‘N. Korean Leader Watched Art Performance’

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il yesterday watched an art performance with high-ranking officials and top military brass, according to the North’s official news agency.

Not mentioned were the time and location of the performance.

The report said those attending included Choe Tae Bok and Kim Ki Nam, central committee secretaries of the ruling Workers’ Party; Jang Song Taek and Ri Kwang Ho, members of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly; and Hyon Chol Hae and Ri Myong-su, marshals of the (North) Korean People’s Army.

North Korean media has recently reported Kim watching a soccer game (Sunday) and visiting military units (Wednesday), but has not released video footage of his activities.

Video clips of Kim are released as documentaries usually five to six months after the footage is shot.

kyle@donga.com