economic con- ogy, the economic giant we are building must be a struction and the upbuilding of the nuclear forces knowledge-based one whose driving force is science as we hold fast to the line. and technology. To step up the building of an economic giant Great efforts must be channelled into locally and drastically improve the people’s standard of obtaining the fuel and raw and other materials living is the most important and urgent task facing urgently needed in the building of an economic our Party at present. giant by relying on our resources and technology It was the General’s lifelong wish to build his and particularly into putting the key industry beloved country into an economic giant and thus sectors, including metallurgical and chemical in- make the people live happily without anything to dustries, on a Juche-oriented footing. envy in the world. We must step up the building of By building up forces for developing new tech- an economic giant and improve the people’s stan- nologies and combining the economy organically dard of living at an early date as was intended by with science and technology, all sectors of the na- the General. tional economy must equip factories and enter- The success or failure in the effort to build an prises with modern technology. economic giant depends, first of all, on how we And we must direct efforts to the development shore up the vanguard sectors and basic industry of space science and technology so as to develop sectors of the national economy. When power, coal- and launch a greater number of communications mining and metallurgical industries and railway satellites and various other kinds of application transport dynamically advance in the vanguard, satellites. the overall national economy can be revitalized and In order to bring about a turn in the building of progress full of vigour. The vanguard sectors and an economic giant, we must improve economic basic industry sectors of the national economy guidance and management. should make breakthroughs for victory in the cur- State economic organs, including the Cabinet, rent grand onward march as befits the trailblazers must work out economic development strategy and pioneers in the building of an economic giant. and set realistic objectives by sector and stage in We must bring about a fresh turn in the devel- a substantial manner and thoroughly carry them opment of agriculture and light industry which are out. They must also scrupulously organize and the main thrust areas in the building of an eco- direct production so as to increase production by nomic giant. making the most of the already-built economic It is necessary to fulfil without fail the grain foundations. production plan advanced by the Party by increas- We must study and perfect our style of eco- ing state investment in agriculture and doing nomic management method as demanded by the farming scientifically and technically as required developing reality. by the Juche farming method. The method, which embodies in it the Juche In hearty response to the Party’s call for mak- idea, must keep to the socialist ownership of the ing big strides in the grand onward march for im- means of production and ensure that all enter- proving the people’s standard of living, the light prises conduct business activities independently industry sector must run light industry factories at and creatively under the unified leadership of the full capacity and mass-produce quality consumer state. It must be a socialist method that encour- goods favoured by the people. ages the producer masses to fulfil their responsi- By stoking up the flames of the industrial revo- bilities and roles as masters in the production and lution in the new century, we must further raise management. the level of modernization and scientification of the We must expand and diversify foreign trade, national economy and definitely turn ours into a thus frustrating the moves of the hostile forces knowledge-based economy. for sanctions and blockade and bringing about a In the present era, when the height and speed favourable turn in building an economic giant. of the economic and social development are deter- Tourist zones must be built in several places of mined by the development of science and technol- the country, including the areas of Wonsan and

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 5

Mt. Chilbo, to promote tourism; provinces must set in the external activities for creating a favourable up economic development zones that conform with environment for the implementation of the line of their respective features and develop them charac- carrying on the economic construction and the teristically. upbuilding of the nuclear forces. As long as the imperialists’ nuclear threat ex- We must conduct the external activities coura- ists, we must keep up simultaneously carrying on geously with the dignity and strength due to a the economic construction and the upbuilding of nuclear state so as to further raise the interna- the nuclear forces as an immutable line and fur- tional prestige of our Party. We must also create ther consolidate the nuclear deterrents. external conditions and environment while main- Our nuclear deterrents represent the righteous taining the principle of independence so as to means to defend the sovereignty of the country and forcefully promote the building of a thriving coun- nation, prevent war and safeguard peace. When try. we have strong nuclear deterrents, we will have We must conduct proactive external activities nothing to fear even though a formidable enemy to disclose the reactionary nature and unjustness may pounce upon us and we can concentrate our of the US hostile policy towards our Republic, the efforts without any worry on the economic con- root cause that compels us to strengthen our nu- struction and the improving of the people’s stan- clear forces, and give publicity to the justness and dard of living. inevitability of our option and line. By so doing, we The munitions industry sector must make an- must increase the ranks of our supporters and other big stride in the struggle to make our country sympathizers in the international arena. a most powerful nuclear state in the world. As a responsible nuclear state, the DPRK will It must produce precision and small-sized nu- strive to ensure peace and security in Asia and the clear weapons and the means of their delivery in rest of the world, implement its commitment to larger numbers, and constantly update the nuclear nuclear non-proliferation it made to international weapons technology in order to develop more pow- society in good faith and contribute to the realiza- erful and more advanced nuclear weapons. tion of global denuclearization. To put the atomic energy industry on an up-to- All officials, Party members and other working date, scientific footing is a major key to increasing people must dynamically turn out in the effort the production of nuclear materials and the quality to carry out the Party’s line of simultaneously of its products and making the nuclear weapons carrying on the economic construction and the small-sized and light on a higher standard. The upbuilding of the nuclear forces with confidence atomic energy sector must actively conduct the in sure victory and fighting spirit of implementing campaign to break through the cutting-edge so as Party policy to the death. In this way they must to introduce the CNC system and full automation step up the building of a thriving socialist coun- to equipment and producing lines. try. We must put the atomic energy industry firmly The revolutionary mettle and fighting tradi- on the foundations of the cutting-edge science and tion of our service personnel and other people technology as required by the new century, and trained by the great Generalissimos are that the develop the self-supporting nuclear power industry more complicated the situation is and the more in order to ease the shortage of electricity in the gigantic the tasks facing them are, the more country. staunchly they advance along the road they chose The People’s Army must enhance the backbone by themselves with firm confidence in the just- role of nuclear forces in all aspects of the war de- ness of their cause and in victory. Let us all be terrent strategy and the war waging strategy and firmly united around the Party Central Commit- perfect the regular combat readiness of the nuclear tee and bring closer final victory by energetically forces. pushing forward with the economic construction We are going to fix by law the issue of holding and the upbuilding of the nuclear forces simulta- fast consistently to the nuclear deterrents, the neously as required by the prevailing situation legacy of the great General. We must be proactive and the developing revolution.

6 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Nuclear Threat Leads to Birth of Nuclear State

N JANUARY LAST THE UN SECURITY bombs. In April 1951 the US Joint Chiefs of Staff I Council passed another “resolution on sanctions” ordered an “atomic bomb-based retaliatory offensive” against the DPRK, condemning its legal launch of in an attempt to make up for their shameful results sci-tech satellite Kwangmyongsong 3-2. Earlier the on the Korean front. UNSC adopted similar decisions illegally in 1998 In the post-war days the US further intensified when the country launched Kwangmyongsong 1 and nuclear threat against the socialist country. In 1957 in 2009 when it launched Kwangmyongsong 2, the Pentagon began to ship into and deploy in south flagrantly violating the nation’s right to launch Korea tactical nuclear weapons, the number of which satellites for peaceful purposes. grew to more than 1 000 in the mid-1970s. South Article 1 of the Outer Space Treaty stipulates Korea thus became the largest nuclear magazine and that exploration and use of outer space shall be done outpost in the Far East. And US-south Korea joint in the interests of all countries and that outer space military exercises were conducted with a view to is a common wealth of mankind. And over 9 000 using nukes deployed in south Korea in a war to satellites have been launched since the first artificial invade the north. The Focus Retina operations that earth satellite in the world was launched in October took place in 1969 was the prelude to annual joint 1957, but there has never been a UNSC resolution military exercises that followed, such as Freedom adopted against satellite launching. Bolt, Team Spirit, RSOI, Key Resolve, Foal Eagle, In recent years, however, the UNSC adopted an Ulji Freedom Guardian and RimPac, which involved illegal “resolution on sanctions” whenever socialist an enormous amount of means of nuclear warfare Korea launched a satellite. This shows that the UN enough to carry out a whole war. organization has completely degenerated into a po- The DPRK government has done all in its power litical instrument devoid of impartiality. to denuclearize the Korean peninsula, regarding it as Coping with the situation, Pyongyang flatly re- a matter vital to the fate of the nation and a requisite jected the “resolution” of the UNSC and solemnly for ensuring peace and security in Asia and the rest declared its principled stand to the world that as of the world to rid the peninsula of nuclear threats. there convincingly was no sign of change in the US’s In 1959 the government warned the US to give up hostile policy towards the country denuclearization making south Korea into a nuclear base, and put of the Korean peninsula is impossible unless the rest forward a proposal on creating a peaceful region free of the world is denuclearized. And on February 12 from nuclear weapons in Asia. In 1981 and 1986 it last it successfully carried out a third underground advanced proposals on denuclearizing Northeast nuclear test safely, perfectly and on a high level by Asia and the Korean peninsula, in particular, and means of a smaller and lighter atomic bomb with a strove to that end. In December 1985 the country high explosive power. This was a self-defensive joined the Non-proliferation Treaty hoping that it measure to cope with the high-handedness and arbi- would help get rid of the US’s nuclear threats, for in trariness of the US that reduced the UNSC to a po- 1978 the US, the then Soviet Union and the UK, litical tool against the socialist country, and a mani- depositaries of the Treaty, made public an festation of Pyongyang’s firm will to resolutely fight “assurance,” though conditionally, that nuclear against Washington’s constant nuclear threat with weapons would not be used against non-nuclear na- powerful nuclear deterrents. tions that joined the Treaty. On June 23, 1986 Py- The more-than-half-a-century-long history of the ongyang issued a government statement affirming US’s occupation of south Korea and its execution of a that the country would not test, produce, store or hostile policy towards the DPRK have been consis- introduce nukes, tolerate any military bases includ- tent with nuclear blackmail against the country. On ing foreign nuclear bases or allow foreign nuclear November 30, 1950, during the Korean War started weapons to pass its territory and its territorial air by the US, the then American President Truman space and waters. And as the US promised to sus- publicly pronounced use of atomic bombs on the Ko- pend the Team Spirit nuclear war rehearsal, the rean front, and accordingly the US strategic flying country gave active assistance to the International corps was ordered to be on standby for sending Atomic Energy Agency in its six rounds of irregular bombers to the Far East to immediately drop atomic inspection between May 1992 and February 1993 in ►

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 7 ► compliance with the relevant article of the NPT. The arms race or producing surplus nukes, and on an US, however, instigated the impure elements of the equal footing with other nuclear states, join the in- IAEA to force an “ad hoc inspection” aimed at sensi- ternational efforts for non-proliferation, safe man- tive objects of military installations of the country, agement of nuclear materials and nuclear disarma- and presented more undisguised nuclear threats to ment. Pyongyang by resuming the Team Spirit joint mili- Even after it was possessed of nuclear deterrent tary exercise. After all, even the international treaty the DPRK kept striving to denuclearize the Korean failed to hold the American arbitrariness in check, peninsula. In 2010 it put forward a proposal for and the developments rather proved that the treaty abolishing the Korean Armistice Agreement—which was being misused to justify the high-handedness of had been in existence since 1953—and adopting a Washington. In conformity with Article 10 of the peace treaty between the DPRK and the US so as to NPT, the DPRK, on March 12, 1993, announced its promote the solution of many problems between both withdrawal from the treaty in order to defend its sides, including the denuclearization of the Korean sovereignty and security. Later, as Washington peninsula. The proposal was an innovative one based agreed to have DPRK-US talks, Pyongyang declared on the lesson that nothing could be solved in the in June 1993 that it would unilaterally and tempo- state of armistice, the extreme of mistrust and hos- rarily suspend the validity of the country’s with- tile relationship, and it showed that there was no drawal from the NPT while the talks was going. change in the DPRK’s will to secure peace in the The Bush administration, however, abrogated Korean peninsula and denuclearize the land. the DPRK-US Agreed Framework adopted during The present US administration, however, pur- the term of the Clinton administration to settle the sued its predecessor’s hostile policy towards the nuclear issue of the Korean peninsula, designated DPRK contrary to its advocacy of a “change” in its the DPRK as “part of an axis of evil” and included the policy towards the country before taking power. country in the list of targets of pre-emptive nuclear Rather, Washington more frantically staged the Key strike. This brought to naught the DPRK’s pro- Resolve and Foal Eagle joint military exercises in an tracted efforts based on dialogue and international attempt to stifle the DPRK and intensified its nu- law to denuclearize the Korean peninsula. Rather, clear threat. the US’s nuclear threat reached an extreme, and the When the DPRK launched Kwangmyongsong 3-2 peninsula was put in a critical situation in which a for peaceful purposes the US vilified it as “launch of nuclear war might break out at any moment. So, on a ballistic missile” and instigated the UNSC to adopt January 10, 2003, Pyongyang declared its with- another resolution on sanctions against the socialist drawal from the NPT that had been suspended for country. This proved that there was no change in ten years, and switched over to using all the by- the US’s hostile policy towards the country. The product of plutonium from power generation at a development convinced Pyongyang again of the trial atomic power plant. And the country carried out truth that it should defend its sovereignty only with a nuclear test, the first of its kind in the land, in its own efforts and compelled the country to take the October 2006, and the second in May 2009. So to road to further strengthening of its nuclear deter- speak, the US’s nuclear threats made the DPRK rent by carrying out the third underground nuclear take the road to possessing a nuclear deterrent, and test. the latter’s possession of nuclear deterrent put an The worst menace to peace and security in the end to the nuclear imbalance in Northeast Asia Korean peninsula is the US and all other impure where only the DPRK had remained an area of nu- forces’ hostile policy towards the DPRK and the clear absence. enormous American nuclear armed force that under- In April 2010, the DPRK government announced lie the policy. its nuclear policy. The government made it clear that Historical experience shows that only when the the mission of the country’s nuclear armed force is to whole of the world, including the US, is denu- check and repulse any invasion and attack on the clearized perfectly in advance will the Korean penin- country until the global denuclearization was sula be able to be denuclearized and peace and secu- achieved and that the country would invariably rity of the DPRK be ensured. maintain a policy of not using nuclear weapons Pyongyang is of the opinion that there will be against non-nuclear states or threatening them with dialogue and negotiation for peace and security in nukes as long as they did not join acts of invasion and around the Korean peninsula, but no dialogue and attack on it in collusion with a nuclear state. for denuclearization of the peninsula, and it is the And it clarified its stand that it would produce nukes intention of the country to focus its efforts on denu- as much as it needed, without joining the nuclear clearizing the world.

