KOREA TODAY No

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 51 http://www.naenara.com.kp

Happy New Year

EAR READERS, time. Noteworthy of our coverage is D Greeting in the new year the introduction of the dynamic na- 2014 the Korea Today editorial board tionwide campaign to emulate the extend congratulations to all our Masikryong Speed—created by the readers and those who have rendered soldier builders of the Masikryong sincere help to our magazine’s Ski Resort—which brought about the activities. completion of the projects of the Last year we in the Korea Today Unha Kwahakja Street, the Lectur- staff have done all we could to give a ers’ Apartments of Kim Il Sung wide-ranging and deep-going intro- University, Okryu Children’s Hospi- duction of all the fields of the De- tal, Ryugyong Dental Hospital and mocratic People’s Republic of Korea Munsu Water Park on an admirably and to promote friendship and unity high level in a short span of time. among the countries and nations who Efforts were also made to give infor- aspire to independence and peace. By mation on the nation’s high enthusi- covering the seventh convention of asm for sporting activities, Korean the Korean Children’s Union held on wins at international competitions, the 67th anniversary of the union, the achievements in education and pub- military parade and Pyongyang mass lic health sectors and the national rally that took place in honour of the history and culture. 60th anniversary of the great victory This year we will continue to in the Fatherland Liberation War, work hard to let you readers have a the Worker-Peasant Red Guards better and concrete idea of the Ko- parade and Pyongyang Mass Dem- rean people’s firm will to go ahead onstration in celebration of the 65th along the road of independence, the founding anniversary of the DPRK, road of Songun and the road of so- and other major political events, we cialism in an indomitable spirit. The gave a description of the ideological realities of the DPRK will also be and spiritual traits of the Korean introduced on time in which new people. Our journal also carried arti- miracles and innovations are ex- cles about the nation’s science and pected. The Korean people’s struggle technology in rapid progress, ever- for independent and peaceful reuni- increasing production and the fast fication of their country and global pace of projects for modernization of independence will be an important production processes which are the part of our coverage. The Korea result of the Korean workers’ crea- Today editorial board will make tive efforts for the building of an every effort to help you have a good economic giant in a short span of understanding.

50 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 KOREA TODAY Monthly Journal (691) Printed in English, Russian and Chinese

C O N T E N T S

Korean Future Viewed From the Perspective of the Year 2013··················································· 3

The Spirit Is Alive··············································································································· 8

Key to Growth in Production ·······························································································10

Great Opportunity for Cooperation ·······················································································11

All the People Under Arms ··································································································12

Kim Jong Il and CNC (2) ···································································································14

In the Scientists’ Mind········································································································15

From a Simple Clue············································································································16

Devoted Efforts Bear Fruit ··································································································17

In the Hub of Studies··········································································································18

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 1

Note of Visit to Ryugyong Dental Hospital ···································20

Four Hours in Emergency Department ········································22

The Zeal for Sporting Activity ····················································23

Stories of Victory······································································24

His Only Hope ·········································································26

I’ll Exalt the Honour of the Motherland of Taekwon-Do··················27

Front Cover: The Chollima The Elderly Volleyball Team ······················································28 Steel Complex is increasing production. Ours Are the Best Apartments ···················································30

The Elderly Woman I Didn’t Meet···············································32 Photo by Ri Song Ik Korea—One Big Family·····························································33

Visit to Folkcraft Exhibition Hall················································34

Inventive Cook·········································································36

Short Story

A Great Pride ··········································································37

The Episode of Kite···································································39

Hunminjongum········································································40

Makkolli ·················································································41

Mt. Kuwol ···············································································42

Songun Politics and Global Independence ····································44

Struggle to Achieve the Independent and Peaceful

Back Cover: Hyonmu Gate in Reunification of Korea (4) ··························································45 winter. Invariable Stand of DPRK ·························································46 Photo by Ra Phyong Ryol Japan’s Future Depends on Liquidation of Its Past························47 13502 ㄱ-38233

2 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 Korean Future Viewed From the Perspective of the Year 2013

AST YEAR THE US AND OTHER SINISTER Korea a number of joint military rehearsals against L forces intensified their aggressive and oppres- the DPRK in succession, including those code-named sive moves against the Democratic People’s Republic Key Resolve and Foal Eagle. These drills involved of Korea as never before. Despite the obstructive notorious means of nuclear warfare such as B-52 attempts, the Korean people achieved unprecedented strategic bombers. The Korean peninsula fell into a successes in their socialist construction. Over the touch-and-go situation where a nuclear war might days they harboured deeper confidence in break at any moment. Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of the Workers’ Coping with the situation Kim Jong Un called a Party of Korea and the DPRK, and got firmer con- number of meetings and conferences like the viction of the bright future of their country. enlarged meeting of the WPK Central Military Com- mission, the March 2013 plenary meeting of the Through a daring offensive WPK Central Committee, and the fourth conference of the Korean People’s Army company commanders The anti-DPRK stifling campaign of the US and and political instructors, and indicated tasks and its vassal nations that had begun with the DPRK’s ways to implement them in order to strengthen the launch of a satellite for a peaceful purpose in De- army and safeguard the nation’s security and sover- cember 2012 got further frantic with the beginning of eignty. Meanwhile, he inspected KPA units and pre- the year 2013. Labeling the satellite launch as a pared the service personnel for practical warfare by “launch of a long-range missile” and a “savage viola- teaching them how to work out operational and tac- tion of the UN resolution,” the hostile forces insti- tical plans and supervising their drills. It was his gated the UN Security Council to make up another adamant determination to handle the hostile forces’ preposterous resolution on sanctions against the hard-line policy with a harder-line policy and answer DPRK in January 2013 while conducting in south their aggression war with a great war of national ►

An evening gala of youths and students For My Only Motherland in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War.

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 3 ► reunification. As part of his resolute actions, he in- thus created a material and technical guarantee for spected the Jangjaedo Defence Unit and the Hero the harnessing of geothermal water. The Namhung Mudo Defence Unit—which are located in the hottest Youth Chemical Complex erected a plant in a short area—in March last year when he ordered them to span of time which can produce 60 million square deal an immediate and annihilating blow to the en- metres of functional three-fold PVC film for green- emy if they fired even a single shell to the land or house covering on a yearly basis. The Pyongyang water area in which the DPRK’s sovereignty is exer- Condiment Factory appeared as a good model of cised. Thanks to his energetic Songun-based leader- unmanned plant fed with domestic materials. A vi- ship the DPRK’s defence capabilities were aug- tamin C plant went up newly. mented considerably and the Korean people could Kim Jong Un’s energetic guidance was the hasten the socialist construction successfully last source of the courage with which the entire nation year despite the touch-and-go situation. wrought miracles and made innovations despite the ever-worsening danger of war. In order to arouse the By building on the people’s exertions Korean people to the effort to make upsurge in production Kim Jong Un uninterruptedly visited fac- Amazing upsurges erupted last year in all fields tories and enterprises around the country in different and at all units of the national economy, boosting the fields of the national economy, including the Ryong- production as a whole in celebration of the 60th anni- song Machine Complex, the Namhung Youth Chemi- versary of the victorious Fatherland Liberation War cal Complex, the Kosan Fruit Farm, the Ryongyon and the 65th founding anniversary of the DPRK. In Offshore Fish Farm and the Pyongyang Condiment particular, a dynamic drive to create the Masikryong Factory. Last year was the one of his field guidance; Speed swept the whole country, bringing about won- the units he visited in May and June alone number derful things nationwide. The Chollima Steel Com- over 60, even when counted according to official an- plex successfully introduced the high-temperature nouncements. Looking round factories and enter- air combustion technology based on the gas from prises, he gave detailed advices to technicians and anthracite which is abundant in the country, and managers concerning modernization of production thus it is now able to produce far more rolled steel processes and looked after the workers’ living condi- than before. The Ryongsong Machine Complex suc- tions in a profound manner, helping them spread cessfully carried out an application test of large- their wing of great innovations. He initiated the capacity geothermal facilities it had developed and campaign of creating the Masikryong Speed which ►

4 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 Supreme national leader Kim Jong Un attends the Worker-Peasant Red Guards parade and Pyongyang Mass Demonstration held in celebration of the 65th founding anniversary of the DPRK in September 2013.

► spread across the country quickly. One day in May Highest tempo and best quality last year he, visiting the Masikryong Ski Resort under construction, saw ski runs of more than 100 000 The DPRK that is aspiring after the building of a metres long in total that had been laid by soldier civilized socialist country erected a good many edi- builders with an indomitable spirit in less than one fices last year which could be symbolic of the efflo- year since the beginning of the construction. The next rescence of the socialist civilization in the 21st cen- month he issued an appeal to all the working people tury. All those monumental structures are associated around the country to make great innovations and with Kim Jong Un’s careful guidance and energetic upsurges on all fronts of socialist construction by leadership. For instance, the Munsu Water Park, learning after the soldier builders. With this as mo- which went up in no more than nine months occupy- mentum the drive to emulate the Masikryong Speed ing an area of 109 000 square metres, was completed spread nationwide exerting an immeasurable vital- under his guidance given to all the stages of the con- ity. The year 2013 was the one of clear manifestation struction ranging from designating the site and of Kim Jong Un’s method of leading the masses. forming the building forces to ensuring the quality ►

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 5 The grinding workshop of Concentration Plant No. 3 of the Komdok Mining Complex.

► and tempo of the construction. Sometimes he visited the construction site in the depth of night, and sometimes in early morning, to give concrete in- structions regarding details of the construction project. Plans of formation of the water park completed with his advices number as many as 113. His idea is that things for the sake of the people should be done at the highest speed and on the highest level of quality, and his intention is to help the Korean people lead the most civilized cultural life in the world. His idea and intention developed into reality: the Ryugyong Dental Hospital, the Okryu Children’s Hospital, the Mirim Riding Club, the Unha Kwahakja Street and the Kim Il Sung University Lecturers’ Apartments were built—nicely enough to meet the world standard—in a short span of time while the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium was admirably refurbished. The enthusiasm for sporting activity grew fiercer nationwide under Kim Jong Un’s deep concern. He went to see the 2013 Asian Cup & Inter-club Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships, the men’s football finals of the Mangyongdae Prize Games and many other sports events, and made sure that a sportspersons’ apartment was built on the highest level for the winners of important world games. A heyday is being ushered in in all the cultural sectors including science, education, public health and the arts. For the Korean people, the year 2013 was a significant one when they overcame rigorous ordeals courageously and successfully and gained the con- viction that they would surely win the final victory.

An Song Duk

6 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 The refined oil packing process at the Pyongyang Condiment Factory.

The Munsu Water Park is inaugurated in October 2013.

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 7 The Spirit Is Alive

N THE 1950S THE bricks. Thanks to such strenuous ment in order to increase produc- I Chollima Steel Complex efforts the additional assignment tion on the strength of their good (formerly Kangson Steel Plant) was fulfilled 90 days ahead of the understanding of the technologi- wrought the miracle of turning schedule while production results cal principle of the process. Com- out 120 000 tons of steel billets rocketed eight times higher as petent technicians gave technical with a blooming mill whose esti- compared with the same period of lessons to the workers through mated annual capacity was no the previous year. multimedia with the workshop or more than 60 000 tons. Years ago Ri Chang Hyok, a worker of workteams as unit, and the tech- they set up a UHP electric arc the Steel Workshop, says, “We’ll nicians and workers pooled their furnace, thus initiating a new continue to carry out any task. We creative wisdom on the shop floor. revolutionary upsurge in Korea. know we are Kangsonites and we As a result, a rational method of Their miracle-working tradition have a good tradition.” production suited to the specific still survives. conditions of the workshop was Effective anthracite introduced into production. Thus Kangsonites gasification the amount of gas per ton of anthracite has increased and its Early last year the complex In February last year the quality improved considerably as was given an additional task of complex established an anthracite compared with that in the initial producing steel billets for a cer- gasification process and a heating time of the operation. And the tain project in 140 days. An emer- furnace which is equipped with equipment is in full operation. gency meeting of the management the high-temperature air combus- The workers and technicians was held, and the technicians tion technology by its own efforts. in charge of the aforesaid heating and workers discussed how to The process of anthracite gasifi- furnace do the technical mainte- fulfil the task. The managers and cation is based on a flow line— nance of equipment under a scru- workers alike resolved to produce from feeding raw materials to pulous plan and send well-heated the additional amount of steel crushing, moulding and drying— materials to the rolling process. ahead of the set time by solving and is monitored and controlled Since its inauguration of the the problem of lacking raw mate- by computer. The new heating heating furnace they have been rials and other materials by furnace uses anthracite gas for producing more rolled steel than themselves. Chief engineer Ji fuel to heat materials to be rolled. they did using heavy oil. Proper Jong Ho and other technicians The workers and technicians heating leads to a higher produc- and workers of the Steel Work- of the Gas-generating Workshop tion rate in rolling and to a better shop, by pooling their wisdom and tried hard to be skilled in han- working environment. strength, cut the melting time of dling the process as early as pos- Now the complex is increasing the UHP electric arc furnace by sible. Head of the workshop Jong steel output thanks to the heating two hours. The time of feeding Jong Ho made a scrupulous ar- process which no longer relies on raw materials and replacing elec- rangement for the workers to imported fuel. trodes was also reduced and five improve their technical attain- Kim Yong Ok consecutive charges of molten steel were put into the continuous ingot-moulding machine instead of the old convention of three charges. The workers of the Main Raw-material Workshop and the Preparation Workshop, too, turned out as one to carry out the additional task. The technicians and workers of the Main Raw- material Workshop applied rational methods in selecting, load- ing and conveying of scrap iron despite the bitingly cold weather and increased the amount of raw material fed by 1.5 times. Those of the Preparation Workshop made a nice ladle even with broken

8 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 9 Key to Growth in Production

