69th Anniversary of Founding of the Korean Children’s Union Marked

On June 6, the sixty-ninth (69th) anniversary of the Korean Children’s Union (KCU) was marked. Joint meetings of the KCU organizations took place in Pyongyang and all provinces of the country, providing an opportunity for both families and youth to reflect on the day’s history and cultural significance. Performances were given by schoolchildren in South Hamgyong, North Hwanghae, Jagang and other provinces to highlight the day’s festivities. Workers from Jangjagang Power Station, located outside Kanggye, were given free tickets to see local art performances and competitive wrestling matches between the hopeful youth wrestlers of local wrestling leagues. Colorful sports and amusement games took place at Changdok School, Ryusong Junior Middle School in the Central District of Pyongyang, and other art schools. A competitive basketball game between youth was accompanied by a special lunch for the younger brothers and sisters of enrolled students at Kim Il Sung University, allowing for a chance at some “bonding” time between siblings.

Leading officials of the Workers’ Party of Korea and power organs congratulated KCU members on the anniversary by sending long letters of greetings and hosting parties for students at the yards of their schools.

A performance of the 53rd National Schoolchildren’s Art Festival took place at the Pyongyang Schoolchildren’s Palace on the evening of June 6 to top off the day’s events around the country.  Among the audience there were noted politicians like Choe Ryong Hae, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Jon Yong Nam, chairman of the Central Committee of Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League, Kim Sung Du, chairman of the nation’s Education Commission, officials concerned with the palace and those of the youth league and schoolchildren in suburbs around Pyongyang. As with the performances in Kanggye, tickets were free for all participants and their attending families.

A live musical performance for the 53rd National Schoolchildren's Art Festival took place at the Pyongyang Schoolchildren's Palace on June 6.
A live musical performance for the 53rd National Schoolchildren’s Art Festival took place at the Pyongyang Schoolchildren’s Palace on June 6.

It began with the epic prologue Ready Always for the Socialist Motherland, followed by such numbers as Oungum and the song Thank You, Generalissimo Kim Il Sung. The songs were performed in choir and with instruments, providing for good entertainment for the audience in the palace’s theatre.

As a memorable conclusion they put on highly noted stage numbers, such as the song We Are the Happiest in the World, which is a mid-1970’s song specially composed for children of the country.

The performance continued to its completion with flowers given to families of the children and a small award ceremony for children of particular commendation from the past school year.