8 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Bright Vista of Economic Giant Open

HE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S ongyang Rayon Yarn Mill, the Tae- T Republic of Korea is struggling donggang Swellfish Farm and the to achieve its objective of building Pyongyang Taegyong Laver Proc- an economic power as soon as pos- essing Factory were inaugurated. sible. Major industrial projects are The methanol production process finished and go into operation, new with a big capacity was built in the factories and enterprises equipped Hungnam Fertilizer Complex and a with latest facilities rise in succes- modern dressing plant in the Ry- sion and existing factories and en- ongchon Mine. An integrated sys- terprises are going through mod- tem of automatic control was intro- ernization. Last year the construc- duced in the Sunchon Chemical tion of the Nampho-Pyongyang Complex, while the Taedonggang seawater pipeline was completed, Tile Factory developed into a com- and the Hwangbong Mine, the Py- prehensive building material producer. The number of production bases that are based on close com- bination of science and technology ►

A medium-size heating furnace equipped with a high-temperature- air-combustion technology based on anthracite gasification at the Chollima Steel Complex.

Artificial earth satellite Kwangmyongsong 3-2 is launched.

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 9 operation onto a higher scientific

level. With potentials of production expanded and production processes modernized, the national economy as a whole is changing into a knowledge-based economy and the production is on the steady increase. Last year, too, thousands of factories and enterprises, including the Taean Heavy Machine Complex, the Ragwon Machine Complex, the Pyongyang Electric Cable Factory

► with manufacture is growing steadily. A fish farming institute situated in the east coast conducts an integrated operation of research, growing and processing of select fishes including salmon. The Pyongyang Vegetable Re- search Institute and the Pyongy- ang Floriculture Institute were turned into large-scale vegetable and flower study and production bases. The Chicken Farm 927, the Paeksan Pig Farm and other stockbreeding farms have established the production system of cyclic processes and are putting Modernization of production processes results in increased production.

326, the Anju Insulator Factory, the Kanggye Mine Pillar Com- pany and the Pakchon Silk Mill, fulfilled their yearly plans far ahead of schedule. These achievements are all attributable to the Korean working people’s spirit of self-reliance based on latest science and tech- ►

Tanchon Port completed in no longer than three years.

10 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 ► nology. Self-reliance is the tradi- water survived a strong typhoon which is an advanced bioengi- tional revolutionary spirit of the and tidal waves that swept the neering sector, and are applying Korean people. By working in the east coast. the success into practice. Agricul- spirit they changed their country Meanwhile, the builders of the tural scientists bred high-yielding into a socialist industrial state in Huichon Power Station completed varieties of grains, including the a short span of time and built an the construction in a little over first-hybrid rice, the first-hybrid independent national economy three years, which had been ex- corn and seeds of a new variety of relying on their own resources pected to take more than ten bean, and established the produc- and efforts. In the 1990s when years, and the people working in tion system of virus-free potato the international environment the steel, fireproof materials and progenitor, which is almost great changed following the collapse of other industries changed the pro- progress in the plant breeding. socialism in some countries and duction processes that had been The sci-tech achievements are the imperialists’ manoeuvre to relying on the imported materials in wide application in different isolate and stifle the DPRK and fuels into those fed with do- sectors of the national economy. reached an extreme, the Korean mestic ones. Last year Changsong The Songjin Steel Complex has working people, holding high the County, North Phyongan Prov- established a steel production slogan “Let us go the thorny path ince, equipped local-industry fac- system based on latest techniques cheerfully!” built many power tories including foodstuff, paper while the Chollima Steel Complex stations and factories with their and furniture factories with mod- has built another UHP electric arc own efforts and techniques, and ern facilities to take advantages furnace. Building on the experi- thus laid a springboard for a of the mountains that cover 95% ence in manufacturing geother- thriving socialist nation. of its area. mal facility, the Ryongsong Ma- At present, as the task of Science and technology devel- chine Complex manufactured a building a thriving socialist na- oping at a high speed are giving a new kind of geothermal facility tion has come to the fore, the strong stimulus to the building of with a bigger capacity than the working people are making an economic giant. In recent years earlier one. Last year the Ryonha greater spiritual exertions than Korea is swept with an enthusi- machine manufacturers, pioneers ever before. When there began the asm to make sci-tech break- of the industrial revolution in the project of building a port of tre- throughs. Scientists have suc- new century, completed a parent mendous economic significance in cessfully carried out researches machine for processing main bod- the Tanchon area in the east into functional nano materials ies of CNC machine tools, and the coast, the most difficult task was and laid a firm foundation for Kusong Machine Tool Factory to build a nearly 2 000-metre- their industrial production. Nano- developed a ten-axis machining long breakwater. There was not material-based sensors, LEDs, centre, one of the highest- even a natural breakwater like an filter films and the like have been performance CNC machine tools. island. And the much deeper wa- developed and the application The nation’s fast-developing ter and rougher waves than the sphere of nano materials is cease- science and technology were fully West Sea of Korea provided quite lessly enlarging. Bioengineering demonstrated with the artificial difficult building conditions. scientists have established a so- earth satellite Kwangmyongsong However, the builders and tech- matic-cell-cloning process and a 3-2 manufactured and success- nicians made concerted efforts transformation technology and fully launched into orbit with its and pooled their collective wisdom completed the technique of bio- efforts and techniques in Decem- to develop unique and daring logical identification based on ber last year. methods of construction, such as gene analysis, thus making it The working people’s spiritual the one of making prefabricated possible to promptly and scientifi- exertions and the fast-developing concrete structures to be laid as cally determine viruses including science and technology are sure foundations, to lower the cost and that of bird flu. They have estab- guarantees for the bright future of unusually accelerate the building lished the techniques of separa- the DPRK which will become an tempo. Thus they completed the tion, culture and examination of economic giant soon. large-scale project in a matter of several kinds of stem cells by three years. Last year the break- intensifying studies of stem cells, Sim Yong Jin

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 11 Kim Il Sung Is the Eternal Sun of Mankind (2)

By Secretary General Ogami Kenichi of the International Institute of the Juche Idea

(Continued from the last is- bright and cheerful country full of sue) sunlight. The sunlight was that of hu- Great Embrace of Love man love provided by President Kim Il Sung who was just like WORLD-FAMOUS WRITER the sun. Looking back upon the A said that love is divided days of my stay in Pyongyang I into three kinds—beautiful, ener- wanted to meet the President who getic and devoted—and that even had founded the Juche idea and a great man typifies only one of applied the idea in ensuring the the three. But I got to know that people happiness and whom the there was love greater than the people were calling father and three kinds joined together. It was following as such. the one shown by a genuine peo- At last the desire was realized. ple’s leader. I confidently experi- It was on April 16, 1975, during enced it during my meeting with my second visit to Pyongyang. President Kim Il Sung on my That day, sent for by the to the truth that the current age visits to socialist Korea. President, we, calming down our is that of independence and that It was in March 1974 that I excitement, hastened to the place the struggle of the world’s revolu- visited Pyongyang for the first where he was. On arrival there I tionary peoples for independence time. The first place I went to in saw him already waiting for us will surely emerge victorious. the country was Mangyongdae, outdoors. Encouraging us to make joint the birthplace of President We were too excited to know efforts with them to realize inde- Kim Il Sung. Seeing the revolu- what to do, and the President pendence, he said meaningfully tionary relics preserved in the affectionately held our hands, that a spark could flare up into a historic place and hearing signifi- inquiring about our health and prairie fire. Experiencing his cant stories associated with the helping us to dessert. Regretting great personality full of human relics I was moved with deep that he had failed to meet us ear- love attracting all people, I felt emotion. lier, he said he was sorry for hav- benevolence of the sun which I And I was struck with wonder ing met us so late. Such humble had never done from anybody else while looking round the Korean and affectionate words of his before. Revolution Museum, the Pyongy- made me feel as if I had been That day the President posed ang Students and Children’s Pal- taken into the embrace of my own for a souvenir photo with us, ace, scientific and educational father. A scholar sitting next to toasted our health and presented institutions, factories, farms and me seemed moved with deep emo- us each with a gold wristwatch many other places in the city. The tion just like me, for he often held bearing his august name. The appearance of the city was mag- his hands up to the edges of his affection the President showed for nificent without signs of ravages, eyes. us served as the nourishment of and yet I was more deeply im- Though every minute and my genuine life, and an elixir to pressed by the image of a genuine second was precious for him, the restore me back to life. I still can- society in which the people are President took time to give wise not forget the day when I came masters of everything and every- answers to our questions while back to myself. That day, while thing serves them. It was really a encouraging us. He awakened us being engrossed in the prepara- ►

12 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 ► tion for the formation of the IIJI, I fell unconscious from exhaustion. Then, in a dim consciousness, I heard the ticking of the second Warm Care hand. It came from the gold wristwatch the President had gifted to me. The sound was just HE SUPREME NATIONAL isfactory recreation. like the President’s affectionate leader Kim Jong Un voice telling me not to collapse T and encouraging me to rise again. called at the amusement ground Suitable attire Now I got up. Then I realized that of the Kaeson Youth Park again the strength of great love is more in May 2012. Understanding the Understanding the manage- powerful than that of medicine. state of operation of amusement ment and operation of the park No one else is luckier than me, facilities in detail, he suggested to the last detail, Kim Jong Un I dare say. I was honoured to meet elaborate tasks and ways for paid close attention to the attire President Kim Il Sung on 17 regular operation. He stressed occasions. of the operators and service In the spring of 1993 the repeatedly that they should workers as well. He said that as DPRK declared a semi-war state improve the management and the amusement facilities were to cope with the imperialists’ un- operation of the amusement in service from spring to au- disguised outrages for aggression. ground steadily so as to avoid tumn it was necessary to make After hearing the news I, together causing any trifling inconven- long and short clothes properly with all other members of my ience to the people. for the workers to suit the family, visited Pyongyang with a determination to share our lot natural environment of the park with the Korean people. One day, In the hall of computer and that the operators and ser- during our stay, I heard the im- games vice workers should wear uni- pressive news that the President form costumes. had sent for us. Welcoming us Kim Jong Un dropped in at with a bright smile on his face as Officials should ride before, he affectionately inquired the hall of computer games. about our affairs and life. That Acquainting himself with what for a trial day he heard a song we sang and kind of games were favourite applauded, highly appreciating with people, he said, “I suppose Approaching the Discovery, our singing. We enjoyed ourselves children and pupils like com- Kim Jong Un said that the with the President without notic- puter games and young facility was most popular with ing the passage of time as we people like arm wrestling and the public, that he had a ride on would do with our own father or grandfather. I never imagined striking game.” Scrutinizing it the year before when he was even in a dream that it was my the striking-game facility, he there together with Chairman last audience with the President. advised to add air into the ball Kim Jong Il, and that officials No, it was not the last. The sun of as it seemed to be a little (accompanying him at the mo- nature is far away from us, but deflated. ment) had better have a ride President Kim Il Sung, the sun The accompanying officials on it right then. Asking how the of mankind, is always alive in the and the operators were moved Z-Force and Power Surge were mind of the Korean people and the by the meticulous care of the world’s progressive peoples. in operation, he suggested President Kim Il Sung is the leader even for a deflated ball in officials have a ride and check eternal sun of love, indeed. an effort to provide the people the safety before the people got with a perfect condition for sat- aboard. (To be continued)

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 13

Building Materials Gaining Public Favour

N RECENT YEARS agers decided to substitute the plastic sashes, artificial marble, I Pyongyang has been changing imported fuel with anthracite outer-wall paints and water-proof into a more magnificent and which is in plentiful supply in the panels while increasing the pro- beautiful city. Last year alone country, like the Taedonggang duction. apartment buildings like those in Tile Factory had done. It was a The products from the factory Changjon Street and entertain- strange task to them, but they are favourably commented upon ment and recreation facilities like pushed ahead with the project by the public. Choe Kwang Ok, an the People’s Theatre, Rungna with confidence. At last the work official at the Thongilgori Fitness People’s Pleasure Ground and was finished soon and the trial Centre, says, “The pictures and Ryugyong Health Complex came operation turned out successful. patterns on the tiles produced by into existence. Much of the build- For six months since the first this factory are in decent style ing materials, including tiles that batch of tiles was produced on the and suitable to the tastes of our keep the buildings in beautiful basis of the anthracite gas in people. And the colour does not attire, came from the Pyongyang spring last year, four times as fade easily. What’s attractive is Building Materials Factory. many tiles as had been produced the price, which is half the one of Commissioned in 2007, the so far were turned out. the imported things.” factory produces various kinds of The sanitary porcelain work- Pak Yong Gwan working at things including plastic sashes shop is also supplied with anthra- the Ragwon Guidance Bureau and sliding doors. In particular, cite gas instead of imported fuel— says that the products from the the tile production is in a stream- its consumption was as much as a factory are easy to transport and line process which turns out dif- hundred and dozens of tons every convenient to use as they are hard ferent sorts of tiles like the one month—and thus produces qual- and light. with embossed patterns. ity products on a normal basis. In The factory has also put the Until recently the tile produc- this way the factory’s earnings production of outer-wall paints, tion was based on the supply of grew considerably. non-woven fabric and water-proof imported fuel, which was quite a On the strength of the suffi- panels on the basis of using an- trouble. Without substituting the cient supply of anthracite gas the thracite gas and ensured a high fuel with domestic material, it factory made steady efforts to quality of the products. was impossible to meet the de- improve the quality of different The demands for the factory’s mand for tiles. The factory man- kinds of finish materials like products are growing steadily.

14 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Production of building materials is on the increase.

Article by Sim Hyon Jin Photos by Ra Ju Hyok

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 15 For Rapid Progress in Light Industry “Okryu” Aroma

The supercritical extraction workshop. The edible aromatics workshop.