HE PYONGYANG RYUWON Nam and other technicians of the manufactured gum stirrer re- T Footwear Factory has at- department for technical progress duced the time of gum stirring by tained a sustained growth in pro- and the workers of the shoemak- more than eight hours and in- duction for 25 years. When we ing shop, pooling their wisdom creased the adhesive strength asked General Manageress Kim and strength, manufactured an remarkably as compared with the Yun Sil about the key to its EVA complex sole indicator, thus old stirrer. The head of Sewing growth, she said, “When my fac- making it possible to raise the Workshop No. 3 Kwak Myong Ae tory went online it had a floor quality of synthetic sports shoes. and maintenance worker Pak space of some 8 000 square metres Besides, they made a printing Kwang Gon enabled the workers and produced only injection- plate by themselves, which prints to economize on much time and moulded sneakers. Now its total patterns of five colours on the labour in the outer rim furling floor space amounts to 17 000 uppers of shoes, improving the process by making a hitting-style square metres and the variety of appearance. In particular, the furling device based on the use of shoes, such as synthetic sports PVC trademark invented by tech- the sewing machine. shoes, slippers and physical nicians rendered it possible to The factory now produces training shoes, and their output afford a guarantee for the prod- various kinds of footwear, includ- are continually on the increase. ucts and show better the decora- ing the EVA footwear and athletic The secret of increase in variety tive effect of footwear. Along with shoes. Until recently, the factory and output lies in the fact that the this materials for new silver- had no experience in production of managers and all other workers coloured ink were developed, athletic shoes and was lacking in are making efforts to closely com- which help shorten the time for technical knowledge. Technicians bine production with science and putting together the sole and the and workers including Chief En- technology.” outer rim while doing no harm to gineer Kim Se Chal found out a The contrivances made, initia- the outer rim. rational method in the process of tives taken, inventions produced The factory simultaneously research into shoes and several and new techniques introduced by pushed ahead with the technical experiments. They gave trial technicians and workers at this research work for lowering the products to sportspeople and con- factory total well over a hundred cost and increasing the volume of sulted their opinions. Some de- items in number. Such contriv- production. The crusher of worn- fects emerged, which were made ances and initiatives and inven- out shoes contrived and intro- up. Research works pertaining to tions are aimed at making shoes duced by Choe Myong Il, a various technical problems were suited to the people’s tastes and worker, is of great help in im- pushed forward vigorously. at bringing about the qualitative proving the quality of recycled The products were highly improvement of their shoes. Ju In articles. On top of that the newly commented upon in many goods shows including the national con- Efforts are made to develop new kinds of products and improve quality. sumer goods show held in April last year. Later in August the certificate of first-class article was awarded to 9 kinds of athletic shoes and to 20 kinds of synthetic sports shoes and ink materials of silver colour for footwear production took second place at the meeting for public presentation of scientific and technical achievements registered in the footwear industry sector. Without resting on their laurels, the technicians and workers are making un- abated efforts to raise the quality of products and increase their output. Footwear with the trademark of Ryuwon enjoys considerable popularity with the public.

Kim Yong Sun

10 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 Great Opportunity for Cooperation

HE NINTH ROUND OF occasion in promoting friendship and hastening scientific and T the Pyongyang Autumn and unity, energizing multifari- technological exchange among International Trade Fair took ous and wide-ranging economic different countries around the place in Pyongyang in Septem- and trade transactions, intro- world. So it left a deep impres- ber last. It was a significant ducing different kinds of goods sion on the participants.

I Hope for Still Broader broader and beneficial exchange Cuba, Korea remains always the Exchange and Cooperation and cooperation. nearest country to our hearts. Provided that we support and Though ended, the fair gave Cafer Gercek, cooperate with each other and me a deep impression. The Ko- software engineer further expand exchanges in fu- rean people have shown great of the Mert Bilgi ture, I don’t think the day of our interest in the fair and have been Islem Ltd. two countries’ flourish and co- friendly and good neighbourly in prosperity is very far off. This is every aspect. During the fair, we our first participation in the fair, met representatives of the It Was a Gratifying but we gained a great deal in DPRK’s KCC many ways. and many Economic Get-together So, I would companies rather say it from various At the fair this time, we put on display goods made by the appli- was really a countries of gratifying the world. cation of bioengineering techniques, including microbial agro- economic Our special- get-together. ity being IT chemicals, medicines for cancer and natural nutritious pills. I was I hope many development, Korean com- our company really delighted to see that our goods were in great demand and panies will has reached participate in agreement with them on matters that people came to our show room with friendly feelings. Not our Havana trade fair and achieve of mutual benefit. Taking advan- successes. Long live Korea! Long tage of such opportunities in only in the fair but also in every aspect of the changing city of Py- live Cuba! Long live the friend- future, our business intends to ship and unity between Cuba and strengthen the ties with IT com- ongyang, we saw that the Korean people are on the road of good Korea! panies of Korea and many other Guana Navarete Mendosa, countries and achieve co- economic development. Cuba and Korea are subjected alike to head of the Cuban prosperity with them. As Turkey Rabiofam Group blockade and sanctions by the is far away from Korea, it is hard to participate in the two fine fairs United States. Seeing the reali- held annually, but we’ll come once ties of Korea today, I have come to a year by all means. I hope for still think a lot. Though far away from

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 11 All the People Under Arms

OREA, OWING TO ITS Guerrilla Army. scended on it frantically by the K geo-political situation and Kim Il Sung wrote in his sheer force of numbers and heavy its abundant resources, has been reminiscences With the Century equipment. the target of the imperialist pow- (chapter 8, volume 3): The spirit of resolutely de- ers’ persistent invasion. “We chose to fight to the last. fending the guerrilla zone dis- The thousands of years-long According to the principles of played in the anti-Japanese war history of Korea records not a few guerrilla tactics, the best thing to was carried on after national lib- cases of foreign invaders repulsed do was to avoid a showdown. But eration in August 1945. The Peo- by all-out national resistance. The if we did not fight, the enemy ple’s Self-defence Corps organized historical facts show how great would swallow up the guerrilla in counties, sub-counties, villages, the patriotic ardour of the Korean zones on the Tuman River in a factories, enterprises, organs and people was in defending their single gulp. If we did not defend on the 38th parallel line smashed country, irrespective of age, sex these zones the revolutionary the enemy’s subversive acts and and social status. But early in the masses who had been enjoying sabotages in the country, safe- 20th century, they fell under the genuine equality and freedom guarding the gains of the revolu- military hooves of the Japanese under the care of the people’s tion and the people’s life and imperialists because they did not revolutionary government would property. When the huge forces of have a great leader. be frozen, starved and shot to US imperialism and its 15 satel- In the 1930s Kim Il Sung death in the dead of winter. Fur- lites, Japan and south Korea at- organized and waged the anti- thermore, the people would no tacked their young Republic, the Japanese armed struggle illumi- longer look up to us.” Korean people hit back with nating the truth of fighting According to his adroit tactics, strong army-people unity and all- against the armed enemy with all the people in the guerrilla zone people resistance. During the war arms, and called out the whole including the old, women and the Kuwolsan people’s guerrillas nation to all-out national resis- children took up guns, swords or performed heroic feats mowing tance to defeat the Japanese im- even clubs to counter the enemy. down the enemy troops that in- perialists who were armed to the Women carried ammunition and vaded their home towns and vil- teeth. In 1933 the Japanese im- foods up to the embattled hills lages, the women of the Namgang perialists turned the spearhead under a rain of bullets and old village carried shell boxes on their of their offensive to the men came up to the steep hilltops heads up to the hills under show- Xiaowangqing guerrilla zone and showered rocks over the ers of bullets and shells, and peo- where the headquarters of the heads of enemy men. The hunters ple in Kumgang County took the Korean revolution was located came up and fought with their lead in helping the soldiers on the and hurled over 5 000 troops con- matchlocks. Even the members of battlefields. So the war produced sisting of the rabble from the the Children’s Corps shot the many moving episodes of the cou- Kwantung Army, the puppet Japanese soldiers with their self- rageous Korean people. Manchukuo army, police force made pistols and sounded bugles After the war the Korean and self-defence corps upon the causing confusions in the enemy people did not lay down their zone. lines. At last, the enemy’s arms so as to protect their dear Against this, Xiaowangqing “punitive operation” was checked motherland and their happy life. was defended only by two compa- and the guerrilla zone was de- So they organized the Worker- nies of the Anti-Japanese People’s fended although they had de- Peasant Red Guards in January ►

12 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 ► 55 years ago. It was an armed for instant action and increased Kim Jong Un in celebration of group inheriting the fighting production further, thwarting the the 65th founding anniversary of spirit of the preceding generations imperialists’ moves to stifle their the Democratic People’s Republic who had liberated and firmly country. Today it has developed of Korea in September last defended their country with do-or- into an invincible revolutionary year showed fully the Korean die all-people armed resistance. force capable of crushing any people’s determination to rout The Red Guards, holding a gun in aggression. The parade of the the invasion of any enemy on the one hand and a hammer, a sickle Worker-Peasant Red Guards and strength of all people under or a pen in the other, stoutly de- the mass demonstration of the arms. fended the two fronts of socialist Pyongyang citizens held in the construction and national de- presence of national leader Ri Kum Chol fence. Setting out on the unique Songun politics, Chairman Kim Jong Il saw to it that not only the regular army but also the militia were further strengthened in the 1990s when the country had to cope with severe difficulties. Whenever war clouds approached this land, the Worker- Peasant Red Guards got ready

Scenes from the Worker-Peasant Red Guards parade and Pyongy- ang Mass Demonstration held in celebration of the 65th founding anniversary of the DPRK.

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 13 Kim Jong Il and CNC (2)

Ushering in the dawn The car running through the snowstorm

HAIRMAN KIM JONG IL’S PLAN TO One day Kim Jong Il got on his car, shut the C usher in the dawn of a thriving nation was door silently and told his driver to start. The snow- being ripened along with the three letters of CNC. He storm was howling outside, and inside he was en- decided that to put the nation’s machine building grossed in deep thought. “What about the nation’s industry on a new phase was a matter of critical im- treasury?” he asked himself—a heart-breaking ques- portance in the building of a thriving nation. Inspect- tion he repeated to himself. He had decided to spend ing large and small machine factories around the what little was left in the national treasury for the country he keenly felt the need to renovate the coun- CNC project of the nation. try’s machine building industry in keeping with the Later he recalled, “At the moment I remembered demand of the new era. In the DPRK the machine what President Kim Il Sung had said when the industry was founded from scratch only after national country was engaged in the postwar rehabilitation liberation from the Japanese imperialists’ military and reconstruction. When factionalists were argu- rule in August 1945. It rose up again in the ravages of ing the nation could not earn bread from machinery, the Korean war (June 1950–July 1953) and years the President confidently stated that they could later successfully produced 10 000 machine tools. It earn bread, clothing and whatever they wanted went through technical renovation in part in the from it. Remembering his words I decided to be 1960s and 1970s, but the machines and equipment adamant about my determination to allocate the were far lagging behind the demand of the times. valuable fund to the CNC project.” Understanding the situation Kim Jong Il told offi- One July day in 2010, a dozen years after he took cials concerned that the nation could hardly make a the decision of crucial importance, he told the story step forward without rebuilding the machine indus- to some officials, saying, “In our country Jagang try and that the basic task in refashioning the indus- Province was the first to introduce the CNC technol- try was to introduce the CNC technology on a full ogy. Chollima was born in Kangson, and the CNC scale. His idea was that Korea should be a thriving project came from Jagang Province.” country, that building an economic giant was of great His journey to the province through the snow- importance in the effort, that the CNC technology storm was followed by a new event. On August 31, should be introduced across the country, and that 1998, an artificial earth satellite Kwangmyongsong only when the national economy was put on a CNC 1 was launched. It went into orbit precisely carried basis would the nation be able to produce more mate- by a multi-stage delivery rocket. All the parts of rial wealth by less resources, less manpower and less the rocket were impossible without CNC-equipped energy. From 1998 he suggested special directions machines. High-performance multi-axis CNC ma- and tasks for the CNC project while inspecting dif- chines instead of general-purpose standard ones ferent machine factories. The gist of his instruction were needed in their processing. Korea’s CNC was: Proper stages should be fixed if the CNC project technology had close links with Kwangmyongsong is to be successful in the near future; it is important 1. With the launch of the first man-made satellite to properly fix the units to be equipped with the tech- the country’s high technology made a big stride nology; it is necessary to properly fix the model unit of forward. The Korean-style CNC technology under- the introduction of the technology and expand the pins the launch of the satellite which laid a project by generalizing the experience; it is necessary new orbit of development for the nation with a to build up the staff of the unit that will assume the 5 000-year-long history. Likewise, the socialist function of looking after the effort professionally and economy of Korea is steadily getting on the footing improve its role steadily. of the CNC technology.

14 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 In the Scientists’ Mind

NE DAY IN EARLY and solving scientific and techni- medicinal water by an industrial O October last when I was on a cal problems arising in inorganic method. At present the public visit to a farm in a harvesting and organic chemistry, analysis of demand for the Kumgang Medici- season, a worker said to me, minerals and other natural things nal Water is great all around the “We’ve benefited a lot from the and appraisal of environmental country including the capital city. compound fertilizer this year. effects, and other fields of indus- The researchers have success- Look at these good rice grains.” try and agriculture. Recently it fully developed a kind of amino Studying sheaves of rice, I saw has been making basic studies of acid-microelement compound the grains fully ripened. Ears of effects of Kumgang Medicinal fertilizer— which is effective in rice were hanging heavily. Now I Stone (salband) whose deposit is farming—from Kumgang Medici- decided to meet researchers who abundant in Korea, and its usage nal Stone. Years ago they came had developed the fertilizer. But I in developing fertilizers, animal across an idea of making a fertil- couldn’t meet them easily, for fodders, health foods and light izer from the microelements con- they were far away from the re- industrial goods. tained in the stone. Supported by search centre for field studies. The Kumgang Medicinal the laboratory, they made studies, Only recently could I meet Stone research section (Pak Yong carried out experiments and ap- them, who are working at the Hyop works with the section) plied their product in actual Central Experiment and Analysis succeeded in making drugs for farming and finally succeeded in Laboratory under the State Acad- human health from Kumgang making a fertilizer which is quite emy of Sciences. One of them is Medicinal Stone. Several years effective in growing industrial Professor and Doctor Pak Yong ago the stone deposit was located crops as well as grains and vege- Hyop, a veteran researcher of the in South Hwanghae and Kangwon tables. The new fertilizer was first centre. The elderly man is a provinces. The local people’s long applied in a cooperative farm in strong-willed person who sees it life in good health on average Anbyon County, Kangwon Prov- through once he decides to do attracted the attention of the ince, which turned out very suc- something. He told me the follow- researchers of the section. The cessful. Other farms had the same ing story. researchers decided to disclose results. Farmers named the fer- The Central Experiment and the secrets of the stone and got to tilizer Kumphung meaning the Analysis Laboratory was estab- the task. Investigation into the stone-based fertilizer brings lished in December 1983. As an localities and studies of the stone about a rich harvest. official analysis centre of the found out that the stone-washed The researchers of the labora- country, it is engaged in making water contains a lot of microele- tory also developed a portable physical and chemical analysis in ments which are quite helpful to soil-analyzing appliance badly the scientific research, education, human health. Then a process needed by farms. The apparatus public health and other sectors was established to make relevant helps you make analysis of soil at any place at any moment without Engrossed in a new research work. any other appliances. The test application of the apparatus in Rihyon-ri, Sadong District, Py- ongyang, Yonan County in South Hwanghae Province, Yonsan County in North Hwanghae Prov- ince and other places met with favourable comments from the farm workers. The deputy director of the laboratory in charge of scientific affairs says, “My researchers have carried out a lot of successful projects. Most of them are directly related with the effort to improve the people’s living standards. What’s in our mind is that we should make studies of substantial profit to the people’s living.”

