North Korea Leadership Watch

Research and Analysis on the DPRK Leadership

KCU Holds KJI Birthday Induction Ceremony

Inductees of the Korean Children's Union at a February 16, 2016 ceremony in Pyongyang (top) and the induction ceremony (bottom) (Photos: KCNA).

Inductees of the Korean Children’s Union at a February 16, 2016 ceremony in Pyongyang (top) and the induction ceremony (bottom) (Photos: KCNA).

The Korean Children’s Union held its annual national meeting and induction ceremony in Pyongyang February 16 (Tuesday) on the birth anniversary of late DPRK leader Kim Jong Il (Kim Cho’ng-il).  In addition to the KCU officials and representatives and new KCU members, the meeting was attended by Choe T’ae Bok (Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] Secretary for Science and Education), Yang Hyong Sop (Vice President of the Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium), Kim Su Gil (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang WPK Committee), Kim Il Sung Youth League [KISYL] officials and functionaries, veterans of the Fatherland Liberation War (Korean War) and “persons of merit.”

KISYL Central Committee Chairman Jon Yong Nam delivered a report.  According to KCNA he said that ” February 16 is the auspicious day that provided the Korean people and school youth and children with the fortune of being blessed with illustrious leaders, and also a revolutionary holiday common to mankind which opened the bright road of realizing the cause of human independence.  Kim Jong Il brought up the members of the KCU into reliable successors of the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e with his loving care for the younger generations and the future throughout the whole period of his revolutionary leadership.”  The report called “upon all the members of the KCU to greet this year glorifying the 70th anniversary of the KCU with proud successes in acquiring knowledge, a good moral character and good health under the leadership of Marshal Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n).”

After the speaking program the membership induction ceremony took place with Choe T’ae Bok administering an oath.  After the oath-taking, merited DPRK citizens, veterans and senior cadres tied the KCU red neckerchief and pinned KCU badges on the new members.  Former KPA commander Ji Yong Chun, school principal Pang Sung Son and April 25 Sports Team gymnast Ri Se Gwang delivered speeches that “asked all of the newcomers to grow up to be reliable successors of the Songun revolution faithful to Marshal Kim Jong Un.”  Similar KCU induction ceremonies were held throughout the DPRK in provincial cities on February 15 and February 16.

A performance by Pyongyang schoolchildren at Mangyo'ng Schoolchildren's Palace in Pyongyang on February 16, 2016 (Photos: KCNA).

A performance by Pyongyang schoolchildren at Mangyo’ng Schoolchildren’s Palace in Pyongyang on February 16, 2016 (Photos: KCNA).

Meanwhile, schoolchildren gave a concert to mark the Day of the Shining Star at Mangyo’ngdae Schoolchildren’s Palace, which was attended by Jon Yong Nam, KISYL officials and Pyongyang students.  According to KCNA, the concert “truthfully represented the yearnings and reverence for Kim Jong Il.”

An affiliate of 38 North