OCATED AT A L picturesque place on the Taedong River, the Pyongyang Aromatic Factory is a comprehensive manufacturer of aromatic materials used in production of different kinds of food and perfumes. When we visited the factory,

cucumber-smelling aromatic was ►

16 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 ► under production in the industrial cording to their usage, they have No. 1 and other shops. aromatic production site equipped different properties. Those used The new product development with an automatic control system. for drinks are water-soluble while section aroused greater curiosity A worker there said that several those used for confectionery are than other sites. When we entered production processes including oil-soluble, and those for both the room, the researchers were the raw material feeding and usages are soluble in both water engaged in discussion on a newly- product-discharging system and and oil. A primary attention was developed scent. The topic was the cooling-water-supply system directed to ensuring a sanitary what sort of effect it had on peo- were newly conceived and intro- condition, and efforts were given ple’s health. It seemed that all the duced to suit the actual condition to production of high-quality researchers have a unanimous of the factory. I saw aromatic goods. A worker there said that view that they can never rest on packages coming out through the only when they are versed in the their laurels if they are to meet mixing and filtering processes. compounding technique and op- the increasing demand of the Jang Kwang Hyon, an official of eration of the latest facility by people. the factory said that they can ceaselessly improving their level Researcher Ju Ri Gil says, “In make any kind of aromatic they of sci-tech attainment, can they the past aromatic materials were intend to. He showed us the fulfil their responsibility. mostly imported. But now as we melon and pineapple aromatics “The demand for aromatics is produce many kinds of aromatics, they had already produced. They increasing as many factories are the foodstuff and daily necessi- were essential additives for pro- newly built across the country and ties industries of our country can duction of soap, cream, shampoo, the national economy is develop- develop more quickly. The whole rinse, detergent and so on. We ing at a fast speed. To meet the land is full of ‘Okryu’ aroma.” were told, “The Sinuiju and Py- demand, we always rack our brain The factory established the ongyang cosmetics factories used and put good ideas into reality,” trademark of “Okryu” for its our aromatics in their products, said Jang Kwang Hyon. We went products. which are favourably commented round the perfume production Before leaving the factory we upon by the public.” site. Several kinds of perfumes stood there a good while as if we Then we went to the edible packed in glass bottles and iron were mesmerized by the “Okryu” aromatics production site where cases of various shapes were com- aroma. they produce aromatics which ing out on a flowline. Jang proudly smell like strawberry, peach, ap- said that their perfumes sell well Article by Rim Ok ple, milk, butter and so on. Ac- at Pyongyang Department Store Photos by Ra Phyong Ryol

would rather accelerate wrin- extremely shallow. But anger is

Smile and kling. In general, smiling is such a strong expression that said to make wrinkles in the muscles have a high level of Wrinkles corner of the eye. It makes no tension, which makes deep sense. As smile is a light ex- wrinkles. Smiling can be the pression different from anger, cause of wrinkles if it is a forced ECENTLY RESEARCH- muscles have a low level of smile. Wrinkles would easily R ers have made a scientific tension. It means that even appear because facial muscles conclusion that hesitation to though wrinkles are made, they will have to force a smile unless smile for fear of crow’s-feet will soon disappear as they are it is a willing smile.

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 17 Developers of Advanced Technology

NSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER engaged themselves in the re- men’s clothes, were completely I education in the Democratic search work. With their tireless solved, making contribution to People’s Republic of Korea are thinking and inquest, many higher quality of goods and laying now achieving lots of successes in young teachers and researchers a technical foundation for mod- scientific research while conduct- including Hwang Po Ryong and ernization of other jobs of techni- ing education work for building Jon Kwang Jin successfully cal preparation. For the merit the an economic power. In particular, solved difficult scientific and new program was introduced at the teachers and researchers at technical problems like the study many factories and enterprises, the Pyongyang Han Tok Su Uni- of dynamic simulation of the hu- and other technical preparation versity of Light Industry devel- man body, the core of four- and centres and tailor’s shops in the oped a five-dimensional garment five-dimensional clothes design- field of clothing industry. designing program that goes to- ing, and the simulation system of As the five-dimensional wards improvement of the people’s living standards. Using the program you can design clothing by considering its draping features in keeping with the characteristics of suit materials and their effects on the skin while putting clothes on a moving three- dimensional mannequin in real time. The teachers and researchers of the university volunteered to develop four- and five- dimensional clothing designing programs that are based on the consideration of the dynamic simulation of the human body and features of suit materials, which needed higher techniques than second- or three-dimensional designing programs in the past. Many countries around the suit materials on the moving clothes designing program of a world have been making efforts to body, and thus developed a new Korean style was developed by develop a five-dimensional clothes five-dimensional clothes design- their tireless efforts, the clothing designing program which is one of ing program of a Korean style. industry of the country has risen the cutting-edge techniques in the In addition, they put a great up to an advanced level while field of garment industry, but only effort in its practical application. saving lots of labour and funds, a few of them have made it com- The program was introduced into and a firm scientific and technical plete so as to introduce it into clothes designing and technical foundation has been laid to make practice. preparation processes at clothing clothes suited to the people’s de- The teachers and researchers factories and tailor’s shops in mands and interests. The cutting- of the university set themselves Pyongyang, and turned out quite edge technology which renders to the job of making a break- productive. According to their it possible to realize multi- through in the field of clothing experience, the quality of techni- dimensional designing in all the industry with their own re- cal preparation rose up to the designing sectors of light industry sources. They completed the highest level while the consump- including clothing and shoe mak- three-dimensional designing pro- tion of time dropped sharply. ing, was registered as a national gram in a short period of one year Meanwhile, the put-on simulation scientific and technical achieve- and introduced it into production, technology made it possible to ment. The teachers and research- and then buckled down to the save a lot of materials in producers of the university are now con- research of four- and five- tion. tinuing their research work to dimensional programs. The uni- Moreover, difficult technical attain a greater target. versity saw to it that young sci- problems, like the abnormally entists in their twenties actively high or low position of collars of Sim Hyon Jin

18 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Honourable Titles and Degrees

years. Some people doubted if he animals with a fermentation bac-

could ever realize his project terium. Thus he opened a bright which was a complete stranger to vista for extensive introduction him, a man in his twilight years. of the mud-snail-based organic And some others dissuaded him, farming. saying he was already a proud Building on his achievements scientist of the nation as he had he laid mud-snail-breeding pools been awarded a number of honor- in a number of farms, typically ary titles for his successful scien- Ryongbuk Cooperative Farm, tific researches. and grew mud snails while com- ABOUR HERO, MERITED But Ri would not agree with paratively investigating and ob- L Scientist, Doctor and Associ- them, saying, “This project is to serving the weeding, fertility and ate Professor— these are the help solve the food problem of the the growing rate of rice in fields titles and degrees conferred on people, which is an essential task with mud snails and those with- Ri Ui Jong, section chief of at the moment.” out. Whenever farm workers Kim Il Sung University. What he tackled first of all rushed out to paddy fields at Years ago, he knew, while was adapting mud snails from rainy night to look after the reading a number of reference warmer regions to the Korean fields, they saw Ri taking care of books for preparation of teaching environment. He believed that if the mud-snail nursery. At last he materials, that mud snails in rice he succeeded in Yomju County, proved that mud snails help pro- fields remove weeds and improve North Phyongan Province, in view duce more rice—while using half the fertility of the soil and thus of the country’s climate, the mud- an amount of chemical fertil- make a favourable condition for snail-based organic farming izer— than in fields that are the growth of rice. His heart would be able to emerge success- based on application of hundreds throbbed with excitement again. ful in rice cultivation in all re- of kilograms of chemical fertilizer It is well known that the applica- gions south of the county. He and several rounds of weeding by tion of chemical fertilizers and went down to the county and con- means of herbicides and ma- killers in agriculture turns land ducted tests in an all-round way, chines. With this it was con- acid and has harmful effects on aided by the senior officials of the firmed that the new organic human health. This necessitated county and farm workers. farming is quite a practical and the application of organic farming The primary task was to find feasible method. which is intended to develop agri- out the way to lay mud snails in Ri Nam Ryong, a workteam culture on the basis of the natural winter sleep. On the basis of spe- leader of the Ryongbuk Coopera- cycle of the ecological system and cial studies of the biological fea- tive Farm which has profusely to avoid the use of chemical fertil- tures of mud snails, Ri found benefited from the method, says, izers, pesticides and herbicides in out an underwater hibernation “When I heard them call him doc- an attempt to protect the natural method by which mud snails pass tor, I thought he was simply an environment and human health. winter in running spring water in agronomic doctor. But on a close One way developed for the pur- a greenhouse without any heating acquaintance with him I knew he pose was the growing of mud and a dry hibernation method by is rather a true patriot than a snails in rice fields. which mud snails are put in a doctor.” Grasping the situation, Ri tunnel for winter sleep. In order Rather a true patriot than a made up his mind to introduce the to solve the feed problem after scientist—this is the most hon- mud-snail-based farming method hibernation he developed a ourable title he’s got from the to suit the country’s actual condi- method of getting the feed by people. tion. Yet he was advanced in treating excrement of domestic Kim Chol Ung

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 19 Pyongyang Vegetable Research Institute

OT LONG AGO WE tering in the sunlight. In front of their growth. N visited the Pyongyang the newly-built hydroponic hot- The supply of nourishing Vegetable Research Institute house of Branch Farm No. 2, re- liquid was the first process for which was recently reconstructed searcher Mun Ung Chol met us vegetable production. Various on an expansion basis in Hwasong and said, “This hothouse is based kinds of nourishing liquefied fer- -dong, Ryongsong District, Py- on a production system equipped tilizer evenly mixed in a mixing ongyang. At the entrance to its with up-to-date technology like machine flowed through a nour- compound we were welcomed by that of Branch Farm No. 1. People ishing liquid tank divided into its director Ri Yong U, who said first wonder at the number of our two parts—large and small—to a with a smile, “You had better be greenhouses, but looking round manuring machine, which, ac- ready to look round all the green- them here they are struck with cording to the command of com- houses of our institute one by one. great admiration at the extent to puter, supplied the liquid to every Even a day is not enough to do by which their management is made section of the hothouse five hec- foot.” scientific and modern.” tares wide in area, and the liquid Passing the entrance, we saw Listening to him, we dropped flowed through pipes to be in- lots of vinyl-roofed greenhouses in at the computer-based control stilled into every plant in accor- without heating apparatuses room of the hothouse. Computers dance with its state of growth. standing in rows around twin were controlling all complicated “For all our labour we never hydroponic hothouses, covering activities including the supply of feel tired because the computer an area of tens of thousands of nourishing liquid to various kinds controls not only the nourishing square metres. of vegetables, the adjustment of liquid’s pH but also the tempera- We made for the hydroponic temperature and humidity in the ture and humidity and even the hothouses whose glass was glit- hothouse and the observation of liquid’s concentration according to ►

20 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013

► the period and state of growth of each of hundreds of the plants in In front of the first green- vegetables by kind on the basis of my charge. But I am filled with house we went to, a truck was an automatic sensor. Looking pride at the thought that the to- being loaded with vegetables in- round this room, the presidential matoes I gather will help enrich cluding carrots, celery and cori- envoy of Mongolia and his party the people’s table. Sometimes my ander, all put in vinyl bags. Ri and many other foreigners and wheeler looks like a boat clearing Hae Nam, driver of the truck, overseas Korean compatriots gave her way through the blue sea.” said, “I take vegetables to green- unstinted praise,” said Ri Un Out of the hydroponic hot- groceries by truck everyday, and Hyang, worker in the room. house, we met Pak Hyon Jong, saleswomen there jokingly say Inside the hothouse, a won- vice-director of the institute, who that I must feel satiated as I am derful sight caught our eyes. Vari- said that he was on his way to the always in loads of vegetables. ous kinds of vegetables such as newly-built vinyl-roofed green- Tomorrow I should take celery tomato and cucumber were grow- houses without heating appara- and the like there from the west- ing in rows of hanging cultivation tuses to acquaint himself with ern greenhouses. They are so shelves with organic matters. how vegetables were cultivated large in quantity that I will be Conspicuous were new species of there. So we followed him to the very busy tomorrow.” tomatoes developed by research- greenhouses. The driver’s words made us ers of the institute. On one side, The technique of building think that we had no need to go workers, on wheelers, were pick- such a greenhouse had spread to round all the greenhouses one by ing tomatoes moving between the other parts of the country creating one. We seemed to see varieties of rows of the plants. Ri Son Hwa, a new sights of greenhouses, Pak ripened vegetables waiting to be worker, said, “I am very busy be- went on to say and explained that gathered in the greenhouses ar- cause I usually have to pick 10 or people’s favourite vegetables were ranged in rows. 15 kilograms of tomatoes from being cultivated there. Kim Chol Ung

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 21 Lights That Never Go out at Night

The e-library of Kim Il Sung University.

ECENTLY I VISITED THE two years.” silent, we could feel the burning R e-library of Kim Il Sung Hearing him we got to the enthusiasm of the explorers of the University. Entering the place I catalogue search hall on the unknown scientific world. Some found myself marvelling at a wide ground floor. Students were en- were writing something down in and open space, bright lights, grossed in browsing catalogues their books referring to different glossy marble floor, original forms using computers set in many windows they chose, and others of round pillars, ceiling decora- lines. Ri Sung Chol, a student were making up what they tions and rails around. What looking through collections of thought on the screen. I stole up stands out in the central hall was academic papers, said, “In the to a student. Introducing himself Chairman Kim Jong Il’s auto- past it took us a lot of time and as a maths student, he said that graphic statement attached to the efforts to look for reference books he was reading materials on the front wall, reading, “Keep your needed for our preparation of mathematical fundamentals of feet firmly planted in this land academic discussion. But now it cipher theory. “Here I have got an and look out over the world! Be takes no more than five minutes. access to all materials concerning reliable backbone of the Songun We can use much of the time this field worldwide. If I were to revolution possessed of noble spent for browsing references for look through this much material mind and profound knowledge! studies of materials, and it helps on paper, it would take me more Redouble your effort to make the find out important problems and than a whole day, but here I can world admire our great Party and make a profound analysis.” do it in an hour or two.” Kim Il Sung’s Korea! December The head librarian explained Though the students I met and 17, 2009 Kim Jong Il” that similar services are to be talked with while looking round The head librarian Song Hyon found on every floor up to the the reading halls up to the second Jun said, “Entering this library second floor, offering comprehen- floor were different in their stud- students renew their determina- sive data on both social and natu- ies and ages they were all the tion—in front of this statement— ral sciences. same in the attitude of inquiry. to advance a bright future looking Now we reached the first-floor We were looking at them admira- over the world. The number of hall, which was a cosy and calm bly for a good while, when the visitors recorded since it was place with a methodical arrange- head librarian said to us, “Some opened is as many as nearly ment of more than a hundred and students stay here deep into the 700 000 for the past a little over dozens of computers. Though night, when some others rush ►

22 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 ► here at mid-night to find materi- computer instruction room in fervent enthusiasm to get cut- als to support their abrupt ideas which a short course was in pro- ting-edge achievements—as early that come of their painstaking gress under the sponsorship of as possible—suited to the actual effort. So we keep three shifts of the university to help attain conditions of the country while service round the clock.” mastery of latest programs, and looking over the world. This is Now we headed for the multi- the academic exchange room always making us busy.” media hall on the third floor. Ac- which can accommodate any in- Saying good-bye to us when cording to Kim Jong Chan, an ternational academic seminar. we were looking back at the li- assistant of the library, who was The chief assistant of the aca- brary again, the head librarian making round of different facili- demic exchange room said, told us, “The lights of our library ties there, the hall was equipped “Lecturers, researchers and stu- will not go out tonight, either, for with latest appliances for the dents of our university present they are powered by the inquisi- learning of foreign languages and their discoveries of high scientific tive zeal of our students cherish- so it was an attraction of many value to authoritative interna- ing the instructions of Chairman students whether they major in tional academic magazines to Kim Jong Il.” foreign studies or not. There we exchange achievements and ex- met Kim Chol Song, a teacher of perience. They are filled with a Kim Chol Ung the faculty of foreign studies, who was helping students in their learning of foreign languages. He was proud of the students’ passion for learning of foreign languages. “Their level is rising remarkably,” he boasted. Next we dropped in at the

Students are engrossed in their study.