Ri Sun Nyo

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 15 From a Simple Clue

HE UIAM NATURAL MATERIALS along the coast of the East Sea of Korea and the West T Technical Exchange Centre managed to find Sea of Korea. Their painstaking search into bays and sulphurous mud which was thought nonexistent in tideland finally located a deposit of sulphurous mud Korea and successfully extracted effective sub- in a village in South Phyongan Province on the west stances from the mud which are important materials coast. But there was still a long way to go until it in manufacturing different kinds of goods conducive would become a helpful material in the people’s life. to the people’s health and the nation’s economic de- A practical examination was needed to verify the velopment. medical effect of the mud. Hwi Mun volunteered to The centre staff was interested in the sulphurous do the task herself. First she carried out experiments mud a long time ago. One day at the end of the 1980s using animals and plants to know the mud’s physi- a grey-haired professor talked about sulphurous mud cal, chemical and biological actions and other reme- to the audience in an auditorium of the doctors’ re- dial merits before she launched into a practical test fresher course at the Pyongyang University of of medical application. The initial application—into Medicine (today’s Pyongyang Medical College of the treatment of gynaecological diseases—turned out Kim Il Sung University). Explaining how good an successful, and following wide-ranging treatments extremely small amount of sulphur is to the human for bone fracture, scars and bruises, hepatic diseases body when it is applied, the veteran professor who and other surgical and internal problems brought a had worked as a military surgeon during the Fa- handsome profit, demonstrating undoubted medical therland Liberation War (1950–1953) said sadly that effects of the mud. Years of their studies of the mud Korea had no sulphurous mud resources alone al- confirmed that it is a high-grade remedial mud that though it had rich deposits of medicinal materials. accords with the world standards. Jong Hwi Mun, among the audience, found herself Now the sulphurous mud made appearance as a quite dubious of his statement. Sulphurous mud is substantial health material, but their research work usually formed thanks to salt water, and how could it did not finish. The public demand for the mud was be that our country has no sulphurous mud when it increasing as its effect was widely known, but it is faced with sea on three sides? The old professor could not approach the everyday life of the people himself admits that he found everything in our closely for its disadvantage of being a dirty material. country—whether it is water, grass, tree or earth— The researchers decided to develop different kinds of effective in medical terms. popular goods using the extract from the mud. Now Some time later a survey team was organized all their efforts and enthusiasm were directed to the again at her initiative. Its mission was based on the manufacture of mud goods. Thanks to their endeav- argument that Korea could hardly be devoid of sul- our more than 60 kinds of goods have been developed phurous mud. The team found different kinds of mud including medicines, remedial appliances, drink and used in medical treatment in different places, but the food additives, health foods, growth stimulants, fod- kind they were looking for would not come into their der additives and functional cosmetics. These prod- sight. The survey continued for nearly 20 years— ucts of natural substances were highly praised at the recent 28th national sci-tech festival and are now Sulfurous mud products. favourably commented upon by the users. Jong Hwi Mun, nicknamed “Mud Grandma” for her dozens of years’ spearheading of the research project, says, “There are a lot of successes we’ve achieved, yet there is only one truth in them. If you’re not burning with patriotism, you can hardly find a thing even if it is there in existence.” The mud researchers are redoubling their efforts to develop more popular products that are conducive to the people’s health.

Chae Kwang Myong

16 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 Devoted Efforts Bear Fruit

N THE GROUNDS OF PYONGYANG PRIMARY affairs has been established. All office rooms includ- I School No. 4 in the central part of Pyongyang ing the headmistress’s and section rooms are con- stand many willows and persimmon and gingko nected in a single network that all matters such as trees. the teachers’ work programs and their implementa- Teaching is highly IT-based in the school. The tion, the state of guarding, the pupils’ attendance general control room of the school connected with the rate, examinations and marking are administered in state computer networks makes it possible to get a unified and scientific way. necessary data for reading and using in class. Two- The quality of teaching and the pupils’ achieve- way lessons are available between e-reading and ment are improving as the educational environment lecture rooms and classrooms. Besides, teachers is changing. Recently ten pupils of the school won have developed over 900 teaching multimedia and Our Classroom Literature Prize, some took first 200 reference media conducive to the cognitive de- place in the 36th and 37th Jongilbong Prize National velopment of the pupils, and they put them to the Swimming Contests consecutively, and the members of its dance circle gained the top award at the 50th National Schoolchildren’s Art Festival. Thanks to the strenuous efforts of Headmistress Kil Kum Sun and teachers, the educational environment of the school is improving with each passing day and its pupils are growing well like the exuber- ant trees in the school grounds. Kim Il Bong

IT-based education helps improve pupils’ abilities. utmost use in teaching. Through the distance- learning system and TV networks in the school, the teachers steadily improve their qualifica- tions. Last year over 30 teachers were awarded the title of October 8 Model Teacher and eight teachers were praised highly at municipal demonstration lessons. Meanwhile, the IT-based administration of school

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 17 In the Hub of Studies

OT LONG AGO WE PAID lectures. In this room I get addi- not to disturb them in their stud- N a visit to the library of tional information regarding what ies or research work. The room we Pyongyang Medical College of I have obtained in the lecture— stepped in next was the one dedi- Kim Il Sung University that was through electronic teaching mate- cated to scientific exchange. In the newly built in July last year. rials and reference books and room a foreign scholar of medicine “My library is completely IT- dedicate time to scientific re- was delivering a speech. The guide based— from the collection and search. Whenever I come here I told us that in the scientific ex- classification of data to the service am unaware of the passage of change room with 90 seats inter- of information. We have electronic time.” national symposia take place in- reading rooms, online lecture Ruminating upon his words, cluding short courses of World rooms, computer lecture rooms, we went upstairs to the first floor, Health Organization and invita- rooms for interview and scientific following the guide. To be found tion lectures of famous scholars of exchange, etc. Through the wire on the first floor was an electronic medicine, to say nothing of na- and wireless computer networks reading room and rooms for sci- tional medical symposia. Having the teaching staff and students of entific exchange and interview, conducted us to one of the rooms my college have now free access to and so on. When we entered the for interview, he said that the data in this library necessary for electronic reading room, our guide room is intended for medical sci- their scientific research work and said, “This room is used by teach- entists at home and abroad to studies,” said Chief Librarian ers, researchers and office em- have exchange of their experience Choe Rye Gun, conducting us into ployees. In this room they are and conference on the matter of the hall on the ground floor. given service for IT-related mate- joint research work. We went past Seen on the front wall of the rials needed in their educational the information service hall where hall was Chairman Kim Jong Il’s and research work and are wid- materials are printed for the stu- famous statement which reads, ening their range of information.” dents and the teaching staff and “Pyongyang Medical College of We left there quietly in order where program and consultative ► Kim Il Sung University is the pedigree college of medical science An external view of the Pyongyang Medical and technology.” Indicating the College library of Kim Il Sung University. TV on the right wall the chief librarian told us that the visitors receive 3D picture service necessary for the reference of card- index catalogue, scientific and technical symposiums, lectures, multimedia service, electronic reading, perusal and book-lending service. Guided by the chief librarian, we stepped into the electronic reading room on the ground floor. Saying that that is a students’ reading room, he said that through homepage the room ren- ders services of teaching materials and reference books. We quietly approached a student who was absorbed in his studies. When we introduced our- selves, he said that he was Wi Thae Bong belonging to the faculty of basic medical science, and added: “When lectures are over, I usually come here and go over my

18 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014

Students search for data. An e-reading room.

► services were given as well, and went up to the second floor. On the second floor, too, there was an electronic reading room for the students, a computer lecture room, an online lecture room, a multimedia lecture room and so on. When we stepped into the computer lecture room, the image of an aged scholar was also to be seen along with many people. Looking at him, the guide said to the teachers and medical person- nese, German and Japanese. Also us that the library gives lectures nel, and long-distance consulta- to be found are rooms that have concerning the IT knowledge to tion of health workers is also teaching materials on over 100 the teaching staff, researchers possible. In particular, thanks to subjects including social sciences, and especially aged scholars in a the lectures given through the basic and clinical medicine, and planned manner and that when online educational network, the the like. necessary, it gives lectures per- ardour for scientific research is Finally, we went round the taining to computer knowledge, growing higher among the work- room for the diffusion of science such as how to use computers and ing people who are enrolled in and technology which keeps hun- how to code programs. When we the study-while-working system.” dreds of articles on successful entered the multimedia reading Wherever we went, we found eve- research projects of the college— room opposite the computer lec- rything connected with the word drugs, experimental apparatuses, ture room, multimedia materials research. teaching materials, reference put out at home and abroad Ruminating on the meaning of books, etc. There we met a stu- related to ultramodern medical this word again, we went up to the dent who said that he was a fifth- techniques including a 3D ana- third floor. Seen on that floor year student Jon Chun Ho be- tomical chart and a complete were reading rooms where the longing to the basic medical fac- book concerning internal medi- teaching staff and the students ulty. Looking at articles put on cine were on service. The room could have access to bibliographi- display there, he told us that he was fixed so that multimedia cal books and an archive of Ko- would devote his whole life to could be offered collectively or rean writings. A librarian of the scientific research to make a con- individually according to varying archive informed us of the fact tribution to the development of necessities. that it keeps medical books and medical science. Then he said that When we got into the online various kinds of books of different this library is a comprehensive lecture room next to the multime- sectors written in Korean base for the dissemination of sci- dia reading room an online lecture amounting to nearly 180 000 in ence and technology, that it nour- for the students of a provincial number. To be seen on the fourth ishes not only his dream of re- medical college was under way. floor was a room which preserves search but also the dream of all When we asked about the online the books Chairman Kim Jong Il the students, teachers and scien- lecture, the guide said: “Recorded sent to this college. In addition, tists and is the centre of informa- online lectures and real-time there is a foreign-language book tion of medical science. online lectures are given in the rooms where are preserved vari- Concluding our visit to this online lecture room furnished ous kinds of more than 100 000 library we looked back at it once with the 3G online educational technical books, and magazines again. facilities. In this room lectures related to medical science pub- and refresher courses are given to lished in English, Russian, Chi- Jo Yong Il

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 19 Note of Visit to Ryugyong Dental Hospital

strong teeth meant one of the Five Blessings to you from of old. Five Blessings is synonymous with the desire of the Korean people for having a rich life free from any worry for ages. My hospital intends to give part of the Five

N OCTOBER LAST YEAR A I new dentist’s went up in the Munsu area in Pyongyang. The Ryugyong Dental Hospital is now rendering service for improvement and protection of the people’s health on a high level. It is equipped with all necessary dental facilities like universal dental chairs numbering scores, multi- purpose dental cameras and pros- thetic appliances—which are latest models. Meeting me one of these days, the deputy director for technical affairs said, “Having

Blessings.” I addressed a woman, named Jo Ok Hwa, who was leaving the hospital. Resident in Pipha-dong No. 1, Moranbong District, Py- ongyang, she explained her 13-year-old daughter’s irregular set of teeth and unpleasant fitting between the upper and the lower jaws had been corrected admirably through the micro-implant anchorage treatment at the ►

20 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 ► hospital. Now I headed for the favourite with anybody who visits the spot he called for fixing dental indoor playground on the first the hospital. facilities and furniture and other floor, where a woman said she felt It was thanks to supreme appliances on the highest possible relieved to leave her child playing national leader Kim Jong Un level so as to make the free medi- there while she was receiving that the hospital was erected as cal care system more beneficial to treatment. an excellent health service centre. the people. In September last he In the hospital people are in- Having initiated the building of went to the construction site formed of a good deal of health the hospital, he went to the con- again when it was in the corner tips about dental troubles. In each struction site to have an under- of its completion and suggested waiting place are fixed boards of standing of the design and see calling it Ryugyong Dental Hospi- health advices which tell what how the project was going on. On tal. Looking round the hospital, Tomiyama Eiko, head of the dele- gation of the New Socialist Party of Japan on a visit to the DPRK in October last, said, “This is quite a good hospital. It’s really wonderful to have medical care free of charge in this hospital equipped with latest facilities. I’m particu- larly impressed to find a children’s playground in the hospital. In the past I used to have great trouble when I was in hospital with my children. I feel national leader Kim Jong Un is really scrupulous.” Struck with admiration, she remarked that the Kore- ans would be more handsome and beautiful when they went through tooth correction in the hospital.

