NK art troupe makes 1st performance tour in U.S.

A North Korean artistic troupe has embarked on a performance tour in the United States, the first in the reclusive nation¡¯s history.

Led by Jon Kyong-Nam, vice chairman of the overseas citizens support committee, the troupe arrived at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York Monday.

North Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Li Hyung-Chol, officials and Korean residents welcomed the troupe members.

The North Korean group¡¯s tour is drawing keen attention in that it is the first visit to the U.S. by a North Korean delegation since the inauguration of President George W. Bush. It is the first North Korean artistic troupe to tour the U.S.

The troupe is composed of eight members, including high-profile singer Huh Kwang-Su, who was featured in a Seoul performance last year, and folksinger Seok Ryon-Hi.

Under the title ``Great Performance of North Korean Music Opening the Gate of Unification,¡¯¡¯ the troupe will give performances in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and Washington D.C. from Feb. 10 to 22.