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 23 For the Good of Posterity

HENEVER APRIL country. Pointing to a building he with one and the same determi- W comes round, I eagerly saw through a window, he asked nation to develop the pupils into miss the benevolent look of accompanying officials what or- talent conducive to the building of President Kim Il Sung who vis- gan it belonged to. An official a great, prosperous and powerful ited my school nearly 60 years replied that it was a building of nation. ago. the Ministry of Commerce. He As a result the school has now It was a little past noon on then suggested that the ministry become widely known throughout April 1, 1954, the day that school and the school should exchange the country as a Chollima School, began for the first time after the buildings and stressed the need to twice Honoured Red Flag School Korean war started by the US provide the pupils with a better and model sports school, and is imperialists. That day, though condition for their schooling. He exalting its honour as an educa- busy leading the post-war reha- urged them to rehabilitate other tional institution that trains reli- bilitation and construction, damaged school buildings as soon able pillars of the country. Kim Il Sung visited Pyongyang as possible so as to give pupils Keeping in mind the loving Primary School No. 19, the prede- good education. “You should give care shown by the peerless great cessor of my school, to the pleas- the pupils a good understanding men of Mt. Paektu for the rising ant surprise of the teachers and of the US imperialists’ atrocities,” generations and our supreme pupils. They warmly welcomed he added. national leader Kim Jong Un’s him, raising enthusiastic cheers. That day he even skipped his deep concern for children, I will Warmly shaking hands with lunch to visit other schools in the strive to develop all pupils into teachers, he asked how long they city to give scrupulous instruc- future revolutionary talent of worked at the school and how tions concerning education of the Songun Korea, and make sure many classrooms it had. At the rising generation. that the teachers improve their time hollows were seen here and Not long after his visit pupils political and practical qualifica- there in the school ground, and of my school began to study in a tions and dedicate all their wis- the school building was partially new building using new desks and dom and energy to the education damaged, which was the result of chairs. and edification of the pupils. the US imperialists’ barbarous Later, on many occasions, the bombing. President took measures to send Ri I Son, headmaster He walked up broken stairs relevant officials to the school to of Pyongyang Songbuk and went into a classroom. Find- help its teachers and pupils with Primary School ing the windows small, he said their teaching and study lest they that the pupils’ eyesight might go should feel any inconvenience. bad in the room because it was ill Scores of years have passed lighted, and instructed that the since then. My school has done all windows should be enlarged. And it could to honour his guidance of seeing textbooks nappy he said he lasting importance by improving would have new textbooks pro- education. In recent years, on the vided to the pupils at an early occasion of the beginning of every date. Looking round pupils he told new school year, we further im- them to work hard so as to de- proved the educational condition velop into future pillars of the and circumstances of the school

24 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Sound Talents Are Trained

HE PYONGYANG PHALGOL JUNIOR tried to develop novel teaching methods in close con- T Secondary School is one of the ordinary secon- tact with educational researchers. Exchanging ex- dary schools ubiquitous around the country. periences and lessons they learned from their teach- “If you fail to adopt a suitable teaching method ing, they established innovative methods to raise the you can hardly implant the teaching content in the quality of instruction. The emphasis was put on ex- students properly, even when you have a correct tensive use of aids and objects. In this way all teach- layout of the content. This necessitates appropriate ers, to say nothing of the highly qualified teachers, adoption of different methods of teaching at secon- became able to carry out model lessons. Many of dary schools, including the heuristic one, to suit them won the title of October 8 Model Teacher and characteristics of lessons and levels of students’ pre- the certificate of Registered New Teaching Method. paredness.” This directly led to improvement of the students’ This is a quotation from the speech of Kim Hwa academic attainment. The number of winners of the Son, headmistress of the school, at a recent district July 15 Honour Student award increased, and the meeting held to swap teaching experience. school won first place in total at the district academic She was appointed as headmistress of the school contest of top-honour students in August last year. ten years ago. (She had taught at a different school Yun Jin Hak was chosen as the chairman of the joint before.) national organization of the Korean Children’s Un- She often looked into classes at work, and in the ion and made a report to the national leader course of this learned that the teachers’ preparation Kim Jong Un at a meeting to celebrate the 66th founding anniversary of the union. It was a glory of

the school that nine of its students attended the national functions to celebrate the 66th founding anniversary of the KCU. The school produced many famous scientists, entertainers and athletes, including Rim Jong Sim who won the 69 kg category of women’s weightlifting at the 30th Olympic Games. The teachers are always working hard to improve instruction so as to help students have a rich stock of knowledge, high cultural and artistic attainment and a strong physique. Song Ryo Myong for lesson was lagging behind the demand of the times. It was because teaching plans and methods were all stereotyped. Kim called a consultation of teachers regarding the problem and found special ways to solve the problem. With this as a momentum teachers conducted a brisk campaign to improve teaching plans and methods as required by the era of the knowledge-based economy. They worked hard to get well versed in link subjects as well as their special subjects and improve their practical abilities. Meanwhile, they

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 25 Our Factory Hospital

HE WORKERS OF THE idea of the doctors. Conscious of state of hemiplegia due to cerebral T Pyongyang Kim Jong Suk their mission they achieved a lot haemorrhage, and Nam Sang Il, Textile Mill call their factory hos- in treatment and research work repairman of the 50 000-spindle pital “our factory hospital.” The last year. To Myong Hui of the workshop, who was in shock two hospital is directing primary ef- department of Koryo medicine times due to bleeding in the diges- forts to regular hygienic publicity, developed music-based electric tive canal, were successfully preventive check-up and inocula- acupuncture and Ryu Il made an treated at the hospital. Ri Son Ok tion against contagious diseases, instrument which diagnoses and of the printing workshop suffered following the state’s policy on treats diseases based on Koryo long from nuroparalysis on shin- preventive medicine. The doctors medicine. They presented their bone but had it cured through visit production sites to conduct inventions to the 14th national acupuncture and massage at the hygienic publicity and dissemi- exhibition of scientific and tech- hospital. nate handouts on hygiene to the nological achievements in the Pak Jin Ok of the general workers during the break. Mean- field of public health, for which dying workshop had ileus and while, they make sure all employ- they received diplomas of innova- abdominal dropsy for adhesion of the intestinal tract. She was told at a central hospital that surgical operation was impossible for her. But the doctors of the factory hospital held several consulta- tions, and boldly operated on her by building on their clinical experience. Pak says, “They watched my condition day and night for a week while giving appropriate treatment. Tears welled up in my eyes. And I made up my mind to do more work when I got well.” As women workers account for a majority of the factory’s labour force, obstetricians are the busiest ees participate in regular check- tive conception. And they are in the hospital. They give baby’s ups and inoculations without introducing many medical sci- clothes and special dishes to exception. In every workshop tech achievements into treatment women when they have a child, there are two doctors in charge of including the treatment of con- and take good care of their health, the workshop so as to look after junctivitis by using Koryo medi- which moves them to tears. The the health of the workers in a cines, the treatment of sciatica workers usually meet doctors on regular way. with warm acupuncture and the production sites. Doctors take it Kim Ri Dok, head of the hos- treatment of various diseases for granted that it is their duty to pital, says, “Production of cloth with ultrashort electric burner. call on them. The workers unani- depends entirely on how the All these introductions prove mously say that the doctors’ workers do their jobs. And their effective in treatment. Kim In hands are remedies while their work in good health depends on Chol, repairman of the mainte- sincerity is tonics. us doctors.” This is a unanimous nance workshop, who was in a Kim Son Ae

26 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Researcher’s Conscience

Sometimes, other researchers were surprised at her ardent enthusiasm for drilling into a subject or a phenomenon. She began her study of a 3G aphoxide some years ago. Her decision on the task came one day when she was reading a foreign medical journal. She noticed that 3G antibiotics are good for health and cancer treatment but that it was too expensive for most people to afford. I will make such a medicine by myself without fail, she made up her mind. Before the research work, she studied basic documents, when she discovered an important point that she should have a separation tower, a latest facility, to make the medicine. She knew there were neither such towers EN YEARS AGO, A GIRL WITH BOBBED around nor any people who had seen them before. T hair was assigned to work at the new technol- I’ll research and develop everything of it in my ogy development department of the then Pyongyang own way, she decided. By hard thinking and studies, University of Medicine. She was Kim Song Ok who she continued the research into a separation method, had just finished the biology faculty of the University despite many a setback. Indeed it was not an easy job of Sciences with honours. like a theory. I must find the secret of the separation Instead of pride and confidence which are usually method for the people’s health improvement at any inherent to those who begin their career after college, cost. She didn’t stop her research work even a day. a worried look was dwelling on her face, for she was The researchers of her department helped her sin- overwhelmed with a sense of responsibility for her cerely. job as a researcher. By joining their creative wisdom, they at last At that time the girl was encouraged by a woman developed a novel separation method and succeeded whose name was Sim Un Hui, a senior researcher in developing oxaliplatin, a kind of 3G platinum who was well known as an authoritative researcher. aphoxide, as compliant to international standards. Sim said, “Don’t be worried, Song Ok. When I went A remedy which suits the constitutional charac- out into the world, I was worried, too. But I thought teristics of the Koreans, it has little side effects but that if I—who have received Juche-based educa- high solubility, so it can be applied to treatment of all tion—couldn’t perform my duty properly, how disap- cancers like metastatic cancer of the rectum, colon pointed my teachers and parents would be. This cancer, cancer in the digestive system, cancer in the thought drove all the worries away. Let’s join hands urinary organs, cancer in the respiratory system, and make a success of our research work for the breast cancer, bone cancer, etc. This medicine has people’s life and health.” gone through clinical tests at the Tumour Research Her words encouraged Song Ok and made her to Institute and Pyongyang Municipal People’s Hospi- have a decision to do something. Now the new comer tal No. 1. It is good for health and highly popular. made up her mind to make an extract for Koryo Recollecting the past days, Song Ok says, “When I medicines from the herbs which were found in plenty decided to develop a 3G platinum aphoxide, I hadn’t in the country, and she had the support of a relevant any theoretical grounds or any guarantee in hand. superior organ. Only my conscience and sense of duty as a health As a result of her tireless efforts for some years, worker who bears full responsibility for the promo- she made several kinds of Koryo medicines like tion of the people’s health pushed me ahead.” Tansam extract good for the treatment of heart diseases, and then improved its remedial efficiency. Choe Chun Mi

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 27 Invigorating Mass Sports Activities

HE DEMOCRATIC PEO- enthusiasm for sports. fond of sports. And I found myself T ple’s Republic of Korea is With the stand that one’s re- grow senile mentally and physi- now filled with enthusiasm for cord of performance depends on cally. Only after I got to know that sports. The officials and employ- one’s physical strength, the man- sports activities are good for ees of Nampho Port, for example, agement of the port sees to it that health did I begin to take part in are conducting mass sports ac- individual units have volleyball, games. Gradually I acquired a tivities regularly. basketball, table tennis and other taste for sports while learning The port features a towering matches in keeping with their from others. As I’ve kept exercis- stadium covered with an arched actual conditions, and that all ing for some years, I am now roof. As a base for mass sports their members participate in the well, and doing my bit to help activities it is frequented by offi- games. Not only on Sundays but promote the building of a great, cials and employees of the port. also on national holidays and prosperous and powerful nation. I The stadium is equipped with other occasions, there are games want to say that mass sports in- apparatuses and facilities for between units divided into differ- vigorate people.” different sporting activities such ent classes. The unit which takes Last year they surpassed the as volleyball, basketball and table the first place in a class is allowed annual record-high production by tennis. And it has resting rooms, a to join a higher-grade class, and overfulfilling their quota for the physical training room, a bath- this increases each unit’s com- national economic plan. This year room, and stands, all unique in petitive spirit. they are making similar progress style. Consequently, the physical in production. This is inconceiv- The stadium was built by the conditions of workers have daily able apart from their enthusiasm port itself in a few recent years. improved, and the players from for mass sports. Previously they conducted mass the port would show good results They are conducting mass sports activities by means of vari- in national competitions. sports activities more actively. ous sports facilities and goods. In Kim Chol Ho, a worker of the the course of this their enthusi- port, says, “Formerly I was not so Jang Myong Suk asm for sports grew higher, and they made it a rule to conduct sports activities every day. Most of the sports activities, however, were done outdoors, and unfavourable weather conditions obstructed the activities in no small measure. So the port decided to build an indoor stadium. And the project was done successfully thanks to the devoted efforts of the officials and employees. They are now able to conduct all sports activities re- gardless of weather conditions. This has further raised their