Song Yong Sok

kind of disease you are exposed to and what the cause of your trouble is and what kind of treatment you have to get. For this, the visitors to the hospital say that they feel they have attended a college lecture in the hospital and that the hospital is excellent from the beginning to the end. There is also a store in the hospital, which has things needed for dental care on sale. It is

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 21 Four Hours in Emergency Department

NE OF THESE DAYS WE VISITED THE in diagnosing the unconscious patient in the acute O Emergency Department of the Pothonggang stage. This is why we pay attention to improvement District People’s Hospital in Pyongyang. The depart- of the doctors’ technical levels.” ment was given a dozen certificates of new medical In fact, the department gives an effort to techni- appliances including a flexible fixing device used for cal studies for enhancement of the practical levels. various kinds of fractures and a manual inhaler. Schedules of technical studies are drawn up to suit Several medical papers they had written were ap- each doctor’s level, and at least two hours a day are preciated at a medical sci-tech festival last year. spent for studies. Hours of collective sci-tech study We met head of the department Kim Yong Su and are arranged more than once a week, when doctors began to have a talk, when an emergency case was debate problems of emergency treatment—clinical rushed into the department. It was Pak Won Sop, a symptoms of cerebral apoplexy and its treatment, war veteran, resident in Neighbourhood Unit No. 20, resuscitating and treating methods for various poi- Sinwon-dong, Pothonggang District, Pyongyang. The sonous diseases, reducing and fixing methods for 82-year-old had been registered in the hospital as a various fractures and dislocations, resuscitating and case of cerebral apoplexy. Immediately a medical treating methods for cerebral contusion and basal consultation took place, diagnosing him as a case of skull fracture and so on. The department often or- cerebral thrombosis on the analysis of his clinical ganizes consultations, clinical workshops and ex- symptoms. Doctors buckled down to the treatment in perience presentations which are helpful to the ex- the resuscitating room. Relevant drugs like vasodi- change of experiences and lessons obtained in the lator, antihemolytic agent and fibrinolysin were treatment of emergency cases. Even nurses take injected and other troubles were also dealt with. It part. These activities help to improve tremendously took about 20 minutes. Our eyes were attached to a the emergency department staff’s abilities. Mean- young doctor taking necessary measures ceaselessly while, the department is contributing to the devel- and very confidently. The head told us that though opment of medical science by making public papers he had a two-year-long career, the doctor was able to on clinical techniques and experiences of the treat- make exact judgments, had high medical techniques ment of emergency cases. and thus was liked by his patients very much. He In recent years a resuscitating room was newly added, “Generally speaking, only when the doctor prepared. Formerly, as the Resuscitation Depart- has rich clinical experience and high technical skills ment is some distance away, troubles cropped up in can he correctly judge between cerebral thrombosis treating emergency cases. With the support of the and cerebral hemorrhage in the case of cerebral apo- hospital authorities, the Emergency Department plexy. Moreover, high medical techniques are needed prepared a resuscitating room equipped with necessary apparatuses including a serious-case monitor, oxygen generator and oxygen inhaler, and an operation room for first aid purposes. So, more than 80% of emergency cases survive in the department. Two demonstration lessons were given by the Pothong- gang District People’s Hospital in 2011, when the participants spoke highly of the department. I had a talk with the doctors for four hours, when the old veteran came to himself. Over the hours all work of the doctors and nurses had been done like a cogwheel. The patient clasped the hands of doctors and nurses and expressed thanks again and again. Seeing their beaming face, we left the department.

Kim Kyong Ryong

22 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 The Zeal for Sporting Activity

YONGYANG MUNICIPAL body burned to the third degree— appliances. Now persons with P People’s Hospital No. 1 is with their sincere treatment day academic degrees and titles num- well known not only for its plenti- and night. They also successfully ber over 130. Hundreds of scien- ful numbers of competent doctors restored in 58 days a patient 90% tific research tasks have been and its kind-hearted treatment of whose body had suffered third carried out in recent years, of but also for its animated sporting degree burn. Meanwhile, Surgical which at least 40 of them won activities. It has taken first place Department No. 5 and the Resus- state patents. in total ranking for eight consecu- citation Department actively ap- Head of the Koryo Internal tive years at the annual Man- plied advanced medical science Treatment Department Ri Yong gyongdae Prize games of officials and technology into clinical treat- Nam, who leads the hospital’s of Pyongyang municipal agencies. ment and thus cured many pa- basketball team, says proudly, Many of the hospital staff are tients. While learning volleyball “Through sporting activities we good at table tennis, volleyball, skills assiduously Director Ko found out the functional indices of tennis and tug-of-war. wrote a number of books includ- the human body. Using them in To make sports mass-based ing Diagnosing Heart Diseases in the scientific research work we and a part of everyday life has Emergency Case and Their attained some successes.” The been an important part of the Treatment and Derangement hospital staff are working with a work of the hospital. Ko Yong Caused by Terrestrial Magnetism high sense of responsibility in the Jun, director of the hospital, taking part in sports games with his staff though he was busy with his work, noticed that some depart- ments were reluctant to join sporting activities on the pretext of their work. So he saw to it that athletic meetings were held by occupational categories and de- partments on the occasion of major national holidays involving all the members. In the course of this, doctors of the Resuscitation Department and the Pharmacy Department made their appearance on the ground, who had thought that sporting activities were what were open to those people who had spare time or skills. As these “outliers” grew active, others began to follow and Circulatory Diseases. Some treatment while giving top and them. As time went by their zeal doctors produced inventions, new absolute priority to the people’s for sporting activity rose, and devices and appliances for medi- comfort in their health service. their skills improved as well. The cal treatment by building on their Seeing attainment of scientific animated sporting activities led to techniques and experience, which and technical skills as the guar- remarkable successes in treat- brought them honour from the antee of critical importance, the ment. 14th and the 15th national scien- doctors are making devoted ef- Last year the hospital miracu- tific and technological exhibitions forts to take the lead in health lously saved five colliers of the in the field of public health. Last service while retaining first place Ryongdae Coal Mine of the Kang- year a medical appliance made by in the mass-based sporting activ- dong Area Coal Mining Com- the hospital was praised highly at ity. plex—who had got 60% of their the national exhibition of medical Kim Hyon Ju

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 23 The opening ceremony of the 2013 Asian Cup & Inter-club Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships.

Stories of Victory

IM KWANG DOK, CHIEF SECRETARY OF K the Weightlifting Association of the Korean Sports Federation, says, “We achieved a lot at the 2013 Asian Cup & Inter-club Junior & Senior Weightlifting Championships in September last year. Most of the wins were made by novices.” Ac- cording to him, the winners were in their 20s with no record of competing in the international arena, but they took first place in total in their categories by lifting the heaviest weights both in the jerk and snatch. Here are some of the winners introduced.

Weight of perspiration he shed

Amidst the playing of the national anthem of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea he made a military salute towards the DPRK national flag rising high. That man was Choe Jon Wi from April 25 Sports Team, winner of the men’s 77 kg category of the Asian Cup junior weightlifting contest. When asked what he thought standing on the awarding platform, he answered, “I couldn’t believe I had won. When I found myself in the stark reality, however, I remembered the image of my coach and what he had said when I began training under his instruction. weight you can put up.’ Keeping his words in mind I ‘However strong you are physically, you can hardly overcame the limit of physical exertions and now I achieve a good result in contests if you have little won the competition. Also, it will remain my motto perspiration. The more you shed sweat the more all my life as a weightlifter.” ►

24 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 ► Missing his home village mother, a good vocalist, planned to train her daughter as an excellent musician. One day when Chun Mi Jon Myong Song from the Kigwancha Sports was 14 years old, a man was casting avid glances at Team won the men’s 77 kg category of the Asian her playing in the school ground. Her balanced body Inter-club junior weightlifting competition, which was his international debut. Born in a mountain village in Tongnim County, North Phyongan Prov- ince, he loved his village very much. He liked to read stories about home villages, and liked to draw pictures of his village at lesson, where he had enjoyed himself in the stream together with his friends during childhood. One spring day when he was five, he planted a pine tree on a hill behind the village, as- sisted by his father who admonished him to grow strong like the ever-green pine tree and bring honour to his village. As an avid lover of athletic games he decided to become a good sportsman and honour his village by great wins. When he began to do exercises in weightlifting his villagers gave him pep talks and all the villagers turned out to see him off to the entrance of the village

and athletic senses were what attracted the attention of Kim Myong Gil, instructor of Jungsan County Ju- venile Sports School in South Phyongan Province. The young girl persuaded her mother to let her enter the weightlifting world. The instructor was quite demanding on her in carrying out the daily tasks of training. He never failed to make sure she went through the training courses. When she fell from the burden, he would demand she stand up by herself, urging, “If you let yourself crumble here at this moment, you would be prostrate all your life. Weak spirit is the taboo in the athletic world. Take up the when he left for a national sports team, as if he had barbell again right now.” Sometimes Chun Mi been their own kinsfolk. Myong Song did not forget thought he was too cold-hearted for her to stand, and their images all the time. He thought of his home wished she had chosen a musical career. As if reading village when he approached the training ground; he her mind, the instructor advised, “Don’t be naïve remembered his teacher’s advice that he should live about your decision you have made. Make up your up to the expectations of the people of his home vil- mind to see through what you have decided to do, and lage when he was at a break of drill. Sometimes he you’ll be able to see it through. I regard you as my fell from exhaustion but soon rose up again to take own daughter, so I make demands on you.” Thanks to the barbell, seeing his father with his mind’s eye who his strict instruction Chun Mi attained remarkable said he should be persistent like the evergreen pine skills and moved to a national sports team. tree. He recalls that he remembered the people in his One month before the 2010 Asian juvenile home village when he was mounting the competing weightlifting championships she happened to hurt platform. “I felt confident and encouraged, and I said her left arm seriously in training. Staying in hospital to myself I should satisfy their expectation for me.” she was disappointed. At the time her coach Choe Seeing his successful performance at the contest, Nong Gyun called on her and said encouragingly, many people put much expectation in his future “You’d better not give yourself up. There are many career. Now he is resolved to live up to the expecta- contests. Whether to take up the barbell again or not tions of all the people including his villagers, and is depends on you.” Then he called on her almost eve- engrossed in training. ryday and gave her pep talk, conveying news about a number of contests and giving encouragement. One Story about a gold medal year later Chun Mi appeared in the training ground again and then won the recent contest. She says, “My Kim Chun Mi who won three gold medals in the recent success is inconceivable apart from my women’s 55 kg category of the Asian Cup senior coaches. I’d like to offer my gold medals to them.” weightlifting contest has an unusual story. Her Kim Kwang Chon

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 25 His Only Hope

HE INTERNATIONAL the solution, and gave him an- thinking ability, chambermaids T Maths Olympiad in July other problem of a different style. and cooks of the dormitory, and last year featured Hong Chung To her surprise, the boy solved it many other people. While delving Song from Pyongyang Secondary immediately by applying the into enigmatic problems through School No. 1 in the Democratic method vice versa she had just nights, he found himself gaining People’s Republic of Korea. He taught. What was more important the daring to launch into the in- won three straight contests from was that the pupil had calculated ternational arena to honour his 2011. most of the values in his head. country with great wins and bring From his days at kindergarten The teacher was overwhelmed greater pleasure to his teachers Hong liked to do counting very with admiration for the boy’s un- and all those who were helping much. And in his primary school usual memory, thinking and him. Challenging his already days he once spent a whole night creative abilities for his age. The tight schedule of learning, he counting stars in the sky inspired story soon spread to the whole worked harder, treasuring every by a dream to count all the stars school and the effort to develop minute of his life and allowing no by himself. His father was a his maths intelligence further idling moment in thinking. In painter. One day Hong ap- became a concern of all the 2011 he made his debut at proached his father at an International Maths work and studied the Olympiad and won a gold drawing his father was medal. His zeal to con- making. He abruptly quer the world of maths asked his father, “How did not cool, winning him many lines do you have two more gold medals in to make to complete the the following Olympiads drawing, dad?” His fa- straight. ther had no idea about When he matricu- his child’s talent about lated at Kim Il Sung maths even when he was University after return- confronted with such a ing home from the last question. maths Olympiad, he One day in his final pledged himself, saying, year at primary school Chung teachers. From the moment on “They say they have a lot of hopes Song was busy doing a maths Chung Song lived in the world of in my age. But I have only one homework. Strolling among the maths. hope—to be good at maths. Yet I pupils while checking how they After entering Pyongyang know what is more important for were solving maths problems, his Secondary School No. 1 he me is to repay my country’ warm teacher stopped in front of Chung brought glory to his school many care. In this university I hope I Song. Studying his notebook the times by winning a number of will train myself as a good teacher raised a curt exclamation, national academic contests from worker for the nation’s CNC for she discovered that Chung his third year at the school. In the technology by building on the Song was boldly trying to solve a days he had been given unstinted knowledge I’ve accumulated so difficult problem by a simpler help and support from his teach- far.” method. She instantly hinted at ers who exerted themselves to how to make a breakthrough in further develop his mathematical Ri Kum Chol

26 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 I’ll Exalt the Honour of the Motherland of Taekwon-Do

VERY SPORTSPERSON own thing and the resolution to photo is the pride and treasure of E has a dream for champion- add honour to the national spirit my family. ship. And when the dream comes and courage made me resilient at Living with Taekwon-Do, I felt true, words fail to express the every critical moment of training. an unusual national pride. When feeling. I have a memorable When I went out in the arena I worked in a foreign country as a memory. of competition, I remembered the Taekwon-Do instructor for a long Something noteworthy is the teachers’ instruction that in order time, I was asked a question melody of our national anthem to become a good Taekwon-Do many times: “I hear Taekwon-Do Patriotic Song and our national performer I had to be a true pa- is very powerful. Where does such flag that I heard and saw with triot. I only thought that I should a great power come from?” heart-warming tears when I won a demonstrate to the world our I used to answer their curios- gold medal at the 5th World Taek- martial art that represents the ity about Taekwon-Do by talking won-Do Championships in Greece. history of the Korean nation and about its dynamics and principles Though over 20 years have wisdom of the Korean people. of its power. In the course of passed, the then deep emotion The motherland was so glad at strong spiritual training and remains in my mind as the happi- the news that we displayed the physical training based on scien- est moment in my life. Moreover, honour of the mother country of tific principles, one masters the the gold medal I won was the first Taekwon-Do, and set us in a glo- ability to demonstrate to the gold medal the DPRK team got at rious position. maximum all the spiritual and the championships which the I can never forget the time physical potentials in his body. national team participated in for when we passed streets of the Those who were given deep im- the first time. capital city, receiving warm wel- pressions on this desired to learn I learned Taekwon-Do at a come from Pyongyang citizens Taekwon-Do, saying that Taek- local secondary school and im- along the 40-km-long route. won-Do was the martial art sys- proved my techniques in the Taek- That was not all. President tematized in a scientific way. won-Do Hall. Thinking that Taek- Kim Il Sung visited the Whenever foreigners came to won-Do permeated with the Ko- Taekwon-Do Hall, and showed a learn Taekwon-Do I felt a great rean nation’s spirit and soul is a great concern for us by taking us national pride. Among them were sports event worthy of engaging Taekwon-Do performers one by young and old people, professors myself in, I entered a training hall. one by the hand and posing for a of universities, Doctors, Members The pride and confidence in our photograph together with us. The of Parliament and generals. I met ►

The Taekwon-Do Holy Centre.

