North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has appeared in public for the first time since an international inquiry concluded 12 days ago that North Korea sank the South Korean Navy corvette Cheonan.
The North Korean media had kept silent about his activities since the findings were announced, but the official Korean Central News Agency on Wednesday reported that Kim watched a performance by an art propaganda band of the Guard Command of the North Korean Army.
| Bet that was a real toe-tapper ... |
The last report on his public activities came on May 21, when Kim went on one of his "on-the-spot guidance" tours to the Ryongsong Machine Complex and Hamhung University of Chemistry in South Hamgyong Province.
Kim apparently chose the Guard Command with an eye on growing tensions on the peninsula since the unit is charged with protecting him in an emergency.
Kim made 68 public appearances since the beginning of the year, almost the same as last year. In May alone, the North Korean media reported 12 occasions, mainly visits to rusty old factories. |