28 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Worker Basketball Player

S SOON AS THE WOMEN BASKETBALL A players of the Pyongyang City team appeared on the field for the women’s basketball finals of the 12th national athletic meet held in October last year there was a flutter among the audience. At a glance they could know that all the players were married women of about 40. On the other hand, their rivals from the Ministry of Railways were young unmarried women in their twenties. Comparing both sides, the audience could antici- pate the result of the match. Some were inwardly worried about the players of the Pyongyang City team. The match, however, ended in the victory of the married women, quite contrary to the audience’s anticipation and worry. In admiration, the audience wondered how they had developed their physical strength and mastered such high techniques. Soon after, out of professional curiosity, I went to meet the married women. Then I came to realize that all of them were workers of the Central Information Communication Bureau, who had beaten all their rivals in city-level matches before participating in the athletic meet on behalf of Pyongyang City. Ri Chung Sil, 37, one of the workers, said, “We practised basketball in the intervals of work. It was our captain Pak Chun Son who encouraged all of us to do.” Then Ri told me the following: ported and encouraged them. This made her set and It was seven years ago that Chun Son was posted try to attain a higher goal beyond the bounds of the to the Central Information Communication Bureau bureau. Her husband, once a footballer, supported as tester. The job seemed to be suitable for the quiet her idea and gave an active assistance to her. and retiring woman. Gradually, however, she felt Reading books on basketball far into night, she languid and sometimes had a splitting headache for would find ways of game in which each of her an unknown reason. She took all recommended teammates could display their abilities to the maxi- medicines to treat the illness, but in vain. mum. During training she made more efforts than One holiday, importuned by her nine-year-old son others so as to help them acquire the tricks she had who was attending a juvenile sports school as a foot- found. ball trainee, she had to act as his “opponent.” Though Her strenuous effort and her team members’ back home wet with perspiration, she was feeling enthusiasm for basketball bore fruit at last. Her very well as never before. team won four rounds of the basketball event at the From then on, she went to the well-equipped Mangyongdae Prize Games and two rounds of the gymnasium built in the compound of the bureau in same event at the national workers’ games. People the intervals of work. Whenever people asked her if expected that the team would win the event of bas- she was going to become an athlete in her age, she ketball at the national athletic meet. Their expecta- would lead all of them into the court, telling them to tion was right. follow her and take exercises if they didn’t feel well. She is fond of basketball in particular because it is fit Now I saw her practising quick fakes, sudden for her and it is a game her workteam members can dodges and shooting in the gymnasium. When I ad- play together. Their enthusiasm for sports grew mired her skills, saying she was as good as a profes- higher and higher. sional, Chun Son said, “Today people say that I have It was on a day of sports when the bureau organ- a born aptitude for sports. But I want to say that ized basketball matches between workteams. Chun good conditions for exercises created everywhere and Son’s workteam won first place by beating its rival the unprecedented enthusiasm for sports spreading regarded as a crack one in the bureau. This further among all the working people and even children and raised the spirit of her workteam members and made the elderly across the country made me, a worker them work with a higher sense of responsibility and and married woman, develop into a proud basketball in unity as in matches. Afterwards their enthusiasm player.” for basketball grew stronger. Chun Son became the captain of her team. The officials of the bureau sup- Ri Kum Chol

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 29 Honest Teacher

N JUNE 2000 A GIRL unusual days and months. She national games of the primary I entered the front gate of the had to bear a good deal of bur- schools’ sports classes and is now Pyongyang Kangan Primary den—physical education lessons, active in the Sobaeksu Team as a School. selecting players, preparing a top seed, says, “When my teacher All things around looked training ground of table tennis, gave me table tennis training at familiar to her— a wide play- drawing up a plan of table tennis first, I found myself exhausted. ground, a gymnasium linked with training, study of coaching meth- But, soon, music was combined a school building, Metasequoia ods. The training plan she set was with the basic training and a glyptostroboides in the compound, favourably commented upon by rhythmic gymnastic exercise was zinnias of a flower bed… Looking at them with deep emotion, she began to walk slowly in the compound, touching horizontal bars, sniffing at full-blown flowers and erecting a fallen flower tree. “Isn’t that you Jong Sim?” Someone called out. The girl looked back in surprise. It was her old teacher. Overwhelmed with pleasure, the girl approached her in haste and made a deep bow, saying, “How are you?” “I’m fine, thank you. I heard you finished university. By the way, how come you’re here?” the teacher asked, bringing back a valuable memory the school managers and teach- made for our flexibility training. of her primary schooldays. “I was ers, for it incorporated fresh and So the difficult training became appointed a physical education innovative ideas about training an interesting one and we never teacher of this school,” answered quantity, training period and felt boring. We didn’t know at that Jong Sim modestly with her head training order and stages. time they were all done by our dropped. Her efforts bore fruit. The teacher through nights. She al- The teacher brightened up and Pyongyang Kangan Primary ways told us, ‘To retain honour is took her by the hand, saying, School has snatched scores of more difficult than to win it. “Great. You began to learn table medals including five trophies Never rest on your laurels.’ I still tennis in your primary school- and 60 gold medals by consecutive remember it. And whenever I feel days. I hope you’ll train excellent wins since it won first place in all tired and exhausted, I spring to table tennis players in your alma the team, singles and doubles my feet again recollecting the mater. I’m sure you’ll succeed as events of table tennis at the 2nd teacher’s words that I must train you’re tenacious.” national games of the primary hard to be an excellent player able Impressed deeply by the schools’ sports classes held in to add glory to my country.” teacher’s expectation and request, 2008. Hwang Chung Nam, a school- Jong Sim felt a heavy burden on Pak Pom Byol, who was called boy who won a Pyongyang City her shoulder. a child prodigy when she won the table tennis tournament, says, rd From that time on, she had table tennis tournament in the 3 “After my family moved to some- ►

30 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013

Folk Dance Tondollari

ONDOLLARI IS A The dance starts with men include stretching out and T folk dance that was in and women sitting in a circle waving arms to and fro while vogue in the coastal region of and some dancing in the circle. nodding, turning arms, Hamgyong Province, Korea, in And the sitting people clap stretching and waving arms the past. The predecessor of their hands or beat gourds lightly over and beneath the the dance was a circle dance while singing before being head, stretching arms slant- women would dance while overwhelmed with fun and ingly and waving them rhyth- gathering wild garlic in spring. joining the dance individually mically and waving both arms During the Japanese imperial- or in groups, expanding the to and fro briskly while run- ists’ military occupation of circle. They dance as they ning forward brushing against Korea, the dance was more please at first before gradually each other, all attractive and actively danced as a mass dancing in larger concentric unique. dance while being called tong- circles or individual ones. Walking movements of the thullal (advent of dawn) in The dance is characterized dance are of absorbing interest, reflection of the provincial by the dancers’ free movement especially, taking the first long residents’ desire to see the of their wrists moderately step while bending deep and day of national liberation as and elastically to the rhythm straightening the back before soon as possible. Originally of the relevant song. Such lightly walking forward while the dance was danced by pleasant and energetic move- bending and straightening the women to the tune of hand- ments cannot be seen in other back lightly. claps or the tune made by Korean folk dances. The wrist The dance is now further beating a gourd. Later men bendings are the most charac- popular among the Korean gradually began to join in, and teristic movement of the people as it has been improved the dance developed into a dance. artistically to meet the contem- popular group dance accompa- The dance is also character- porary aesthetic tastes. nied by singing and instru- ized by dancers’ very brisk arm mental music. movements. The movements Kim Un Jong

► where else following my father, an Era. ing table tennis players by study- army officer, my teacher gave me Cha Jong Sim says, “When I ing reasonable training methods accommodation in her house for was learning table tennis and and coaching methods and apply- nearly 3 years to continue to train until I finished university, I had ing them into practice. In this way me, saying I had a born talent for little idea of my teacher’s efforts. I’ll discharge my duty to be a true table tennis.” While teaching my pupils in my instructor helping to develop my Her disciples are proud of alma mater, I came to realize the country into a sports power.” her as she was awarded the Order teachers’ devotion well. This is With the determination, she is of National Flag, the Medal of why I love my school and feel making strenuous efforts as en- Honoured Teacher and the title responsibility as a teacher. I have thusiastically as ever. of Central Model Instructor and more things to do than I have Meritorious Person in the Songun done. I’ll bring up many promis- Rim Ok

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 31 I’m a Worker’s Son

NE DAY 26 YEARS AGO THERE TOOK O place a recreation party during a break at a construction site of Kwangbok Street. When the atmosphere was nearly heated a student was called. He rose to his feet and began to recite a poem. He was Ryu Myong Ho, a student of the then faculty of Korean language and literature of Kim Il Sung University. His poem was what he had written under the title I’m a Worker’s Son. Seeing the people warmly applauding for the lyric, Ryu was reminded of his parents. His father was an engine driver and his mother a railway worker. The image of his father impressed in his little eyes was the one of quite an ordinary man who was always working in a locomotive along the Ryu Myong Ho (centre) discusses railway away from home. Whenever his friends in about creation of poems. the neighbourhood and at school were talking proudly of their parents, he felt sorry that his father ious institution of learning. It was a blessing— was a worker. One day he told his father, “You know beyond imagination—to him who had intended to Yong Nam’s father next-door has a king star on his become an engine driver after demobilization, like shoulder, and the father of my classmate Mun Chol his father. His parents were also tearful with happi- is a factory manager with a car, but you’re only an ness, saying he was the first student of the family engine driver. Don’t you want to be promoted?” that had been a wretched day-labourer’s family be- “Our country is ruled by the workers,” his father fore national liberation. said, “and I’m a worker. There’s no distinction be- Standing on the top of Ryongnam Hill in the uni- tween jobs for the sake of the country. The problem is versity campus on the day he entered it, he was en- not what we do but how we do it, I say.” veloped in a fervent emotion, which was realized as a The father’s remarks left a deep impression on poem. This is how he produced I’m a Worker’s Son in the child. True to his father’s words, he got full 1987 when he entered the university. marks just like Yong Nam and Mun Chol, whenever He recited the lyric at the construction site of he solved all math problems of homework through Kwangbok Street for the first time. It gradually the night, and was chosen as a model pupil eligible spread among students, people of different strata for going camping together with them. and literary people. Later whenever his friends were talking proudly Twenty-three years had since passed, and the of their father, he said confidently, “My father is a poem was almost forgotten—even by the poet. brave worker who drove a locomotive during the One day in March 2010, Chairman Kim Jong Il war.” heard the poem at a certain performance, and ap- When serving in the army after secondary school, preciated it, saying it is an emotional portrayal of the he received orders for his merit like his comrades. ethos of the era when the workers reign supreme. He He began to make poems. He became fond of honoured the poet with sending him an autographic putting down his full emotions on paper by employ- reply to his letter. ing the knowledge he had acquired at school. As the The worker’s son yesterday who recited a pas- poems were each expressive of his unusual emotions sionate poem to express his happiness over his en- about military service, they were carried in publica- trance to Kim Il Sung University, has now become tions like Soldier’s Life. Gradually he began to be an authoritative teacher of the university, a compe- called a soldier poet. tent man of literature and a popular poet. Following the service he was enrolled at A dedication to the workers’ world, his lyric I’m a Kim Il Sung University. He could hardly believe the Worker’s Son is quite a public favourite. reality. It seemed a dream that he was now a student of the university which is the nation’s most prestig- Rim Sang Jun

32 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Ryugyong Health Complex

HE RYUGYONG HEALTH sized trusses are in the shape of so on. Each of the public baths has T Complex is a comprehensive wave, making the visitors feel a large bathtub which offers ul- welfare service facility newly refreshed even before entering the trasonic therapy, partitions for built on the Taedong riverside in building. taking a douche and bathing in Pyongyang. The outer walls of The complex is provided with cold water and steam saunas and the complex are finished with public baths, family baths, pri- hot-air saunas. The complex runs metal materials and glass unlike vate baths, saunas, massage pine saunas, salt saunas and sta- existing health complexes, thus rooms, face treatment rooms, a lactite saunas as well. The stalac- looking quite smart. The large- fitness room, a soft drink bar and tite sauna produces mineral ►

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 33

► Koryo medicinal effects for the treatment beds, treatment of circulatory and other vibrosaunas and diseases and helps people relieve the like. their fatigue. Meanwhile, the T h e s o f t drink bar is also an Some people frequented the com- stalactites hanging from the ceil- important attraction. After bath plex to relish the noodle. ing and walls of the sauna look people go there to drink beer. The During his first call at the just like parts of the human body beer here is pleasantly different complex, Jong Yong Jun, an engi- in shape so that they evoke mirth from those served in other cater- neer of the Central Information to the full, helping the beholders ing establishments in coolness Communication Bureau, said, relieve their fatigue in a moment. and hop flavour. “Having enjoyed myself here in All other facilities in the com- A Korean saying goes that no this fine public service establish- plex are designed on the principle one can say he has been to Py- ment I have been relieved of fa- of convenience before aesthetics. ongyang if he failed to eat naeng- tigues from my week-long work in Always deeply concerned myon (cold noodle) served in the a moment. It’s really good.”

with the cultural life of the Okryu Restaurant in the city. Article by Kim Won Nam people, the Workers’ Party of Similar noodle served in the Photos by Ri Chung Ryol Korea made sure that the complex health complex is famous for be- was equipped with ultraviolet ing as tasty as the restaurant’s.

34 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Hills of Overburden Turns into Treasure

ISITORS TO THE planting. Also, they had to get a hills. On an yearly basis a lot of V Jaeryong Mine, one of the large number of saplings. soap is manufactured from the iron ore producers in the Democ- While acquiring necessary harvest of the woods, hundreds of ratic People’s Republic of Korea, knowledge about afforestation cubic metres of firewood is pro- are usually gripped with admira- through nights, the general man- duced in cutting order and a large tion for the fact that the hills of ager made sure that officials number of rabbits are grown with overburden have been changed spearheaded the tree-planting acacia leaves as the fodder. These beyond recognition. This is all campaign. Initiated by him a tree are all supplied to the miners. The thanks to devoted efforts of the nursery was laid in an area of 1.5 hills also benefit the mine’s farm. employees of the mine, including hectares. Meanwhile, the miners the general manager Choe Nam Thanks to their persistent cleaned the bottom of the settling Son. efforts, trees struck roots in the pond and expanded it. By setting Choe was appointed general manager of the mine ten years ago. Standing on the top of the range of hills of overburden that had risen for scores of years, he thought deeply of the hills. The production of iron ore is just to improve prosperity of the nation. If an acre of worthless land came into existence due to the mining, we could hardly say we dig iron ore with a patriotic mind. Why don’t we develop useful hills here? He appealed to his workers to plant trees on the hills of overburden and change them once dry and poor soil and the new facilities and maintaining into hills of green woods as they nursery turned out over 100 000 existing ones for sewage disposal are part of the country. saplings of novel species year they laid a thorough system to Targets in each stage and long after year, which were planted not prevent the local environment -term plans were put on a notice- only on the hills of overburden but from pollution due to the sewage board at the entrance of the mine, in the compound of the mine and from the mine. and all the workers turned out for villages as well. In the process Choe says, “The woods here the realization. But planting trees patriotic spirit blossomed in the will continue to be lush and thick, on the hills covering more than mind of the mining workers. telling generations to come that 100 hectares was a laborious and The green woods on the hills we have not dug iron ore alone arduous job. As it was a barren give off acacia aroma in spring here.” land where even weeds could and open a wonderful scenery of The devoted campaign to hardly grow, they had to prepare Evodia daniellii (Benn.) Hemsl. make a better place for work and a great deal of manure and soil to fruits hanging heavily in autumn. life is going ahead steadily. be spread on the hills and get Birds, roe deer, hares and many technical instructions on tree other animals have settled on the Kim Jun