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 27 ► some of them at the 17th World Taekwon-Do Championships held The Elderly in our country. Though most countries have Volleyball Team martial arts representing their national characters, few of them are as famous as Taekwon-Do. Under the deep care of President N OCTOBER LAST YEAR older people and asked him to Kim Il Sung, Chairman I elderly folks in Pyongyang assume the role of captain and Kim Jong Il and First Chairman of the DPRK National Defence had sports and amusement coach of the team. “The country Commission Kim Jong Un, the games on the occasion of the In- has recently announced a plan to Korean Taekwon-Do has become ternational Day of Older Persons. arrange different sports games of the martial art that the world people want to learn even in their The volleyball game featured the the elderly folk, and many older dream. Central District team on the top people in my district have volun- The great leaders saw to it of the awarding platform. The teered to participate in the vol- that the Taekwon-Do Hall and the Taekwon-Do Holy Centre were team involved former officials of leyball game. But most of them built in Pyongyang, the cradle of ministries and central organs, are strangers to volleyball,” the Taekwon-Do, and that Taekwon- Do was put on a scientific and former skilled workers, and a official said imploringly. mass basis. These gave a powerful man who used to be a coach at a Pak accepted to his request, stimulus to the development of the national orthodox martial art. Such warm care has helped not only me but also many Korean Taekwon-Do performers add glory to the motherland of Taekwon-Do. We have been at the top of the country ranking since the 5th World Taekwon-Do Champion- ships. Whenever we came back to the homeland, the country put us forward as Heroes, Merited Ath- letes and People’s Athletes. The more care and solicitude we receive, the firmer our resolution becomes that we should repay. At present I work as department director of training of the Korean Taekwon-Do Committee. I am responsible for training all the performers of my country to be winners. I am now making sports team. for he knew he had no right to strenuous efforts. The captain of the team was keep idling on account of his ad- By putting all my efforts in the 71-year-old Pak Yong Il, who had vanced age when the whole coun- development of Taekwon-Do, orthodox martial art of our nation been a volleyball coach of the try was afire with the enthusi- that regards justice, peace, Kigwancha Sports Team. One asm for sporting activities. Re- friendship and unity as its ideal, I’ll add to the honour of the moth- day last August an official of the calling the days of training, Pak erland of Taekwon-Do. Central District People’s Com- says, “Over the not so long period mittee came to see him at home. of time of training, we felt anew Ham Chol Guk, department director of the Korean He told that the district was go- what kind of social system ours Taekwon-Do Committee ing to form a volleyball team of is. You know doctors call on older ►

28 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 ► people regularly for a checkup, completely. Now the training time young people’s— strong serves, but we never expected they would was rearranged in accordance forceful strikes and adept de- come to see us in the training with the physical conditions of the fence—and won the contest fi- ground.” older people, and the district peo- nally by destroying the Taedong- They were not the only visi- ple’s hospital assigned a special gang District team 2-0 on October tors. Many people, known and doctor to the volleyball team. 1, the International Day of Older unknown, came to see them As if recovering their youthful Persons. bringing a lot of aid materials and vigor, the elderly players put their Recalling the day, Pak says giving great encouragement. hearts to the exercises. They that he felt he had regained his One day an old man, Kim Se helped and led one another for- youth. “We were all overwhelmed Chan by name, 72, hurt his leg ward, and their family members with joy and we hugged one an- slightly in a drill. A doctor in turned out to assist them. Thanks other closely. I can hardly forget charge of his family rushed to the to such efforts the team developed it.” site to look after him and treated a marvellous mode of playing The team is now in assiduous him devotedly until he recovered gradually and their skill im- and enthusiastic training to re- proved up to such a tain their honour at this year’s

level of handling any contest. Standing proud in the difficult situation. training ground, Pak says, “They Later in the compe- say even an old tree has blooms, titions the older people and we feel we are the case.” demonstrated as good attainments as the Kim Il Ryong

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 29 Ours Are the Best Apartments

NE OF THESE DAYS I ground floor I saw another board the spacious room, which was O visited Unha Kwahakja that says the leader had visited arranged with different kinds of Street which went up last year. the home. I wanted to meet the furniture articles to suit the pur- Entering the street I saw wide family in the flat, so I rang the pose of the room. When I mar- and straight roads extending door bell. The door opened and a velled at the furniture, the host crisscross in all directions, lined little girl, seeming to be 5 to 6 said they had all been provided by with multi-storeyed brightly- years old, appeared and pulled me the state, and that even the coloured apartment blocks in good inside without any hesitation. kitchen utensils had been given harmony. I heard the buildings When I said she was quite affable, by high-ranking Party and gov- house more than 1 000 families. her mother explained that she ernment officials when they vis- The Unha Health Complex was was born a friendly girl and her ited their apartment to congratu- quite an attraction to my eyes friendliness became a good habit late them for their move into a covered with dark-green tiles, and as a result of meeting many peo- new apartment. “We moved in Unha Kindergarten No. 1 and the ple who came to see the flat in- without anything with us, be- Unha Nursery were no less admi- spected by the national leader. cause our apartment was already rable. The Unha Restaurant, the Now I knew the masters of the completely furnished,” he said Unha General Store and other flat were young scientists O Se thankfully. service centres were of unique Hyok and Sim Myong Hwa. The Now we entered a cosy child’s architectural style, and the 16 girl went by the name of O Yun room, when the couple told an- small parks were all filled with Jong who attended Unha Kinder- other story. As they were re- children playing pleasantly with- garten No. 1. searchers always busy with their out any idea of the passage of When I told them of the pur- scientific researches, their daugh- time. The name of the street was pose of my call, they guided me to ter Yun Jong had been growing to my liking and its content was a cosy sitting room and showed almost without parental care. So well arranged. I was almost mes- me a sofa. The hostess told me, she didn’t like to be away from her merized by the sight. Presently I “Our national leader visited my parents’ company once they were found myself standing in front of apartment before we moved in at home, and groped for her the third entrance of Block No. 15. and sat on this sofa. I heard he mother’s bosom however late she Over the door hung a board which looked after the living condition of came home. But the evening they told the apartment had been the scientists to the last detail so moved into the new apartment, inspected by supreme national that they would have no incon- she soon fell into a sound sleep in leader Kim Jong Un. And over veniences.” her room which was arranged the door of Flat No. 1 on the Hearing her I looked round comfortably for the children’s ►

30 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 ► living. Looking down at the innocent daughter sleeping soundly with a nice smile, the parents shed warm tears. The host O Se Hyok said, “We are people who have more things to do than we have done. If we have something to say about our mind, it’s that we are filled with a resolution to support the country with successful scientific researches and I’m sure I’ll do it.” And then he continued, “Countries have many streets and luxury apartment buildings each, but I am proud our street and apartments filled with benevo- lent care for scientists are the best in the world.” Leaving their flat in the evening, I stepped out to the brightly-lit street and saw many children still playing. Some were singing loudly— and it sounded quite impressive to me for the sentence that goes, “Push back the frontier of science and technology along the road indicated by the General［Kim Jong Il].”

Kim Chol Ung

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 31 The Elderly Woman I Didn’t Meet

OT LONG AGO THE until late in the evening. It was birthday, overcome with gratitude N Workers’ Party of Korea deep into the night that Kim ap- to the country for the birthday Central Committee’s organ Ro- peared at the gate together with feast. I was surprised to see the dong Sinmun carried an article one of her grandsons (the eldest photo, for Kim looked much about Kim Chi Son, living in son’s son), a fruit-growing team younger than her real age. Samhung-dong No. 2, Mangyong- leader of a farm, bringing knap- Un Guk told me about her past dae District, Pyongyang. It wrote sacks of fruit tree saplings on their life. Before national liberation in that she was given a sumptuous backs. Kim said, “Let’s plant these August 1945 she was a mean meal by the country on her 100th saplings around our house. Days servant of a landlord for scores of birthday. Urged by professional ago I saw on TV they were plant- years. The hard time rid her face curiosity I visited the old woman ing many trees in other villages.” of smile and youthful vigour. De- one afternoon recently. Fifteen All family members joined to plant spite the prime of her life she minutes’ driving from the termi- the trees. As time went by, the looked frail and senile. Only after nal of the Pyongyang Railway trees grew and bore fruits. Eating liberation could she do farming in Station-Mangyongdae tram line the fruits pleasantly villagers her own land to her heart’s con- toward Ryongsan brought me to a asked Kim if she had believed she tent and feel happy and satisfied. place with a view of snowscape of could pick fruits. Then she replied, She was always in the field and Mt. Ryongak. On a small hillock “Of course, I did. For dozens of good at farming, and thus became nearby is a village of dwelling years senior officials of the district a model farmer. In the course of houses with the Korean-style roof. have looked after me, doctors have this, she was awarded official Kim’s house is not far from the visited me almost everyday to give commendations of almost all lev- entrance to the village. An old a medical checkup and tonics, and els and enjoyed respect from her man, who seemed to be in his you, my dear neighbours, have villagers. Far into her 70s she early 60 years, greeted me, intro- taken care of me as the eldest of worked hard, giving the local ducing himself as husband of the village. I’m happy mentally farm a helping hand and breeding Kim’s youngest daughter. Hear- and physically alike.” domestic animals. She usually ing that he was Ri Un Guk, aged Now we entered the house and said, “In my advanced years, I feel 67, I doubted my ears. When I told found the rooms neat and clean. I could do more in such a good he looked ten years younger, he Saying that Kim was keen on society, but I’m sorry I haven’t.” smiled a broad smile and said his keeping rooms clean, Un Guk Presently Un Guk said seeing mother-in-law Kim would come pointed to a photo hanging on the the sun setting through the win- back home sooner or later. wall, saying, “This is my mother- dow, “Oh no! I forgot it. You can’t Ri told that Kim had such a in-law.” The photo, showing all meet her today. My mother-in-law good sight as to read newspapers her family members, was taken has gone to her eldest daughter’s without glasses and even thread a when they celebrated her 100th house a dozen kilometres away to ► needle. “She not only lives in a regular way according to her self- made routine but also cultivates vegetables in the garden plot by herself,” he explained. “Even young people can hardly do as good farming as her.” Although the roof and trees around were all snow-laden, the house appeared to be very cosy. Even a swallow nest could be seen under the eaves. Ri said that in spring the house would be covered with flowers and foliage. Now he told me the following story. One spring day some ten years ago, the family members and even villagers turned out to find the old woman who did not return home

32 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 Korea—One Big Family

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

“Please Go and Have a Look their warm humanity … When I society like south Korea it is hard at North Korea!” published my article serially on to expect the fundamental solu- the Internet, I was labelled as tion of such affairs, but it is obvi- ORTH KOREANS WILL ‘pro-north’ and ‘Red.’ If finding ous that so long as the human N never tolerate anyone trying national love and humanity in beings exist on the earth, they to insult and violate their innate north Korea is pro-north, I would must go the same way as the rights as human beings, their fain be pro-north.” north is going and they have no philosophy and their sense of Her interest during the tour other alternatives. It is inevitable value. It is the height of ignorance was not in finding out whether the that the walls of prejudices petri- finding fault with them. north was rich or poor. To be rich fied by the anti-DPRK false The acute confrontation situa- or poor can alter at any time. Her propaganda for scores of years tion in the Korean peninsula cre- concern was to find out national should crumble like an iceberg in ated by the tough “sanction” identity to know if the north and the face of the actual facts in the moves of the United States and the south could get along amicably north united as one big family. the UN Security Council against in one community. And she dis- The extremely hidebound one- the north is due, in the last covered that they had more than sided view of north Korea will analysis, to their excessive preju- that in the north, a noble treasure evaporate before the bright light dices and malice against the north rare to be found in the human of the truth. While launching wide apart from understanding world. In this sense, her record of artificial earth satellites over its and objective judgment about it. A travel to the north in which she beautiful garden of humanity as part of the lecture given in Taegu, shows she understood the true a political and military power, south Korea, last year by Sin Un meaning of “Love your neighbours north Korea is now translating Mi, the author of the popular book as you care for your body” is a its dream of building an A Korean Aunt Resident in written reflection of her own life, a economic giant into reality. It is America Visits North Korea, who letter of protest to the countries thrilling to imagine its appear- studied music in south Korea and infested with false politics, and an ance of the day when its dream now lives in the United States, is unbiased guide to north Korea. comes true. interesting. She said, “Born of a At present the demands for Fellowmen! What is it man is conservative family, I’m a Korean social welfare measures like living for? Is money everything? resident in America with conser- “reinstatement of discharged per- In contrast to the north, I keenly vative views. Before visiting the sons” and “free education” are feel money-ridden society is a north, I used to think it a land of becoming more clamorous in jungle society where the stronger horned monsters. Yet, during the south Korea and other capitalist prey upon the weaker. I advise 40 days of its tour I went on with countries every day. In the long you, fellowmen all over the world: my husband against my will, I felt run, these countries are adopting When life comes hard to you, don’t the people there had national the same policies as in the north. go wandering in quest of sentiments in common with us Compared with the north, they “Heaven,” but be sure to go and and I was even deeply moved by are still in a lower stage, and in see north Korea!

► help housework.” happy to help her children do her, I could hear her sound and When I asked if she could go their jobs creditably. healthy voice in my mind uttering on a visit alone, Ri answered that Before leaving the house, I that she was blessed without do- she was always looking for what saw again the elderly woman’s ing anything worth mentioning. she could do for the sake of society photo taken to celebrate her 100th in the rest of her life and felt birthday. Though I failed to meet Song Kum Chol

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 33 Visit to Folkcraft Exhibition Hall

OT LONG AGO WE N visited the folkcraft exhibition hall fixed up in the Pyongy- ang International House of Cul- ture in Central District, Pyongy- ang. Kim Hyon Chol, a staff member, welcomed us, saying that they had many visitors almost everyday. We were ushered into the exhibition. The first thing we saw was the Korean painting Jangsaengdo. Kim introduced it is a decorative folk painting showing the desire of people in old times for long life in good health Korean painting Jangsaengdo. by way of natural phenomena. According to him, the desire was deer. Jangsaengdo is a valuable ings which show the 12 000 peaks at first represented by paintings pictorial heritage that shows fully of Mt. Kumgang, one of the most of the sun, the moon, cloud, tor- not only the then people’s folk famous mountains in Korea, with toise, deer, pine tree and crane, customs but also their high paint- bright and vivid, brief and fine and later in the 13th century it ing ability and decorative skills. brushwork catching the visitors’ was comprehensively depicted by The hall has Korean paint- eyes by expressing external at- the picture Sip (ten) Jangsaengdo, ings, jewel paintings, oil pictures tributes in simple strokes while which is made up of ten natural and other art objects as well as portraying power, movement and things of the sun, cloud, stone, several kinds of handicrafts and even emotion well. water, pine tree, bamboo, herb of traditional Korean musical in- Embroideries like Tiger and eternal youth, crane, tortoise and struments. Ri Hyang Suk, a Pine Tree and Crane also attract guide, said that in the greatest the visitors’ attention for their public demand are Korean paint- gentle, delicate and graceful ►

Various kinds of ceramic articles.

