N.Korean daily gives unusually big attention to ex-general

The official daily of the ruling North Korean Workers` Party on Wednesday carried a lengthy story about Kim Song Kuk, a former North Korean general who served as an anti-Japanese guerrilla when Japan ruled the Korean Peninsula.

The Rodong Shinmun devoted more than half of Page 2 to the story about him.

“Recently, North Korean media have put a rare and excessive focus on a particular person,” a South Korean official said, adding Kim`s promotion indicated Pyongyang’s intent to keep its military stable after the sudden dismissal of Ri Yong Ho, vice marshal of the North Korean People`s Army, and induce the military’s loyalty to leader Kim Jong Un.

According to the daily, Kim Song Kuk, an orphan and servant, worked at a unit under the direct command of North Korea founder Kim Il Sung at age 17 when Korea was ruled by Japan. He received an infantry rifle from Kim Il Sung after he killed a Japanese commander in his first battle in 1937.

In 1943, Kim Song Kuk was shot seven times but refused to commit suicide, saying he had no right to die without Kim Il Sung’s permission. Surviving on wild grass for 27 days, he was later rescued by a squad sent by the future North Korean leader.

After Korea’s liberation, Kim Song Kuk helped to found the North Korean People’s Army and headed a unit protecting Kim Il Sung’s official residence.

shcho@donga.com