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 35 Little Girl of Talent

N SEPTEMBER 2011 A Only then could Myong Sun let her see the notebook. Reading I little girl was enrolled in the realize why the girl was always it, the teacher heaved a light sigh Changgwang Kindergarten. She absorbed in a thought. From then of admiration. The child had writ- was five-year-old Rim Hong Hy- on, the teacher intensified musi- ten on the notebook a lyric re- ang. Her teacher Song Myong Sun cal education for the girl. Hong flecting her feelings she shared often saw her absorbed in a Hyang never failed to do what the with their sunny classroom, many thought instead of playing with teacher asked her to. She com- kinds of toys and school things others. In the course of observa- pletely memorized even eight- or and tasty soya milk and snacks. tion, Myong Sun came to think nine-page-long and complicated Among the lyrics were those that that it was because she was a shy musical scores within a day and described the kindergarten as the girl. Then, in a music class, the used to play them skillfully along sunniest place and Hong Hyang teacher was looking around her with her own artistic representa- and her classmates as blessed charges vyingly raising their tion. flower buds developing into little hands to be the first to guess what As the days went by, her mu- painters, musicians and poets in notes she touched, and saw Hong sical talent further stood out. She the kindergarten. Hyang sitting with her hand up gradually began to create simple Myong Sun then remembered quietly in a good posture. She melodies based on her impres- what had happened during the called the little girl, who, in a low sions of things, phenomena and time of watching TV some time voice, named all the notes cor- environment around her. Half a before. Seeing on TV their na- rectly to the surprise of the year later, when Myong Sun told tional leader Kim Jong Un pos- teacher. As Myong Sun continued her in plain language about the ing with an affectionate smile on to touch other notes, the girl cor- theme of a lyric, the girl would his face for a photo with some rectly answered. After the lesson, create music for the lyric by com- children at their request while the teacher asked the admirable bining well chords and rhythms in inspecting the People’s Open-air girl, “How can you answer so cor- her own way. Hong Hyang be- Ice Rink, the teachers spoke out rectly?” “All sounds around me came the object of the kindergar- their mind saying in unison that ring like melodies to me, teacher,” ten’s attention in less than a year he was the benevolent sun of chil- replied the girl. after her admission to the kinder- dren indeed, and Myong Sun no- garten. ticed Hong Hyang writing down It was during something while listening to the a pastime. Hong teachers. Hyang gave up Now the teacher was very glad playing with to have discovered the girl’s an- an intelligence- other potential talent. She began developing toy to make more exact demands on and fell into the child, and did all she could to thought for a help her carry out tasks without while before fail. Hong Hyang’s mother was beginning to always busy, so the teacher vol- write something unteered to take the girl between on her notebook. the house and the kindergarten Noticing this, and encouraged her to write lyrics her teacher once a week, by reflecting what

asked the girl to she felt on her way to and from ►

36 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Efforts at Building of Secure and Stable Living Quarters

HE RED CROSS SOCIETY of the RCS recently went to dif- or washed away. Tunnels of the T of the Democratic People’s ferent counties to find places ex- mine were inundated, and the Republic of Korea regards it as posed to flood and landslide and equipment broken. The branch one of its important tasks to pro- already removed a lot of dangers. had an immediate contact with tect the lives and properties of the A typical example: those who the society and mobilized volun- people and improve their health went to Pukchang County which teers and other people in the and welfare around the country. had often suffered flooding joined campaign to remove the damages Pursuant to the 5-year plan it small streams and improved and stabilize the local inhabi- worked out recently to reduce thousands of metres of streams by tants’ life. Volunteers rushed to dangers of natural damage the building embankments to prevent residential areas at once to take organization is coordinating dif- the falling of stones into streams. care of the wounded and look after ferent projects for damage con- A colossal amount of labour, ma- the residents in their life while trol—preparation for coping with terial and equipment were needed taking active part in the effort at damages, prevention of damages, for the project, so they mobilized rehabilitation. Even soldiers were emergency relief, rehabilitation, volunteers and other local people mobilized to get rid of the dam- and prevention of diseases—and and adopted rational methods of ages. As a result coal-cutting medical service and water sanita- work, thus finishing the project faces, equipment, bridges, public tion. before the rainy season began. buildings and other installations Damage control groups have The provincial branch pays were brought back to normal op- been organized and observation special attention to rehabilitation eration in a short span of time. posts set up at places which are of damaged places. In August last The RCS members and volun- exposed to relatively big danger of year the area of the Joyang Coal teers are conducting energetic natural damage. Volunteers are Mine in the province had a heavy humanitarian activities to im- actively engaged in observation rain. Hundreds of dwellings, prove health and ecological envi- and warning jobs against possible many production structures, ser- ronments in residential districts natural calamities including flood vice facilities, railway, roads, and protect the people’s lives and and landslide. Members of the bridges, power grids and commu- properties. South Phyongan Province branch nication network were destroyed Sim Yong Jin

► the kindergarten. warm care of the national leader But I never imagined that she In the course of this there was and their determination to study has a certain aptitude. The produced “Whom should I show it harder, Hong Hyang presented it teachers of the kindergarten de- to for the first time?” the first to him. After reading the collec- veloped her into a child prodigy song composed and written by tion, he was very pleased that the widely known throughout the Hong Hyang. From then on her Changgwang Kindergarten pro- country. My daughter’s works collection of works grew thicker duced another child prodigy, and created in the house under the and thicker. Over ten of the works wished the six-year-old little mu- care of the Sun just reflect the were carried in some publications. sician a good future. feelings of not only Hong Hyang After completing the collection Recollecting the time, Kim but also all other children across House under the Care of the Sun Jong Sun, the girl’s mother, says, the country, I think.” which sings of the happy “When she was two Hong Hyang life they are leading under the would stop crying to hear singing. Chae Kwang Myong

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 37 Praiseworthy Life

MONG MEMBERS OF would be filled with happiness. A Pulgungori workteam No. 1 Not only Kim Myong Dok, the of the Pothonggang District Pub- then leader of his workteam and lic Welfare Service Company other members but also his cus- there are two disabled men Son tomers paid deep attention to his Chol Su, 40, and Kim Jong Sul, life like they did their son or 56. brother. Eight years after he began to work with the company, he I am a worker married a woman recommended Son Chol Su had the spine by them, and had a daughter one broken in an accident at the age of year later. Time passed and he 17. Recollecting the time he says, became a father of two daughters, “When I was diagnosed as locally who grew up well and began to go paraplegic, my future seemed to to school like in other families. be all dark. My parents looked Whenever he saw off the daugh- dejected. Still, health workers ters to school sitting on his visited my home to help me bene- wheelchair, tears of thanks for the in his early days at the aforesaid fit from the invariably free medi- country would well up in his eyes company. He tried to keep away cal care system of the country, and he would resolve again to from his fellow workers because and the chief of my neighbour- work harder for the country. he always thought that he was “I am a worker, so I should hood unit and the neighbours different from them in condition. carry out my daily assignment,” spirited me up. As a result I But less than three years after he he is wont to say to those people braced up.” began to work with the company who kind-heartedly ask him to he started to beam with pleasure The state provided him with take it easy. everything necessary for his life because he realized that his job was attributable to a state meas- Father of university ure to provide the disabled with graduates the right to work and make them Nearly forty years have work without any strain and be- passed since Kim Jong Sul began cause his seniors and other mem- to work as a seal engraver at the bers of his workteam made sin- above-mentioned workteam. He cere efforts to enliven him as a lost the use of his one arm and one young man and help him work at leg due to the after-effects of po- ease. His seniors perseveringly liomyelitis which he was affected taught him the knack of using his with at the age of one. hands, and in spare time they He, however, had no time to purposefully picked a topic to talk give a thought to his disability till with him. Gradually, he was at- his graduation from secondary tached to his job, and developed school as he always had a pleas- into a crack hand to be held in ant time in his schooldays under affection by the customers. the care of his kind-hearted class- Time flies like an arrow, and at its expenses. A doctor in charge mates and teachers. The class- now he is just turning sixty. Over of him regularly called on him to mates always encouraged him to the period his children learned at check up on his health, and he go with them, and teachers ac- universities under the care of the was the first to be sent to a sana- companied him to and from the state, and he became a veteran torium. I still have two arms. Do I school almost every day. When he skilled hand leading lots of his have nothing to do with my hands was absent from school for an juniors, who often say that his for the sake of the people and for illness, teachers visited his home explanation makes everything the good of this generous country? to teach him the lessons for the clear to them. This is what he This was what he thought at the relevant day. And he, like others, takes pride in. Whenever people time. received presents and school say that he deserves high respect Two years later, he made up things provided by the state. as he brought up his three chil- his mind to become a watch But when he had to choose a dren into university graduates, he mender. Though not great, his job job after graduation from school, is wont to say in state, “They’ve was helpful to everyday life. See- he frustratedly remembered that been brought up by the state, not ing the customers pleased to see he was unable to work like others. me.” their watches he had repaired Son His frustration still haunted him Ri Kum Chol

38 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Paegundae

HE PAEGUNDAE IS A ROCK STANDING and cliffs such as Wonmang, Sokka and Chonthae T by the mountain-climbing route to Piro Peak in peaks to the north; Paeksan, Khal, Thakgi, Siru, Mt. Myohyang, a celebrated mountain in the DPRK. Munphil and Wangmo peaks to the south; and It is 2.6 km up from the Pirobong Mountaineers’ Chilsong, Kangson and Tottae peaks to the east. So Lodge. Its name suggests that it rises above clouds. there is an old saying that those who fail to climb up But in fact it is a rocky hill rather than a rock. Rising on the rock cannot comment on the scenery of the in forests, the imposing hill adds beauty to the sur- mountain. When clouds rise covering lots of ravines, rounding scenery. Aromatic trees are growing cliffs and peaks above the clouds look very high around, and it is a place where they can directly seen from the rock. The autumn-tinted Mt. Myohy- observe natural environment with highland fauna ang seen from the rock is regarded as the best and flora. And it affords a bird’s-eye view of the scenery. Thus the Korean people have long regarded peaks of Mt. Myohyang. the scenery as one of the eight famous views of On top of it you can see almost all ravines and Mt. Myohyang. peaks such as Sangwon and Manphok ravines along the Myohyang Stream. It overlooks mysterious rocks Article and photo by O Nam Chol

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 39 Rap-do Seabird Reserve

AP-DO IS A SOLITARY Miscanthus sinensis Anders., Parus major Linnaeus, Parus ater R islet about 20 miles from wormwood, Artemeisia selengen- L., Motacilla alba L., Motacilla Jinsang Point which is located sis Turez., and lush shrubs such cinerea Tunstall, Lanius southwest of Unjong-ri (Sinmi as Sambucus latipinna var. core- bucephalus Temminck et Islet), Sonchon County, North ana Nakai, bush clover, ash tree Schlegel, Cettia diphone, Acro- Phyongan Province. It is inhab- and Weigela florida var. glabra cephalus arundinaceus, and Cha- ited by many kinds of seabirds, Nakai. There are no tall trees radrius dubius Scopoli. From late including Egretta eulophotes. The found on the islet. August large flocks of Numenius reserve lies elongated from north The number of species of the madagascariensis, Limosa lap- to south. The southeastern side of birds found and registered in the ponica, Zosterops erythropleura the islet is cliffy, the northeastern reserve amounts to 71: among and Gastrimargus transverses side is of comparatively gentle them the species of all-season pass by the islet. slope, and the highest peak in the birds are 7; summer birds 32; The bird sanctuary is under north is capped by a lighthouse. winter birds 2; transit birds over good protection as an important The southwestern side faces the 30; and the main species under breeding place of marine birds. sea, with a good spread of shrubs, protection are 8. The workers of the local light- reeds and tideland. It is often Rap-do and its neighbouring house are required to avoid sur- foggy in the morning and evening islet, called Mugi-do, are the main prising birds or catching their thanks to the influence of marine breeding place of Egretta eulo- eggs in the breeding period of May climate. photes. Some 250-300 birds of this and June. Special attention is paid The flora of the islet is com- species come there to breed every to protection and management of posed of grasses, including reed, year. Besides, there are found the breeding place; ships calling at over 3 000 Puffims leucomelas, 40 the islet for a rest or to take shel- 000 Larus crassirostris Vieillot, ter from a typhoon or to maintain 40 Larus argentatus Pontoppi- themselves are strictly banned dan, 100 Phalacrocorax pelagicus from damaging the natural envi- Pallas, 20 Phalacrocorax filamen- ronment or collecting eggs. tosus, and there has recently ap- In the DPRK Egretta eulo- peared a new kind of cormorant. photes is designated as Living Seen there are also over 30 Ardea Monument No. 71. cinerea Linnaeus, Emberiza cioi- dec Brandt, Phylloscopus corona- Kim Kyong Sun, tus, Phylloscupuso borealis xan- researcher of the Nature thodryas Swinhoe, Apus pacificus, Conservation Union of Korea

40 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Short Novel Room No. 5 of the Holiday Village By Sin Yong Son