34 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 The Folkcraft Exhibition Hall is a great public haunt.

► properties. In particular, Pine foreigners. Moreover, in order to to supply unique articles of the Tree and Crane gives a simple implant the Korean soul deep in Korean character to their visitors and vivid feeling by depicting pine mind overseas Koreans are en- and pay deep attention to making tree and crane with various col- thusiastic about buying the Ko- good folkcraft things. ours of thread on the white pat- rean clothes for their daughters. Looking round the exhibition, ternless silk cloth. Even foreign visitors buy them as we could see many visitors. Leav- “Chima and jogori (traditional souvenirs. We also provide service ing the hall we felt sure that they Korean costume) are also a good to order.” would successfully carry on with attraction,” Hyang Suk said and In addition, there are various the work to value and develop the went on: “Various models of kinds of shellwork, dolls, jade and national character. chima and jogori have been fa- lacquer ware in the hall. Our vourably commented upon by guide told that the exhibition hall overseas Korean compatriots and managers and workers work hard Kim Il Bong

Korean traditional musical instrument kayagum and Korean traditional costumes.

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 35 Inventive Cook

KRYU RESTAURANT, A knotty problem for him as he still O hip saddle-roofed edifice lacked for cooking knowledge. of modern architectural style in Nevertheless, he resolved to Pyongyang, is situated at the foot tackle it without fail. In order to of Moran Hill skirted by the Tae- get more training he went dong River. Whenever the restau- through the correspondence rant is referred to, they are re- course in the department of food- minded of Pyongyang raengmyon stuff machinery of the Pyongyang or cold noodle. And those who Jang Chol Gu University of Com- have ever had it get a lasting merce, and over the time he al- memory of its savoury taste. The ways deeply thought of his self- credit of the celebrity of the noo- imposed task. After finishing the dle, one of the famous national five-year course he buckled down dishes and a speciality of the res- to the research. Based on the qualified as master cook. He be- taurant, goes partly to the effort experience he had gained in his came a workteam leader and of Kim Song Il, head of the Noodle work and the knowledge he had then a workshop leader; now he Workshop. learned at university he conceived is a well-established Pyongyang Over 30 years ago he was as- a rational method. He consulted raengmyon expert. Largely signed to work at the restaurant his colleagues for their opinions thanks to his effort, Pyongyang as a cook after graduating from a and discussed his idea with tech- raengmyon of the restaurant catering school in Pyongyang. On nicians. Eventually, he made a took first place several times at the first day of work his workteam new broth-making facility, which cooking festivals and delicacy leader said to him, “From ancient does the heating, cooling and ini- exhibitions, winning many gold times the Pyongyang raengmyon tial filtering of the broth in one medals. was well known as a delicacy for cauldron. It improved the quality When asked of the secret of its peculiar stuff, broth, flavoured of the broth while cutting the time his success, he says, “Pyongyang meat, garnish, vessel, and serving drastically. raengmyon is synonymous of the mode. Noodle strings and condi- Later, he, building on the ex- Korean noodles and one of the ments are important, and yet the perience, developed a new noodle- delicacies representing the na- noodle broth is no less important boiling device. The device directly tional dishes for its taste, appear- as it adds fresh and sweet taste.” heats water when the old one ance and cuisine. I am always Song Il made the broth in the heated indirectly. So it raises proud of our national dishes. Noodle Workshop. The job made heating efficiency, improving the Probably this has made a raeng- him think how to improve the peculiar taste of buckwheat and myon expert of me and nourished quality of the broth. At that time ensuring the stickiness of the my endeavour to offer better noo- the broth was made by a method noodle strings. His devices won dles to people.” of putting the boiled meat soup in him state patents. Besides, he Last year he updated a the cooling container and letting made some efficient appliances kneading machine, thus ensuring it go through the filter. This such as a flowline broth-making a better quality of dough and method might expose the nutri- device, a mobile counter of sup- shortening the time of kneading. tive content and taste of the soup plied noodles and a noodle cutter. Now his exertion for better to deterioration while taking Such devices save much manual raengmyon is directed at devel- rather a long time. Taking a bet- work and help making better oping an automatic process of ter approach, however, was a noodles. For the achievements he noodle making.

36 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 Short Story A Great Pride

By Kim Hae Song

NE EVENING WHEN triotic minded and had a strong snug little restaurant. As it was O children in their winter national spirit. One of the Puk- riotous with rare, beautiful flow- vacation were returning home in chongites dressed in white was ers all seasons grown by its haste from ice-skating to see the known as Paeg-u meaning White owner, a gardener well versed in “Raconteur Grandpa” on TV, Ox for his strength and diligence.” floriculture, it had no end of visi- Grandma Jo Pok Sim was telling The grandma had been living tors all the year round. a story to her grandchildren, all here in Tongchon since her mar- Paeg-u’s job was to supply secondary school students, in a riage. She was a good talker. Her water to this garden and the sitting room downstairs. She was story reached the ears of Jin Hak, owner’s household. As the garden nearing 80 but was still vigorous. her grown-up grandson, who was needed clean water to grow flow- So interestingly and vividly she sitting on the edge of the bed in ers instead of the river water narrated making gestures and the next room. He had already polluted by industrial waste wa- facial expressions that the grand- heard the story more than once in ter, the quantity of water to be children were drawn to her, ne- his boyhood, but still it interested supplied was too great a burden glecting TV. him somehow. He must have been for him. He got up before day- “This isn’t a fiction but a real hypnotized by her magic art of break and went to a gorge eight story,” the grandma started the narration. They say that the kilometres away, pulling a cart tale. “A long time ago, that is, young live on hopes and the aged loaded with two 100-litre casks. before national liberation from on memories. That was why, per- On getting back he carried the Japanese rule, the city of Seoul haps, the grandma liked to tell old water on his back up to the gar- was short of drinking water. It stories to her grandchildren. As a den on the hillock. In the evening, was a crowded city with a popula- small child, Jin Hak liked to hear after three or four round trips a tion of hundreds of thousands. her stories. But now he found day, he was dog-tired. Sometimes, That underground water was all himself trying to get the philoso- when his son offered to help him contaminated and even the river phy of life in her stories rather pull the cart, he would roar in water was polluted. The Japanese than enjoying their plots. anger, “Do you think I want you to built a reservoir up the Han River “Paeg-u had an 18-year-old become an assistant in my toil and did waterworks, but the wa- son, who was staying in Seoul and moil? Work hard at your ter supply was so scanty that the preparing to take an entrance studies for ten hours while other Japanese and a handful of pro- examination for a college. In order boys study one hour, and that’s Japanese bureaucrats benefited to earn money for his son’s ad- the way you really help me!” from it. So, it was said that water mission fee and for the living costs He had to spare every penny was dearer than rice in Seoul. of two of them, he was on the run and tighten his belt to have his Availing themselves of this water from early morning whether it son make up his lag in elementary famine, many poor labourers was rain or snow.” The grandma knowledge. Every water carrier thronged to Seoul to make money was describing vivid scenes of the was a big eater, so in Seoul people by carrying water. Among them, hardship-ridden life of the lower- would use the expression “a water water carriers from Pukchong class people in the quiet room. carrier’s bowl and table” referring were well-known for their tenac- to a clean table after a meal. But ity. As they had been influenced On a small hillock in suburban Paeg-u, a man of sturdy build, by the anti-Japanese patriots and Seoul there was a floricultural would not eat the evening meal the anti-Japanese guerrillas, that garden with an unusual sign- served by the hostess but wrap it is, the Korean People’s Revolu- board reading “Pretty Kangnam.” up in a piece of cloth to take home tionary Army active around Mt. It consisted of a few small green- and share with his son in the Paektu, they were unusually pa- houses in a small garden with a lodgings who was digging into his ►

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 37 ► books on an empty stomach. ference at the factory.” leader Kim Jong Il. I think they When this was repeated time and Jin Hak pricked up his ears. may have many technical prob- again, the kind-hearted hostess His uncle must have sensed his lems to solve. If you go there and arranged to give him two portions strain, for he came straight to the do your bit, I should feel proud of food every evening. Feeling heart of the matter. “Instead of before the folks of my home quite obliged, Paeg-u said, “Please your proposal to build new kilns, town.” don’t make me a shameless fel- we’ve decided to renovate the Jin Hak readily complied with low. If you give me two portions, existing kilns and introduce a his father’s request. The Tong- cut one portion’s cost from my supplementary heating system chon area with broad vistas of pay.” into them.” development was an arena for the To this, the hostess returned, Jin Hak knew this was an young people to make a spurt on. “Oh, you’re so decent and unavoidable outcome, for his un- After taking his position in the straight. You know my restaurant cle was spearheading the opposi- institute he had been living with has large patronage thanks to tion to his idea. Yet, hearing of his uncle who was supporting his your trouble, and our garden owes the decision which he had to ac- mother. He took on the research much to you for its prosperous cept, he felt like a lump of cotton task of developing high-quality business.” She was true. Paeg-u choking his throat. light-burned magnesia with do- drew clean water from the “You’d better set about the mestic fuel. As it was in wide use Chonggye-gol glen, which was so kiln renovation project without in different economic fields the rough that other water carriers delay,” his uncle urged. “We’ve demand for it was growing stead- hated to go. But, however bad the decided to assign an able kiln ily. So it was expected to be a weather might be, he never got technician to the team of the sup- promising item of export. But the water from any other places. So, plementary heating. You mark light-burned magnesia produced the owner of the garden offered to my words. A man needs manly with domestic fuel was of low raise his pay, but the man refused courage to admit and correct his quality and so had little demand to receive more than the others mistake.” Chief Engineer Ho Kuk on the international market. But got. Now, the hostess put a big San hung up as if he had nothing using expensive coke and heavy package of foods on the A-frame of more to say. oil did not pay off, and depend- the poor man who was standing Jin Hak’s eyes fell on the roll ence on foreign fuels would fi- speechless. “We’re all Koreans of paper on the round table which nally make it a lame duck. Now and I know full well your wish to contained his plan of the new kiln. the young researcher Jin Hak give education to your son to get Is this the end of my dear and started on the tough march of the better of the hateful Japs.” grand creation which now re- investigation to make a break- Paeg-u could no longer refuse mains simply as a design drawing through in the development of the her kindness, and he hurried back on a piece of paper? he asked factory. He toiled through every to the lodgings. himself. document on heat engineering in He had obeyed his father who the Grand People’s Study House Jin Hak raised himself at the was a faculty dean of the Ham- and went to see all the kilns sound of the telephone and took hung College of Chemistry and known for their high heat effi- up the receiver. It was a call from willingly come down to the fire- ciency. He spent three years his uncle. proof materials research institute groping for a new way of improv- “Is that you Jin Hak?” asked after finishing Kim Chaek Uni- ing the heat efficiency and, at the voice. “You’re home early to- versity of Technology. His father last, after crossing the rugged day, eh?” had told him, “You know Tong- peaks of heat engineering, suc- “Grandma asked me to come chon is where your grandfather ceeded in developing a supple- back earlier as it’s your birthday worked as general manager of a mentary heating kiln by applying today,” Jin Hak answered. large factory. And now your uncle a new heat engineering method. “What? This is no time for is working as its chief engineer. I The product of his tireless efforts birthday feast,” came back the hear its people have turned out to made a sensation. important voice of the uncle. bring their factory into brisk op- “Today we had an executive con- eration as instructed by the great (To be continued)

38 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 The Episode of Kite

ENERAL CHOE YONG could hardly believe the old man. nettles?” G rendered distinguished When even he, an eminent war- “I think the thick grass of services in the struggle against rior, was quite at a loss how to go purple eulalia around the fortress foreign invaders in the late Koryo at it, how could the aged man, caught fire and the fire spread to era. This episode took place when presumably engaged in farming burn down the nettles.” he went down to Jeju Island to and fishing, manage it? Never- “But there was no such grass drive away the enemy horde. The theless, the general could not turn when I came here last time.” gang of pirates was entrenched in him down as the man was so “I sowed and grew the grass a walled fortress in the south of cocksure of success. He agreed. and nobody disturbed me.” the island with the gate tightly Days after that, the man be- “You planted and grew it?” shut. gan to spend his time flying kites The man narrated his story to To wipe out the invaders, near the fortress with village kids the surprised general: After he Choe’s men had to climb over the as if he had clean forgotten his had met the general, he gathered walls unawares, but the rank promise with the general. Time purple eulalia seeds to burn the nettles around the walls hindered passed and jongwol-daeborum nettles. He put the seeds in paper them. They had to cut them down had come. At the request of the pouches, attached them to kites before coming near the walls. man, Choe dispatched 500 sol- and flew the kites with children, However, should they find a sign diers and came down to the island scattering the seeds over the net- of the stinging plants being cut again. The old man told Choe tles. The seeds sprouted and the down, the besieged men would let Yong to start the attack when the grass grew up thickly among the off a shower of arrows. So, the nettles were burnt down, and nettles, paving the way to victory general was racking his brains with this, he made for the nettles of the Koryo soldiers. about what to do, looking out on with ten sturdy men. Soon, flames The man’s love of the country the fortress from a hilltop, when shot up in the nettles and, fanned gave birth to such a wonderful an old man came up to him and by the wind, spread quickly burn- wisdom. When the general was said, “Pray don’t worry too much, ing up all the thickets. Now was struck with great admiration, the General. If you send me 500 sol- the time, and the soldiers climbed man turned and went out to the diers on the evening of jongwol- over the walls and cut up the beach to draw out his nets set in daeborum (lunar 15th of January) intruders. the previous evening. This epi- next year, I am sure I will cut off After the victorious battle, the sode became known to the whole and bring the head of the chief of general asked the old man, country making kite-flying more the invaders to you.” The general “How did you set fire to the popular after that.

