WORLD> Asia-Pacific
Top DPRK leader congratulates army on New Year
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-03 15:19

PYONGYANG -- Kim Jong-il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), congratulated the servicemen of the Korean People's Army (KPA) on the New Year, state media reported on Saturday.


Kim Jong-il (front), top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), watches the training of a tank unit as he inspects the Guard Seoul Ryu Kyong Su Tank Division 105 of the KPA, in this picture distributed by the official Korean Central News Agency, January 3, 2008. [Xinhua]

Kim inspected the Guard Seoul Ryu Kyong Su Tank Division 105 of the KPA, state media reported, without giving the exact date of the inspection.

Related readings:
 Kim Jong-il visits DPRK military unit
 Kim Jong Il calls for building powerful nation
He watched the training of the tank unit and enjoyed an art performance given by servicepersons of a company under the division.

It was the first report on Kim's public appearance in 2009 by the state media.