(Continued from the last issue) painter sighed with a mirthless smile. Hearing the sigh, the department chief of the S USUAL ROOM NO. 5 WAS VACANT EARLY Administration Council, who was looking through A in the morning. And the windows of other rooms newspaper, opened his eyes wide in surprise, asking, of the holiday village were flung open without fail. “Why, what’s the problem with you, painter?” But the face of the veteran smelter grew grey day The slow and deep voice of the department chief after day. His thick lips were closed all day long. His rushed blood into the painter’s nape. gait on the way to the angling site lost energy As a matter of fact, the painter was in great gradually. anxiety. Since he stopped moving his brush on the The problem was not just the old smelter’s face. panel he had been unable to make any picture for as The face of the young painter began to look worried— many as five days. He could hardly perceive the true nobody knew why. The problem of Room No. 5 was sense of the beautiful autumn scenery of the lake— more than serious now. the transparent, neat and tranquil environment— The room-mates dimly noticed that the problem because the gloomy face of the old smelter was detri- was all related with the Master Angler’s catch. Now mental to all the light, colours and sound of the they had a simple conference. The meeting took place place. when the old man was out of the room for a little Worse still, there was a commotion in Room No. 5 while, and it was over with a decision that the affable when the smelter declared he would return to his and gentle painter should help the old man learn the iron works. knack of fishing. “Are you really leaving?” asked the driver, taking The next morning the painter seated himself next the smelter by the hand. to the chief smelter for fishing. The smelter showed “Sure,” the smelter responded. “You know I’m a no sign of gladness for his approach, but silently disturbance to the painter. And I’m not dutiful to my mixed a ball of bait. The painter addressed the fellow smelters. They expect I will have a good time smelter, saying, “Why don’t we fish together today, catching a lot of fish, because it is their pleasure and chief smelter?” Then, he put down the panel and recreation. I would be relieved and confident only angling tools from his shoulder on the sand bank. when I had a good catch. I’m afraid I’d be a poor “Eh? You fish together with me?” the old man’s angler for my disposition however hard I might try. voice sounded unpleasant. I’d rather go back to my works right now.” “Sure,” the painter said, “I mean I’ve decided to The smelter packed his things into his trunk. be your advisor in fishing.” “No, please don’t go,” the young driver dissuaded “My advisor? Then, what about your painting?” earnestly with tearful eyes. “If you leave, then what retorted the smelter, his face tanned before flames will become of our holiday? You ought to take the all his life turning pale for anger. feelings of your room-mates into consideration. If you “Why, that’s absurd,” said the driver to himself left us, we would have to return with heavy hearts behind the willow tree on the bank. He struck his instead of happiness. And the painter would not hand against the tree trunk exasperated. produce any good picture.” “Ouch,” the painter blurted, cupping his head in The department chief of the Administration his hands. He knew he had made an irreversible Council and the painter wrested the trunk from the mistake, but it was too late. smelter with force and sat him on the bed. “No, no,” the painter blabbered, too impatient to make any apology articulately. The second conference was held in a serious at- “Listen, Mr. Painter,” the smelter said ironically, mosphere. “don’t be worried about me. Why don’t you go to that “I dare say the problem is very serious,” the chief sunny bend over there? You’d better make haste to of the room announced. “The gloom on the smelter’s make a picture.” He ruefully motioned the painter to face is even destructing the painter’s effort. So, I the other side of the lake where there were still propose to make a tiny lake by damming the stream leaves on some trees as a remnant of the green behind the holiday village. I want you, Mr. Depart- growth. ment Chief and Mr. Painter, to catch fish and put With this the first round of Room No. 5’s confer- them in the lake. Then we will bring the veteran ence resulted in failure. smelter there and let him angle there. Then, he can The usually emotional and enthusiastic young catch fish even with a baitless hook, cant’ he? And painter was now crestfallen. One day the truck then …” driver talked to him, “Your approach to the veteran The high-pitched voice of the chief of the room smelter was nice. Well, now, how is it that you’ve stopped short when the door jerked open without any stopped painting?” knocking. To their surprise, the smelter appeared at “Painting? Hu–. Perhaps I’ll do it later,” the the door and walked in. The three room-mates were ►

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 41 ► at a loss, like small children caught in a naughty act. of the room followed him stealthily. On arriving at “Have you written a letter in reply to my dear the beach they hid themselves behind bushes. Song Sil?” the smelter asked gently. Presently the smelter began to catch at the reel “No, not yet,” the driver answered as if uncon- with longline. At the first moment a carp, perhaps cerned about it, wearing a bashful smile. well over 3 kg in weight, struggled breaking the early “You’re obliged to send a reply letter,” the smelter morning silence. “Caught it!” the smelter’s shout admonished. “She is really pretty. Shall I show you shook not only the silence of the lake but awoke the her photo?” whole holiday village. “Caught another,” his shout “You’ve got her photo?” The three people went up repeated. He was too excited to control himself. The to the smelter with curiosity. fish reeled violently, while being drawn out of the “She is a crane operator of my furnace. And a water. The smelter’s shout of joy would not die down. third-year student of the factory college,” the smelter The department chief, the driver and the painter in introduced. the bushes moist in dew felt relieved now. The young That evening the driver sat at the table with a painter thought he’d caught a great creative inspira- piece of paper on it, suppressing an irresistible im- tion, which he had never experienced before. It was pulse and excitement swelling up in his heart. But all for the old man with a tanned face riddled with the letter was not done after all. Conscience-stricken perspiration pores, and people of his kind that there for his failure to satisfy the girl’s earnest request, the was clean air, a rippling lake teeming with fish, and driver was simply patting the rear end of the pen. the true sense of natural beauty and abundance. Stars began to appear in the morning sky. The With a heavy bag of fish over his shoulder, the life here in the holiday village had peculiar scents, Master Angler headed vigorously for his room of the rhythm and senses, which are impossible in down- holiday village. town streets or solitary hamlets. An old scientist Seeing the receding figure of the smelter, the raised an excited cry to find a clue to solution of a driver deeply inhaled the pungent aroma of the wild research problem—which he had studied for years chrysanthemum flower he held over his mouth. while having a chat; a girl worker from a textile mill “Are you choosing sentences for your letter to the met deep-sea fisherman and fell in love; the curly- girl?” the department chief asked. haired driver made a deep sigh; a middle-aged nov- The driver was shocked, his face flushed. Perhaps elist was walking in the yard in deep meditation; the department chief’s remark hit the point of his laudable images of the honest and industrious people mind. carried the vivid picture of the pulsating country. “Huh, huh. Write it right now. How nice—all are The third conference of the room was held, each dear, kind-hearted, bright…” participant sitting on his bed in pyjamas. The department chief opened the meeting, after smoking When Room No. 5 was vacant early in the morn- two cigarettes. “What about going fishing at night ing, the windows of all other rooms were flung open and putting the fishing lines in water?” vyingly. “At night?” the driver asked hastily, interrupting “How many strips of fish are you going to catch the department chief’s suggestion. today?” someone cried out. Only after the department chief explained about “No problem. Just make bed and follow me,” the his idea, sometimes inhaling the cigarette smoke smelter at the head of the group called back, waving deeply, then did the other room-mates understand his wide-brimmed hat, and began to make hasty him, clapping their knees for joy. “It’s a great inven- steps. The department chief, the painter and the tion, Mr. Department Chief,” the chief of the room driver followed him silently. Young holidaymakers yelled. “We appreciate your idea.” came out to the lake, and even the chambermaid was “Don’t praise me to the skies,” the department sometimes there when she had a spare time. Thus chief replied. “It’s far from an invention. And we are they all spent a nice holiday enjoying the delicacy of going to praise the Master Angler to the skies the sliced raw fish prepared with what the Master An- morning after tomorrow.” gler had caught. Meanwhile, the eyes of the cham- When a new day passed amidst great excitement bermaid with a thick eyelash were intent on the faces and gratuitous apprehension and the sun set in the of the driver suffering from a cold day after day and west, the holidaymakers staying in Room No. 5 went the painter who had begun to sneeze the day before. out to the lake and put a reel with longline. Near at She thought hard why, chewing her lower lip. dawn when the day began to break, the old smelter was awakened at the roar of the driver’s sneeze. He Today, too, the smelters had a pleasant chat sprang up from his bed and put his hand on the about the angling skills of their chief. They were all driver’s forehead, which felt quite hot. “Oh, you’ve the happier because they knew their efforts had gone caught a cold.” far to the improvement of the chief smelter’s fishing The smelter stared down at the flushed face of the skill. The veteran smelter was also wearing a smile driver for a good while. Now he suddenly went out- of satisfaction. In the cabin of the crane overhead side and made haste for the lake shore. He was Song Sil was reading a letter—she had just received gripped with an anxiety to prepare a hot and deli- it—with her face tinged red. cious carp broth to the driver. “How could such a Nobody knew the story yet, however. How the sturdy and muscular man catch a cold?” he mur- department chief, the driver and the young driver of mured to himself over his hasty trip. The other three Room No. 5 swam in the cold lake water almost every ►

42 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Chongryon’s Path

HE MATTER OF OVERSEAS COMPATRIOTS ans in Japan a historic letter titled, “On Developing T is an important concern of a nation, and it is, in the Movement of Koreans in Japan onto a New essence, an effort to champion and realize their na- Higher Stage,” thus leading the Chongryon’s patri- tional independence. Achieving national independ- otic cause to victory. ence was a serious and vital task of Korean residents Since its foundation Chongryon has regarded the in Japan where a hostile policy toward the Korean Juche idea as its firm guideline and thoroughly ap- nation was overtly pursued and a discrimination and plied it in the movement of the Koreans in Japan as a assimilation policy toward the nation was harsh. whole, thus achieving its unity and cohesion. And it Until the formation of Chongryon (the General Asso- has firmly united broad sections of Koreans in Japan ciation of Korean Residents in Japan) the movement around itself by forming associate organizations of of the Koreans in Japan underwent great ordeals all levels from the central to the grass roots, groups because it failed to follow a correct line to suit its by stratum and business groups, and has actively characteristic. struggled for the democratic national rights of the President Kim Il Sung then put forward a Juche Koreans and for the promotion of their well-being as -oriented policy for adopting a new line, holding that the representative and champion of their rights and Korean residents in Japan, though living in the alien interests. land, should struggle to defend their country and Chongryon established a well-organized system work for the Korean revolution and that the move- of national education from kindergarten to univer- ment of the Koreans in Japan should become a pa- sity and trained lots of fine talent for the future of its triotic one that serves national interests. patriotic cause, making it possible to hold fast to and Accordingly, on May 25, 1955, there was formed carry on the Korean culture and tradition in Japan. Chongryon in Japan. It was a historic event that Besides, regarding it as its noble mission and sacred announced the start of the Juche-oriented movement duty to contribute to the prosperity of the DPRK, of overseas Koreans and that brought about a radical Chongryon has worked devotedly to that end. On the turn in carving out the destiny of the Koreans in other hand, it has greatly helped expand and develop Japan. From then on the movement of the Koreans in the movement for reunification of Korea into a na- Japan developed into a genuine patriotic movement tionwide patriotic movement by positively support- for the good of their country and nation on the basis ing and championing the DPRK’s just and fair re- of the correct programme and line. unification policies and ideas and resolutely strug- Later, with the institution and proclamation of gling to implement them. the nationality law of the DPRK, the Koreans in At present the tradition of Chongryon is Japan became able to obviously enjoy their dignity being invariably carried on under the guidance of and status as overseas citizens of Juche Korea. Peo- Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of the Korean ple from different strata were elected deputies to the people. Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK, and Chon- In January this year, on the occasion of the New gryon was able to actively enter the international Year’s Day, Kim Jong Un sent the officials of arena, exalting the dignity and honour of their na- Chongryon and the Koreans in Japan a congratula- tion. tory message suggesting that they should steadfastly Meanwhile, the Korean residents in Japan got advance the movement of the Koreans in Japan enormous educational aid fund and stipends from only along the road of Juche, the road of patriotism, their country every year, and the way for their repa- for the prosperity of their country with President triation or travel to their socialist country was Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il’s lifetime opened. instructions as their invariable banner. Chairman Kim Jong Il led Chongryon to stead- The officials of Chongryon and the Koreans in fastly advance along the road of Juche, the road of Japan, who have contributed to the effort to achieve patriotism, and benevolently made sure that the prosperity of their country and national reunification Koreans in Japan led a worthwhile life on the road of while always sharing their lot with it whether they patriotism. had a hard time or a happy time, are now striving to In the period of harsh trials when the imperial- further strengthen their organization and invariably ists’ schemes against the DPRK and Chongryon carry on with the patriotic cause. reached an extreme, the Chairman sent to the Kore- Ho Yong Min

► night to put living fish to the hook of the fishing lines carp broth three times a day or the girl Song Sil who laid by the veteran smelter; how they had merry and had a burning heart over the driver boy, reading his pleasant conversations while drying their clothes in long confidential letter, were unaware of the beauti- the bonfire on the bank under the star-strewn sky. ful story. Even the veteran smelter who used to prepare The End

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 43 Tok Islet and Ullung Island Belong to Korea

HE LONG HISTORY OF Island of Korea and that so for- governor-general tried to bribe T Korea has a story of An Ryong eigners could not be allowed to the Korean boatman with valu- Bok, an ordinary boatman, who explore the island. ables, but in vain. The boatman fought to defend the dominium Later, by taking advantage of finally succeeded in making the over Tok Islet and Ullung Island the fact that the government of Japanese Chancellor and the gov- located east of the country. Ullung feudal Joson failed to show con- ernor-general affirm that Ullung Island near Tok Islet was famous cern for the out-of-the-way is- Island and Tok Islet belong to as an island good to live in for its lands or islets, Japanese viciously Korea, not to Japan. scenery and rich products. But tried to get possession of Ullung Back home An went to Tong- during the Imjin Patriotic War Island and Tok Islet by any nae-bu to tell about what had (1592–1598) the inhabitants of the means. It was in the summer of happened previously and sug- island had to leave it as Japanese 1693 that An and his fellow fish- gested a constructive opinion for invaded it to commit massacre ermen—numbering dozens—from the defence of the national terri- and plunder at random, and the Ulsan anchored their ship in the tory. Still, the corrupt and incom- island began to be gradually de- lee of Ullung Island while battling petent government of feudal serted. Only fishermen from the with the wind and waves which Joson failed to take relevant coastal areas of Kangwon and overtook them on the way to fish- measures. Kyongsang provinces occasionally ing. On the island they encoun- So patriotic people with An as got on the island to fish or have a tered Japanese intruders who had the leader volunteered to defend rest on the way to and from home. trespassed on it. The Japanese Ullung Island and Tok Islet. By taking advantage of the situa- were so insolent as to pose as In 1696, when An and his tion Japanese began to thrust masters of the island, saying that party were staying on Ullung their aggressive tentacles into the it was a territory of Japan. An Island, the Japanese trespassed island and Tok Islet. was enraged at the intruders’ on it once again. The intruders, Previously the Japanese had carriage. He, however, thought uneasy about their guilt, tried to invaded Korea only to be killed in that there was no use in fighting justify their act, saying that they groups and driven out of the land the invaders and, though a boat- had mistaken the island for by the resisting Korean people. man of low birth, decided to nego- Takeshima (Tok Islet) they were Later, however, they intruded tiate with the magistrate of Oki- going to. Indignant at this, An again into the East Sea of Korea in shima, an islet of Japan, for the said, “Takeshima is just Usan an attempt to realize their territo- matter. So he and one of his Islet (the then name of Tok Islet), rial ambition. Calling Ullung Is- friends went to the islet. In the and Usan Islet, too, belongs to our land Matsushima and Tok Islet negotiation An clearly explained country.” Then An drove all the Takeshima they asked the govern- that both Ullung Island and Tok Japanese out of the island and ment of feudal Joson to allow them Islet belonged to Korea and con- went to the western part of pre- to explore Matsushima in 1614 demned the intruders’ crimes. sent Tottori Prefecture again to and 1615. The government em- Realizing that An could not be complain to the governor-general powered the head of Tongnae-bu subdued by any threats, the of the wrongdoing by the feudal (bu means a government organ in Japanese magistrate transferred lord of Tsushima. The governor- Korean) to declare the firm stand him to the western part of the general assured An that Japanese that Matsushima is simply Ullung present Tottori Prefecture. Its would be restrained from getting again on Korean islands and is- Tok Islet. lets without permission. Later Japan informed the government of feudal Joson that it was proved positively that Ullung Island and Tok Islet belong to Korea, and Japanese became unable to get on the island and islet without permission. The way An resolutely defended the island and islet through patriotic activities demonstrated the Korean people’s strong spirit of patriotism.