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 39 Hunminjongum

UNMINJONGUM IS KOREAN ALPHABET

H created in the 15th century. This year marks the 570th anniversary of its official establishment. Earlier the Korean nation had relied on Ridu alphabet which dated back to the time of Three Kingdoms. In 1444 an advanced model of Korean alphabet called Hunminjongum was developed. The name literally means “right letters to teach the people.” It was simply called Jongum or Onmun. Jongum stands for the intrinsic nature of the Korean alphabet while Onmun denotes a common script used by the public in general. Regarding the creation of the alphabetic system in January 1444 or December 1443 on the lunar calendar, the book pertaining to December of the 25th year of Sejong Sillok (Chronicles of the Rule by King Sejong compiled in 1454) writes, “This month the alphabet can put down all the vocal sounds heard at King personally made the 28-lettered alphabet called the time while joining the phonetic system with the Hunminjongum.” As regards the date of the Korean alphabetic system. As Hunminjongum was made by alphabet’s birth, Jong Rin Ji (1396–1478) wrote in taking the sounds of the Korean language with the the book Hunminjongum Haerye (1446) that the intrinsic phonetic system into deep consideration, it King made 28 letters of Jongum in the winter of the can write most of the independent sounds with basic year Kye, which means December 1443 on the lunar letters, and denote even the disappearing and in- calendar. coming sounds. The new alphabet was invented collectively by The new writing system is also special in that it is Jong Rin Ji, Choe Hang, Pak Phaeng Nyon, Sin Suk based on a unique principle of modelling after the Ju, Song Sam Mun, Kang Hui An, Ri Kae and Ri shape of the pronouncing organs. Basic letters of Hyon Ro (or Ri Son Ro) under the personal direction Hunminjongum were made after the shape of the of King Sejong who reigned from 1419 to 1450. pronouncing organs like the tongue, lips, teeth and Hunminjongum was made as a succession to the throat. Building on the basic letters, the rest of the ancient Korean alphabet called Sinji Letters. At first Korean letters were made by adding strokes or com- it was made up of 28 basic letters. It was supple- bining two or three letters according to the proper- mented by combining basic letters or adding certain ties of the sound of words. marks to the basic letters. The new letters are easy to learn and write. The As the most advanced alphabet the modern Ko- basic letters number no more than 28, the strokes rean script has a number of special merits. Its pri- are simple in form and systematically combined. mary advantage is that it is a complex of consonants According to the characteristics of sounds each letter and vowels, a most advanced style of script. It is the is so shaped as to be easily understood. most functional means to write the Korean language The creation of Hunminjongum marked a great which is based on a balanced combination of conso- contribution to the linguistic culture and historical nants and vowels. It also can make notations of most development of the Korean nation. of the lingual sounds in the world. Another feature may be that the new system of Sim Hyon Jin

40 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 Makkolli

AKKOLLI IS A DRINK here in this house they ask for a facial beauty. It was proved that M that is prepared by filter- double measure. Master of the linolenic acid known as a material ing liquids of fermented white house Kim Kyong Chol says, inhibiting diabetes, cancers, se- rice, wheat and other starch ma- “Makkolli is usually made at nility and different kinds of infec- terials. (It also goes by names of home, but we have a large num- tious diseases comes into exis- thakju or thakbaegi.) The name of ber of people at my house, and tence in the drink while it is fer- makkolli derives from the fact this is attributable to a new fla- mented. At present the house that it is distilled roughly from vour of my makkolli. We intro- regularly organizes exhibitions, fermented malts or that it is tur- duced a new method of prepara- technical lessons and opinion bid wine. It is a long-standing tion in addition to the traditional polls. national drink of the Koreans, methods.” He is proud of his mak- In recent years studies of which is 5–10 percent in alcoholic kolli. According to him Chonghy- makkolli are going profound re- content usually. ang makkolli is pleasant and regarding its functions, adding to Its history dates back to a long freshing for its sour and sweet the enthusiasm for the drink. time ago. In the travel note Pic- senses mixed harmoniously. In Researchers of the Fermentation tures of Koryo Xu Jing from Song particular, it contains carbonic Research Institute of the Light China wrote in 1124 after he vis- acid gas, so it feels quite refresh- Industrial Branch of the State ited Koryo (918–1392), there is to ing to all people, young and old, Academy of Sciences have re- be found a paragraph which men and women. It tastes far cently applied what they success- reads, “Koryo people enjoy drink- better when you drink it in sultry fully developed into Chonghyang ing. Bureaucrats have nice wine. summer and after sauna in win- makkolli, thus improving the But the common people like ter. taste further and elevating the cloudy wine that tastes sour. A man who introduced himself quality of the national drink. Sec- However much they drink it they as a regular customer of the tion chief of the institute Kim seldom go drunk.” This is perhaps house, said, “I believe makkolli is Myong Hui says, “We are going to the first description of makkolli in the best health drink. I’ve re- make deeper studies of national history. As it was easy to make, sorted to the drink these days, drinks like makkolli and improve common people must have made and I feel I’m free from stomach- the quality so that they will be- and drunk it before the time of ache.” An analysis of makkolli come a favourite with the public Koryo Dynasty. The coarse drink shows that regular drinking of it around the country, to say noth- was introduced in many records is effective in treating diseases ing of Pyongyang. I know this will like Tonggukrisanggukjip that like chronic gastric inflammation, help afford the people a more was compiled in 1241 in the era of digestive troubles, arteriosclero- enjoyable life.” Koryo Dynasty and Tongmunson sis, and chronic arthritis and that that was published in 1478 in it is even helpful in improving the Sim Chol Yong Feudal Joson Dynasty. Makkolli is not strong or clear but gives a fresh and pleasant feeling for its well-blended sour and sweet tastes, so Koreans usually drank it on festive occasions and holidays. In summer peas- ants used to make and drink it to escape the sultry day at break of their field jobs. The tradition is still alive. There is a typical service of makkolli in Songsin-dong No. 3, Sa- dong District, Pyongyang; the Chonghyang Makkolli House is a great public attraction at the moment for its unique taste. Usually people drink a cup at a time but

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 41 Mt. Kuwol

T. KUWOL IS ONE OF THE SIX CELE- considerable precipitation. Thanks to such a climatic M brated mountains in Korea along with the condition, the mountain area, designated as a nature Paektu, Myohyang, Kumgang, Chilbo and Jiri reserve, is a sanctuary of more than 600 species of mountains. Located in South Hwanghae Province’s plants. Typical of them are pine, nut pine, oak, ma- northwest, the mountain is made up of 99 high and ple, walnut, camellia, persimmon, jujube and other low peaks, including Sahwang-bong (954 m), O-bong naturally grown or transplanted trees, and wild in- (859 m), Jugo-bong (823 m), Asa-bong (688 m) and sam, astragaluses, forest asiabell, Schizandra Sam-bong (615 m). It unfolds sceneries of complex chinensis and other medicinal herbs. There are also and diversified shapes which are the results of long- over 30 kinds of wild beasts like roe deer, boar and standing weathering, erosion and water-caused cut- hare, and more than 100 kinds of birds such as ting. The name of Kuwol comes from the fact that its pheasant, oriole and migratory grosbeak. Such rich scenery is most beautiful in September (Korean pho- animal and plant resources go well with the beauties netic sound of Kuwol) when it turns golden. of peaks and ravines, adding to the scenery of the Precipitous rocky peaks and deep forests feature mountain. the mountain. The ravines are washed by currents of The mountain resort is largely divided into dis- clear water; rainbows hang in the fog floating over tricts of Tangundae, Asabong, Wolmyong, Sasondae, the waterfalls like the Ryongyon and Samhyongje Sansong, Sansung, Susampha and Chogyo. From the falls, and pools. In the Samsu Ravine up the Hani Obong-gol and Kusong-gol situated in the Tangun- Stream that flows down the northern slope of the dae district you can see the Tangundae Rock, and mountain, there are found pools called Puyon, Mayon from the Asa Peak in the Asabong district you can and Yoyon, and other spots of scenic beauty and in see in the west a series of peaks stretching to the the middle is the famous Sokdam, a pond which is southwest of Mt. Kuwol and the West Sea of Korea said to never go dry even when there comes a 7-year- and in the east a wide expanse of lowland and Mt. long drought. And on the western slope are seen Jongbang in the distance. pools like Madang and Kama and in the middle of the In the Sasondae district are found Ryongyon slope is a deep-bottomed pond called Kyoyo-yon. Falls which is over 15 metres in height, Pyongphung As it is located in the northern part of central Rock, Sasondae which is a big cliff that is said to Korea, its climate is relatively warm and has a have been a haunt of four Heavenly creatures for ►

Peaks of Mt. Kuwol.

42 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 The Jiwonphokpho Ravine in summer.

► their enjoyment, and pools of clean water formed by once on land, travelled around the human world with Jonggok Stream. In the district are also to be seen Tangun on its back. At the moment Tangun was not historical sites like those of Jonggok Temple, Koson on the throne yet. Wandering around the world, the Temple, Jangnim Temple, a kiln used to make Koryo tortoise arrived at Mt. Kuwol in Korea which was a celadon and an iron works. land of morning calm under the bright sun. There in Mt. Kuwol has a lot of historical remains and the mountain Tangun trained himself to be king while the tortoise, attracted by the scenery of the mountain, remained there enjoying the natural beauty before turning into a rock. There also goes a legend in which a serpent, moved by a little girl’s devoted care for her sick mother, connected the stream of water rising from a dragon’s well on the top of Mt. Taerim to the girl’s home. Another one is about a tiger which helped a woman who was devoted to her parents. The mountain area has been developed into a wonderful public resort.

Mt. Kuwol in autumn.

Samhyongje (three brothers) Falls.

relics. Examples are Kuwolsan Fort, Yangsan Fort, Tangun Shrine, Woljong Temple, Phaeyop Temple, five-storeyed pagoda of Wonjong Temple, five- storeyed pagoda in Hongmun-ri, pagoda of Jangbul Temple, Monument to Phaeyop Temple, Monument to Woljong Temple, Monument to Jonggok Temple, and other mountain fortresses, pagodas, monuments and 88 tombs of Buddhist monks. The natural celebrity is associated with a lot of legends about Tangun who is the founder king of Ancient Joson, natural beauties, the patriotic struggle of the Korean people against foreign invaders, and beautiful manners and customs of the Koreans. A typical one of them, associated with the so-called Kobuk Rock in Hanwol-ri, Anak County, South Hwanghae Province, goes: Once upon a time the king of an undersea kingdom ordered a 3 000-year-old tortoise to go up to the human world. The animal,

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 43 Songun Politics and Global Independence

O LIVE AN INDEPENDENT sion against the DPRK and tried “Answer to History”: “They say T life in the world free of all in every way to stifle the country calamities leave lessons behind kinds of domination, subjugation, in all fields of state activities— and that lessons open future. intervention and oppression is a political, economic, ideological Studying Kim Jong Il’s Songun unanimous desire of all nations and cultural and diplomatic. Now politics that demands giving pri- and countries. But this desire the Oriental nation found itself at mary attention to military af- remains unaccomplished due to the crossroads of defending its fairs—the building up of defence the imperialists, who pursue an people-centric socialism or giving potentialities— among all state ambition of global hegemony up its independence under the affairs, I believe his politics is a while applying oppression and oppression of the imperialist special sword to open the gate to a sanctions to the anti-imperialist forces. future free of any warfare. If all and independent nations and On the basis of a scientific nations hoping to have independ- even carrying out wars of aggres- analysis of the international envi- ence against imperialism become sion. ronment of the Korean revolution militarily strong nations by pur- The realities show that you and the fast-changing trend of the suing the policy of giving prece- can hardly safeguard your own situation, Chairman Kim Jong Il dence to the development of the sovereignty or accomplish global administered Songun politics on defence capability, they will be independence without fighting a higher stage. Thanks to him able to suppress the imperialists the military tyranny and outrages the national defence capabilities on the rampage and succeed in of the imperialists and domina- strengthened in every way, all their building of a new, peaceful tionists. sectors of the national economy society.” The Democratic People’s Re- made a sound progress with re- The anti-DPRK policy of the public of Korea has been strug- newed vigor and the man-made US imperialists is still intact, gling against rampant acts of earth satellite Kwangmyongsong which is the critical factor of the domination, subjugation, inter- 1 was successfully manufactured continuously tense situation in vention and oppression of all hues and launched into space— all the Korean peninsula. Neverthe- under the idea of independence, these were miraculous events for less, the Korean people are ad- peace and friendship and has the nation. vancing along the road of inde- done its bit faithfully for the cause Daunted by the resolute spirit pendence, the road of Songun and of global independence by defend- of the DPRK that was pushing the road of socialism without any ing its sovereign rights securely ahead dynamically in defiance of vacillation with infinite optimism against the incessant moves of the the imperialist allied forces’ tena- about their future under the lead- US imperialists to dominate the cious oppression and sanctions ership of their supreme leader whole of the Korean peninsula. In while shattering their concen- Kim Jong Un who is going ahead particular, in the 1990s when the trated offensive, the US agreed to with Songun politics as Chairman US imperialists and their lackeys, publish the DPRK-USA joint Kim Jong Il did. taking advantage of the setback of communiqué in October 2000 Kim Jong Il defended the socialism in some countries, were which bound it to the commitment sovereignty of the DPRK securely pointing their offensive at the that it would harbour no hostile and laid a solid foundation for DPRK that was invariably hold- intentions against the DPRK and socialist construction by admin- ing fast to the banner of inde- that it would make every effort to istering the original Songun poli- pendence and socialism, the Ko- establish a new relation with the tics challenging unprecedentedly rean people successfully defended DPRK free from the past antipa- rigorous ordeals and trials of and further developed their so- thy. history. His immortal exploits cialism under the leadership of The realities of the DPRK will go down forever in the an- Chairman Kim Jong Il. At the gave a great encouragement to all nals of the DPRK and the history moment the US, styling itself as nations and countries that aspire of the world’s progressive peo- the world’s sole superpower after after independence. Ivan Djuda- ple’s struggle for global inde- the demolition of the Cold War kayev, who used to be a deputy to pendence. structure, unprecedentedly inten- the Duma of the Russian Federa- sified military moves of aggres- tion, wrote in his discourse titled, Kim Il Bong

44 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 Struggle to Achieve the Independent and Peaceful Reunification of Korea (4)

The Five-Point Policy for Korea (DFRK) to adopt an appeal fication and Rehabilitation of Ko- National Reunification addressed to the people of all rea,” an instrument for the US strata, political parties and public imperialists’ aggression and inter- HE US IMPERIALISTS organizations in south Korea and ference in Korea, and its 30th Ses- T and south Korean ruling to the overseas Koreans and their sion in 1975 adopted a resolution circles rejected all the fair and organizations for convening the from the DPRK demanding the reasonable proposals of the Great National Congress, and in dissolution of the “UN Command,” DPRK including the three princi- October the same year he saw to it withdrawal of all foreign troops ples of national reunification— that the Workers’ Party of Korea, from south Korea and replace- independence, peaceful reunifica- Democratic Party of Korea and ment of the Armistice Agreement tion and great national unity—and Chondoist Chongu Party sent to with a peace treaty. The fourth openly announced a policy of per- the political parties of south Ko- and fifth summit meetings of the petuating the division of Korea. rea a joint letter proposing the non-aligned nations in September As a measure for prevention convocation of the Congress. At a 1973 and August 1976 adopted of permanent national division, meeting held in October 1975 in resolutions extending full support President Kim Il Sung advanced commemoration of the 30th anni- to the WPK’s policy of national the five-point policy for national versary of the founding of the reunification. In June 1977 the reunification on June 23, 1973. WPK, the President called upon International Liaison Committee The gist of the five-point policy is everyone who loved the country for the Independent and Peaceful to remove military confrontation and the people and aspired after Reunification of Korea was and lessen tensions between the the country’s reunification to turn founded, followed by the holding of north and the south, to achieve out actively in forming an all- a world conference in support of multilateral collaboration and Korea national united front under the Korean people’s struggle for interchange between them, to the banner of national reunifica- national reunification. convene a Great National Con- tion, transcending differences in Kim Il Sung made persever- gress comprising the representa- thoughts and ideals, social sys- ing efforts to bring about inter- tives of people at all levels and of tems and religious beliefs. Then, Korean talks. At the national political parties and social or- at the Third Session of the Fifth commemorative meeting held on ganizations from both parts of Supreme People’s Assembly of the September 9, 1978 to mark the Korea, to institute a north-south DPRK in March 1974, he made a 30th founding anniversary of the federation named the Federal proposal for a peace treaty be- DPRK he proposed wide-ranging Republic of Koryo, and to enter tween Korea and the United negotiations, stating that the the UN under this name. The five- States in order to smash the ma- DPRK was keeping its doors open point policy is a fair and reason- noeuvres of the US imperialists for dialogues with the United able policy embodying the three and their south Korean stooges States and the south Korean au- principles of national reunifica- for perpetuating the division of thorities and political parties. In tion in keeping with the prevail- Korea and to create favourable 1979 the Central Committee of ing situation, and a correct policy conditions for national reunifica- the DFRK made a statement con- for settling the question of the tion. Along with this, he saw to it taining a four-point proposal for country’s reunification in compli- that the DPRK conducted brisk hastening the country’s inde- ance with the will and demand of diplomatic activities in the UN pendent and peaceful reunifica- all the Korean people. arena to frustrate the evil tion and suggested a new plan of Attaching importance to the schemes of the internal and ex- setting up a preparatory commit- convention of the Great National ternal separatists. tee for national reunification as a Congress as a way to the settle- Meanwhile, the international preliminary consultation appara- ment of the reunification issue, solidarity movement was further tus for its realization. However, the President put forward reason- strengthened in support of the the south Korean rulers were able proposals to this end. In July Korean people’s cause of national dead set against the proposals of 1973 he arranged for the 59th reunification. The 28th Session of the DPRK, breaking off the inter- Enlarged Meeting of the Central the UN General Assembly in 1973 Korean talks resumed after a long Committee of the Democratic adopted a resolution on dissolving interval. Front for the Reunification of the “UN Commission for the Uni- Pak Chol

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 45 Invariable Stand of DPRK

T IS THE CONSISTENT STAND OF THE together with pending issues in keeping with the I Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to realize common needs and interests of the nation, bringing national unity and reunification by building up trust about amazing development in succession. Even and reaching reconciliation between the two parts of according to the statistical data of south Korea, the Korea. Thanks to the DPRK’s positive effort for number of south Korean enterprises benefiting achieving national reconciliation, unity and reunifi- from the mutual cooperation reached 6 000, with cation, the working-level talks between the authori- over 25 000 jobs created. Their average annual ties of the north and the south of Korea for the nor- profits reached US$ 6.12 billion. malization of the Kaesong Industrial Park were re- Even when the north-south relations sank to the sumed, saving it from the crisis of closure and put- stage of catastrophe after the emergence of the Lee ting it on the track of normal operation . Myung Bak regime hot after confrontation with the Such developments after many twists and turns north, the DPRK never suspended its efforts to real- inspired new hope in all the fellow countrymen ize national reconciliation and unity, peace and na- yearning for the improvement of north-south rela- tional reunification in accordance with the north- tions. This shows that when the north and the south south joint declarations. At every opportunity, it give priority to the common interests of the nation made clear its will to join hands with anybody who, and act upon the idea of “by our nation itself,” dia- concerned about the destiny of the nation, wished the logues and relations between the two sides can be country’s reunification, and put forward various successfully promoted without fail. proposals including a proposal for dialogues between The question of inter-Korean relations is of im- the authorities of the two parts for the improvement portance for the destiny of the nation today and to- of their relations amid ever-aggravating situation. If morrow. The north-south relations should be devel- south Korean authorities had showed a positive re- oped in conformity with the nation’s aspiration and sponse to the generous, well-intentioned moves of the the demand of the times. On all accounts, the goal of DPRK, the north-south relations would have entered dialogue and cooperation is to end distrust and con- upon a new phase long ago. frontation, promote national reconciliation and unity The endeavours of the DPRK to reject confronta- and hasten independent reunification. And what is tion and promote inter-Korean relations through important in realizing dialogue and cooperation is dialogue and cooperation remain immutable. In June that both sides should settle problems by subordi- last year the Committee for the Peaceful Reunifica- nating everything to the great cause of reunifying tion of Korea announced an important statement the country with a firm will to improve their rela- setting forth its position that talks could be held tions by all means. The history of inter-Korean dia- between the authorities of the north and the south on logues has proved that when the north and the south the normal operation of the Kaesong Industrial Park dispel distrust of each other and pool their strength and other things including, if deemed necessary, the and wisdom in an effort to achieve the common cause humanitarian issue of reunion of separated families of the nation, they can settle all knotty problems and and relatives. This marked a turning point in the develop their relations. north-south relations which had deteriorated in the The DPRK has made strenuous efforts to improve previous five years. In spite of some differences, the its relations with south Korea and achieve peace and KIP which had been on the verge of complete closure reunification and common prosperity in the Korean was reopened and put into normal operation. peninsula. The historic June 15 North-South Joint Now it is important to advance the inter-Korean Declaration and the October 4 Declaration, the land- relations towards the terminal point of independent marks of independent reunification, peace and pros- reunification and peace and prosperity by expanding perity, reflect the DPRK’s consistent line of reunifi- dialogue and cooperation. Of course, this may possi- cation for achieving national reconciliation, unity, bly meet with obstacles and difficulties. However, cooperation and exchange. The basic idea of the dec- this is a path to be traced by the Koreans themselves larations is that the Koreans should develop north- in the north and the south by way of removing mis- south relations by concerted national efforts and go understanding and distrust and promoting recon- ahead along the road of reunification, attaining ciliation and unity. The prevailing situation in the peace and common prosperity. Korean peninsula shows that dialogue and coopera- In the days following the adoption of the declaration are the only right way towards reconciliation, tions, the north-south relations which had been peace and nationwide prosperity. gloomy with distrust and confrontation, changed into In future, too, the DPRK will strive all along to the relations of reconciliation, unity and cooperation improve the inter-Korean relations and accomplish based on the idea of “by our nation itself.” Conscious the historic cause of the country’s reunification by that they were the parties immediately concerned in the concerted efforts of the nation. the settlement of the national problem and the reunification question, the north and the south coped Kim Hyon Ju

46 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 Japan’s Future Depends on Liquidation of Its Past

DMITTING ONE’S young and middle-aged Koreans women and making them “A past candidly is very for their war of invasion into the “comfort women.” He said that important in building mutual Asian continent, production of “the issue of ‘comfort women’ trust,” a former German Presi- munitions and construction of should be discussed quietly by dent said during his visit to Ja- military facilities. These Koreans historians or by the experts con- pan. We can say this expresses were dragged out to the battle- cerned,” and that “it is wrong to the bitter lessons the Germans fields to serve as bullet-shields or make this problem a political or drew from their past when they were put to merciless slave labour diplomatic issue.” He was fol- had started two world wars and at collieries, metal mines, muni- lowed immediately by the chief plunged mankind into the horrors tions factories and construction cabinet secretary expressing his of war. sites of military installations. intention to re-examine the 1993 Germany, admitting its past Over one million of them met with Kono statement that had admit- crimes, is atoning for them in cruel deaths. Moreover, the Japa- ted the Japanese imperialists’ various ways. It officially ac- nese abducted or forcibly carried crime of sex slavery. knowledged and apologized for its off 200 000 Korean women, teen- The unprecedented barbarism war guilt in the name of the state agers and marrieds, as sex slaves committed by Japan to extermi- long ago, and defined victimized for the Japanese soldiers under nate the Korean people can never countries and people as entitled to the government and military au- be hidden away despite the tran- reparation, and has paid large thorities. The hordes of the sition of history and passage of indemnities to them under laws “imperial army,” taking the time. Japan’s headman quibbles such as the “Federal Compensa- “comfort women” along with them that no clear definition has been tion Act.” Still now its liability for over all their battlefields, gang- given as yet to the conception of reparation continues. raped and brutally murdered “aggression” by the academic cir- But how is another war crimi- them in the end. The extraordi- cles or international community. nal Japan behaving? In Japan nary sex slave crime of Japan is a He goes so far as to talk idly that today, they not only deny their deadly sin never to be forgiven or he would not follow Murayama’s bloodstained history of carnage covered up from the historical or statement that expressed regret and plunder, but also are openly criminal point of view. and apology for the Japanese justifying and eulogizing it. Japan The fact remains stark and imperialist aggression, and that surpasses Nazi Germany by far in undeniable. Nevertheless, the he is now preparing to make a their past sinful acts. In Korea Japanese politicians are openly new “future-oriented” statement alone, the Japanese committed negating the past sex slave crime. on the occasion of the 70th anni- most heinous inhuman crimes No sooner had he took office than versary of the end of World War II recklessly. They seized Korea and the present Japanese prime min- (2015). When he “took office,” he robbed it of its human and mate- ister set about disowning the past sang the song Kimigayo, a symbol rial resources without end. The crime of Japan insisting that of the late Japanese imperialism, Japanese imperialists kidnapped there was no evidence of the and declared that “this is the first or forcibly drafted 8.4 million old Japanese army kidnapping step to restoring Japan.” Then, he ►

KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 47 sts drive nese imperiali The Japa lling dgery before ki Koreans to dru r mill. them at a timbe

“Comfort women” are taken to barracks of the Japanese imperialist aggression army.

► decided to revise the defence pro- gramme and expand the Japanese armed forces, and took the lead in preparing conditions for overseas aggression. He advocates changing the “pacifist constitution” into a war constitution and has been struggling to raise the Self- Defense Forces to the status of “national defence forces.” He is an example of the saying “The man who denies his past will The J apanese imp o erialists plu repeat it at any time.” After all, f a large num nder Korea ber of dome stic animals. the conception of “future-oriented” advocated by the Japanese politicians means a “future” oriented to repeating their past history of aggression and to realizing their old dream of the “Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere.” Ja- pan must know that it cannot get out of the dark shadow of history for ever if it refuses to acknowl- edge and sincerely repent of its sinful past, but keeps on mouth- ing “future-oriented.”

Choe Kwang Guk

48 KOREA TODAY No. 1, 2014 Koryo Porcelain

ORYO PORCELAIN IS tiful effect of inlaid decorations K one of the Korean people’s with delicate patterns quietly cultural heritages widely known seen through bright and clear to the world along with the potter’s glaze is the unique qual- Koguryo tomb murals. It was ity of Koryo porcelain. In addition, produced during the Koryo Dy- Koryo porcelain is elegant and nasty. According to its colours and original in its shapes. Its artistic ornamental techniques, it is di- effect is enhanced by shaping the vided into different kinds— cela- ware after the figures of animals don, white, black, brown, red and or plants, or by making their lids, inlaid porcelain. It is character- handles or bottoms in the forms of ized, before everything, by its various things. Typical examples peculiar colours. Of its various are pitchers in the shapes of bam- harmonious colours, jade green is boo sprout, pomegranate, bottle most beautiful. This colour is gourd and melon; cups and sau- distinguished by its quiet, mellow cers shaped like flowers; ink- A gourd-shaped celadon pitcher with a lotus pattern engraved. and elegant tone. It is obtained by water bottles shaped after pigeon, chemical interaction between mandarin duck, monkey, duck or ground mud and iron of potter’s doll; incense burners carved like glaze in baking, and this process kylin; and writing-brush stands requires the ceramists’ high skills in the shape of dragon head. and experience. The porcelain of Koryo porcelain shows the this colour is known as celadon or wisdom and talent of the Korean jade-green porcelain, which is the people. For its variety and its synonym for Koryo porcelain. extraordinary artistic value in Further, Koryo porcelain is dis- colour and shape, it was known to tinguished by extraordinary de- the neighbouring countries as the signs on it. People of Koryo, using best attractions of the world, and various methods such as engrav- is even now extolled by all people ing, inlaying and brush painting, as precious treasures. In Korea, decorated the ceramics with col- Koryo porcelain is preserved as a ourful figures of cloud, crane, priceless national treasure, and reed, wild goose, willow, manda- its fine tradition is inherited and A bottle with an inlaid rin duck, chrysanthemum, grape, developed in all pottery plants lotus pattern. lotus bloom, peony flower and so across the country. on according to the shapes of the ceramics. In particular, the beau- Kim Un Jong

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