Kim Un Jong

44 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Immortal Banner for Global Independence

HIRTY YEARS HAVE sanctions despite the unimagina- multipolarization. This requires T passed since Chairman bly severe ordeals in the 1990s. all the progressive peoples of the Kim Jong Il made public Besides, they achieved the politi- world to turn out in firmer unity the historic work Let Us Advance cal and ideological unity of the in the struggle against the impe- under the Banner of Marxism- whole society based on the Juche rialist reactionary forces who are Leninism and the Juche Idea on idea and the Songun idea, devel- given to high-handedness and the occasion of the 165th birthday oped their country into a world- arbitrariness. of Karl Marx, outstanding leader famous space nation and nuclear In recent years more and more of the international working class state by effecting an industrial political parties and organizations and the author of the scientific revolution in the new century in have signed the Pyongyang Dec- communist theory, and the cen- spite of the hostile forces’ obstruc- laration that reflects aspiration tenary of his death. tive manoeuvres of all descrip- for socialism. On the other hand All aspects of social life have tions and unfolded a new heyday the anti-Wall Street, anti- undergone great changes on a of the revolutionary culture suited capitalist campaigns are growing worldwide scale over the dec- to the requirement of the era. All stronger in capitalist countries. ades—the Cold War ended, giving these amazing events prove that These facts prove that the road to rise to a great change in the world the Juche idea is the one showing the building of an independent political structure, and changes the correct and right way to ac- world under the banner of the took place in socio-economic and complish the cause of socialism. Juche idea is the correct and right cultural life in many regions and The Chairman’s work also one to be followed by humankind. countries. Kim Jong Il’s ideas clarifies the ways and means to Nowadays Washington and its and theories clarified in the work build an independent world, in- followers are resorting to sanc- still remain enormously signifi- cluding those for the progressive tions against Pyongyang and in- cant displaying their great vital- peoples and political parties the tensifying military pressure upon ity. The work tells that the Ko- world over to pool their efforts it on the absurd pretext of its rean people pushed ahead with to resolutely wage the anti- satellite launch for peaceful pur- the revolution and construction imperialist, anti-US struggle un- poses. To cope with this, the successfully under the banner of der the banner of the Juche idea, DPRK is further strengthening its the Juche idea. strengthen the non-aligned move- self-defensive nuclear deterrent, The Korean people have kept ment and defend the world peace demonstrating to the world its demonstrating the might of and security. What is most im- firm will not to yield to any sanc- Songun Korea by maintaining the portant in advancing the socialist tions and blockades, and military independent and creative stands cause at present is for the pro- threats and pressure of the US and steadily carrying on with gressive peoples of the world to imperialists and their followers, the three revolutions—ideological, hold fast to the anti-imperialist but to defend its dignity, sover- technical and cultural—under the independent stand and be firmly eignty and security by taking leadership of the Workers’ Party united on the basis of the princi- powerful countermeasures. of Korea. It is attributable to the ple of independence. With pride in taking the lead firm politico-ideological position Since the end of the Cold War in the struggle to accomplish the and the solid foundation of the the US and other imperialist re- socialist cause the Korean people independent national economy actionary forces have violated the will continue to do honour to their created through the three revolu- sovereignty of different countries state as Kim Il Sung’s nation, tions that the Korean people built at random, and committed ag- Kim Jong Il’s country, whose up and brought further glory to gression wars against other na- dignity and might are based on their people-centred socialism tions without hesitation, swim- Juche and Songun. while overcoming the imperialists’ ming against the general trend of persistent pressure, blockades and the world advancing towards Ri Yong Chol

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 45 True Nature of “Human Rights Judge”

N 2011, IN NEW YORK CITY, THERE WAS tional Declaration of Human Rights. I a mass demonstration under the slogan “Conquer The US makes public a “human rights report” Wall Street!” It was carried out by workers, the poor, every year in a vicious attempt to stifle the countries the unemployed, and even office workers and house- that go against its grain. Last year Washington and wives. It soon spread to Washington, Boston, Los its followers cooked up an absurd resolution on hu- Angeles, San Francisco and other parts of the US. man rights of the DPRK. As the resolution failed to Flurried at this, the US ruling circles put in the po- work— strongly denounced and rejected by the lice to crack down on the demonstrators with batons. DPRK—the US found fault with the country’s launch In New York, over 70 demonstrators in a sit-down in of satellites for peaceful purposes and has taken a park were taken into custody in a day, accused of sanctions against it and been frantically trying to violating the night curfew, and in Chicago 175 dem- stifle it militarily. While supplementing and perfect- onstrators who had occupied a closed park were ing DPRK-targeted war plans like OPLAN 5027 and hurled into prison vans like baggage to be taken OPLAN 5029, it is enlarging the scale of the joint somewhere. military exercises it stages in collusion with the Washington Post said that about US$ 13 million south Korean puppets, and is continuously increas- was spent in repressing the demonstrators. Mass ing the frequency of the exercises. The Foal Eagle media around the world ridiculed that the terrible joint military exercise from March 1 to April 30 last scene of mounted policemen brutally repressing was participated in by US aggressor troops including demonstrators by wielding clubs in a terror-charged over 10 000 from outside south Korea and south atmosphere with a helicopter in the air resembled a Korean puppet forces hundreds of thousands strong; war of genocide and reflected the true nature of the and the Key Resolve joint military drill on March 11- US wont to advocate “human rights” and 21 was joined by over 3 500-strong American forces “democracy.” The phenomenon is merely an aspect of and over 10 000-strong south Korean puppet forces ► the US’s human rights situation. While concealing its anti-human rights crimes, the US concocts “human rights issues” against anti- imperialist independent countries to be used for justifying its interfering in their internal affairs, putting pressure on them, invading them and at- tempting to overthrow their governments. Tremendous are the aftermaths of the Afghan and Iraqi wars the US unleashed while advocating “protection of human rights” and “democracy.” In the countries today innocent people lose their lives almost every day owing to air raids by American drones. In an article carried in New York Times former US President Carter denounced the US’s act of killing innocent people of several countries through air raids by drones. He ascertained to the effect that such an act of the US government was obviously against Articles 10 and 30 of the Interna- US police arrests an anti-Wall Street demonstrator.

46 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Dangerous Attempt of Japan

UCLEAR ARMAMENT IS for the country to have nukes at Wostok Media News Agency of N the ultimate goal of Japan’s once. Russia quoted the former editor- ambition in becoming a military Foreign media once reported in-chief of The Japan Times as power. This can be proved by the that Japan had promoted devel- saying that the Japanese authori- fact that an amendment of the opment of nukes through the Fu- ties were concealing the fact that basic law on atomic energy passed kushima Atomic Power Plant development of nukes was done the Diet in June last year. It is under tightest secrecy. under the power station, and re- stipulated in an article added to Irna News Agency of Iran ported that Japan tried to remove the law that atomic power shall be commented it testified to Japan’s traces of nuke development after used with a view to making a secret development of nukes that the accident at the Fukushima contribution to “national secu- the Fukushima Atomic Power Atomic Power Plant. rity.” It seems agreeable to the Plant had been long suspected of Japan began to make desper- ear, but in fact, it means that reprocessing plutonium and de- ate efforts to legalize its nuclear Japan will overtly arm itself with veloping nukes, that the Japanese armament as a policy long ago. nukes under the pretext of authorities refused to accept for- All the successive rulers of Japan “national security.” Japan has eign relief squads when the revealed such an attempt. In long attempted to have justifica- atomic power station was in an 1965 the then Prime Minister tion to arm itself with nukes, and emergency owing to catastrophic Sato insisted in a talk with the on the other hand enforced its earthquakes and tidal waves and then US President that if China nuclear armament in practice, that a tunnel was discovered un- had nukes, Japan, too, should do.

leading to creation of conditions der the power station. In June 1969 Sato said at a ple- ►

► from the corps level up with the of the “United Nations forces.” where a war may break out more support of means of nuclear strike And there are vicious attempts easily than elsewhere. such as B-52 strategic bombers. to fabricate the US-Japan-south The aforesaid facts show that The US carried out high-intensity Korea tripartite military alliance. the US sticks at nothing to realize exercises of launching nuclear The US is trying to make the its ambition of world conquest strikes against imaginary targets alliance as soon as possible for the under the cloak of “human rights” in the depth of the DPRK by purpose of forming an Asia-type and “democracy.” No wonder that abruptly flying a squadron of B-52 NATO and using it to invade the the international community nuclear strategic bombers to air- DPRK and realize the strategy for holds that the US, the main cul- space over south Korea from the domination of Asia and the Pa- prit of anti-human rights crimes Anderson air base on Guam Is- cific. that infringes upon the independ- land. It mobilized in the joint war Last year there was a joint ent rights and life of the people exercises military personnel from marine exercise of the US, Japan while advocating “human rights,” satellite countries including the and south Korea for the first time. ought to be put in the dock of the UK and Australia whose troops Such manoeuvres of the US human rights court to be pun- had participated in the past Ko- are turning the Korean peninsula ished for its crimes. rean War—the one started by the and the Asia-Pacific region into US in the 1950s—under the cloak the most dangerous hot spot Kim Ja Yong

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 47 ► nary session of the House of Rep- the study for the legalization of its that Japan already developed its resentatives that the three non- nuclear armament. At that time, ability to manufacture and pos- nuclear principles might be the Japanese government in- sess nukes at any time if it de- changed whenever policies or the structed the Defense Agency to cides to. The Western media and Cabinet were changed. In March study the matter of nuclear ar- experts recognize the fact. 1978 the then Prime Minister mament to provide against the A Swedish newspaper said to Fukuda said at a budget commit- new environment caused by the the effect that Japan had every- tee meeting of the House of end of the Cold War. thing to make nukes promptly Councilors that they might adopt Japan has made full material and already made nuclear war- a resolution on equipping the and technical preparations for the heads to be filled with necessary country’s armed forces with development of nukes. In the quantity of plutonium. nukes. In the 1980s the then 1950s it set a long-term goal of Quoting from a report of the Prime Minister Nakasone, who developing nukes by relying on British Ministry of Defence, the was taking the lead in the cam- fast breeder reactor fed with plu- British newspaper Sunday Times paign for the rebirth of Japanese tonium. Since the mid-1970s it reported that Japan might have militarism, mentioned the need has produced and accumulated a already made atomic bombs as it for his country to have nukes large amount of nuclear materials had plutonium and important on many occasions. He went so by operating the reprocessing factors and techniques for manu- far as to say recklessly that pos- factory. On the other hand it has facturing such bombs. session of nukes conformed to the imported plutonium in large In the mid-1970s, the then Constitution. In the 1990s and quantities from other countries. It Secretary of State Kissinger said even in the new century the secretly imported reprocessed in a talk with the Australian am- Japanese authorities declared plutonium from the UK over ten bassador to his country that it that Japan had an ability to pos- times in the 1970s and 1980s, and was possible for Japan to secure sess nukes, holding that its nu- successively did it in large quan- several nukes without conducting clear armament was possible tities from France in the 1990s. a nuclear test. technically. Afterwards it continued to secure Today Japan’s nuclear arma- It was long ago that Japan plutonium. At present, Japan ment has become a practical mat- began to pursue development of possesses plutonium more than ter, not a hypothesis. In the past, nukes. In the 1950s it already enough to be used for peaceful even without nukes, Japan was tried to justify its attempt to arm purposes. given to aggression and war, itself with nukes while denying In the new century the Japa- mangling Asia and perpetrating the Constitution as a whole and nese reactionaries became all the bloody massacres. Suppose such a interpreting it as they pleased. more outspoken in their view- country has nukes. Then it will The study was done under tight- point and attitude towards nu- commit more heinous, anti-ethical est secrecy to grope for the possi- clear armament. This can be and anti-peace crimes. Herein lies bility of its nuclear armament proved by the fact that in April the great dangerousness of Ja- from 1967 to 1970. It was the 2002 the then leader of the Lib- pan’s attempt to arm itself with “basic study of Japan’s nuclear eral Party said, “It is an easy job nukes. policy” that the information in- for us to produce nuclear war- It is advisable for Japan to vestigation room of the Japanese heads. Our atomic power plants give up its daydream as its nu- Cabinet entrusted to important have plutonium much enough to clear armament will lead to its international political scientists manufacture thousands of nu- ruin. at home. From 1995 it accelerated clear warheads.” It is a stark fact Kim Chol Sun

48 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 Ulmil Pavilion

ORAN HILL SITUATED charmed by its scenery or from sixth century. It was rebuilt or M in central Pyongyang the name of General Ulmil of repaired after being damaged boasts many ancient structures Koguryo who firmly defended the several times in prolonged fierce built by the Korean ancestors. place. It is also called Saho Pavil- battles against foreign aggres- Among them is Ulmil Pavilion ion in the meaning that you can sors. It stands on a stone em- that stands on Ulmil Peak. The get a bird’s-eye view of all sides. bankment about 11 metres in hip-saddle-roofed building adds The beautiful scenery around height. The lower part of the em- beauty to the scenery of the hill, the pavilion, called ulmilsang- bankment is like stairs and the looking like the one floating in chun (enjoying spring on the pa- upper part is supported by the air. vilion), is regarded as one of the slightly narrowing piles of four- It is said that the name of the eight famous views of Pyongyang. cornered stones, so it looks higher pavilion was derived from a leg- The pavilion was built as a than its real height, and majestic end that once upon a time an northern command post of the and stable in appearance. There Ulmil fairy often descended from inner wall of the Walled City of are battlements at the top of the the heaven to play on the spot, Pyongyang of Koguryo in the mid- embankment to the east, west and north. And on the embank-

ment is set a pavilion for enjoying sights all around. The pedestals and tops of the pavilion’s columns are made of stones and wood re- spectively. And patterns are carved on the head space, cornice and ashlaring. The pavilion is associated with the history of the Korean ancestors’ patriotic struggle to repel foreign aggressors several times from the period of Koguryo. It was destroyed severely by the US imperialists’ air raids during the Korean war (June 1950–July 1953). In the postwar days it was restored to its original state thanks to the state policy on pre- serving the nation’s cultural re- mains and relics. Now it serves as a cultural recreation spot where people can enjoy themselves, looking over the panoramic view of Pyongyang.

Sim Yong Jin

KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013 49 50 KOREA TODAY No. 5, 2013