Contemporary DPRK

Posted on 12/07/2021 by Michael

Pyongyang Sports Stadium

Contemporary DPRK

From the publications on this page you will be able to get an idea of how the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea presents itself to the world in the 2020s (as well as some earlier material).

I am a Korean – the story of the World Professional Wrestling Champion Rikidozan, Ri Ho In, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, 1989, 133 pages.

Sightseeing Guide to Korea, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, 1991, 95 pages.

‘A Postmodern Interpretation of North Korean Juche Thought’, by Eun Hee Shin, Assistant Professor of Religion, Simpson College, USA, ND, but probably around 2002, 13 pages.

Tok Island-Land of Korea, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 98 (2009), 99 pages.

Korea in the 21st Century, Ri Song Hwan, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 101 (2012), 76 pages.

Hsiu water Centre, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 103 (2014), 108 pages.

Panorama of Pyongyang, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 103 (2014), 124 pages.

Mangyongdae School Children’s Palace, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 105 (2016), 34 pages.

Panmunjom, leaflet, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 105 (2016), 2 pages.

People’s Dreams and Flowers, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 105 (2016), 105 pages.

Songdowon International Childrenʼs Camp, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 105 (2016), 20 pages.

Pyongyang Middle School for Orphans, leaflet, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 105 (2016), 2 pages.

Sci-Tech Complex, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 105 (2016), 35 pages.

Ryugyong Dental Hospital, leaflet, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 106 (2017), 2 pages.

Wonsan International Friendship Air Festival, leaflet, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 106 (2017), 2 pages.

Mangyongdae Children’s Camp, So Chung Sim, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 106 (2017), 13 pages.

Sinuiju Ponbu Kindergarten, leaflet, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 106 (2017), 2 pages.

Affection and Devotion, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 108 (2019), 56 pages.

For the People’s Wellbeing 2018, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 108 (2019), 57 pages.

Historical Traditions, Flower Garden of Friendship, Relations between the DPRK and the Sociaslist Republic of Vietnam, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 108 (2019), 30 pages.

Korea in Kim Jong Un’s Era, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 108 (2019), 96 pages.

Leader and Education, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 108 (2019), 122 pages.

Take care of the rising generation, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 108 (2019), 78 pages.

National Symbols of the DPRK, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 108 (2019), 56 pages.

2020, a Year of Affection for People, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 109 (2020), 71 pages.

City of Samjiyon, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 109 (2020), 19 pages.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 109 (2020), 69 pages.

Education in the DPRK, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 109 (2020), 76 pages.

For People’s Wellbeing 2016-2020, dedicated to the Eighth Congress of the WPK, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 109 (2020), 133 pages.

For Strengthening the National Defence Capability, dedicated to the Eighth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 109 (2020), 63 pages.

Jungpyong Vegetable Greenhouse Farm and Tree Nursery, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 109 (2020), 13 pages.

On the road for Independence and Prosperity by dint of Self-reliance in 2019, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 109 (2020), 99 pages.

Phalhyang Dam of the Orangchon Power Station, leaflet, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 109 (2020), 2 pages.

Pyongyang Golf Course, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 109 (2020), 19 pages.

Today’s Pyongyang, postcards, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 109 (2020), 23 pages.

Yangdok Hot Spring Resort, leaflet, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 109 (2020), 2 pages.

Yangdok Hot Spring Resort, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, ND but probably Juche 109 (2020), 85 pages.

Thongchon Holiday Camp for Diplomatic Corps, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110 (2021), 9 pages.

Myohyangsan Medical Appliances Factory, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110 (2021), 11 pages.

Korea Machinery Trading Corporation, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110 (2021), 5 pages.

Pyongyang Elevator Joint Venture Company, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110 (2021), 7 pages.

Pyongyang University of Transport, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110 (2021), 13 pages.

Pyongyang Hotel, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110 (2021), 14 pages.

Pyongyang in Kim Jong Un’s era, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110 (2021), 49 pages.

Sacred mountain of Korea, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110 (2021), 49 pages.

Samjiyon City Peopleʼs Hospital, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110 (2021), 17 pages.

The Businessman – A Patriot, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110 (2021), 40 pages.

2020 – A year of trials and struggles, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110 (2021), 36 pages.

Changgwangsan Hotel, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110 (2021), 13 pages.

For the future of the country, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110 (2021), 101 pages.

Mangyongdae, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110 (2021), 19 pages.

Scenery of Mt Paektu, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 111 (2022), 95 pages.

For Fresh Development of Socialist Construction 2021, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 110, (2021), 107 pages.

DPRK-PRC Friendship from One Century into the Next, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the birth of Kim Jong Il, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 111 (2022), 119 pages.

Writing a New Chapter in the History of DPRK-Russia Friendship, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the birth of Kim Jong Il, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 111 (2022), 123 pages.

Ten years of great achievements, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 111, (2022), 104 pages.

A Great Chronicle of DPRK-Russia Friendship, dedicated to the 110th Anniversary of the birth of President Kim Il Sung, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 111, (2022), 113 pages.

Immortal History of DPRK-PRC Friendship, dedicated to the 110th Anniversary of the birth of President Kim Il Sung, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 111 (2022), 167 pages.

Grand Festivals in Praise of the Great Men, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 111 (2022), 99 pages.

Hangsong Economic Association, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 111 (2022), 12 pages.

Korea Puksong Trading Corporation, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 111 (2022), 15 pages.

Man’s Destiny and Juche Philosophy, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 111 (2022), 91 pages.

Pyongyang Analytic Technology Company, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 111 (2022), 16 pages.

University of Sciences, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 111 (2022), 14 pages.

Over 90 Days for Defending the People, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 111 (2022), 63 pages.

Changed City of Samjiyon, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 11 (2022), 46 pages.

DPRK, two articles against Soviet Revisionism, These are two articles by Rodong Sinmun, Organ of the CC of the Workers’ Party of Korea, November 8th Publishing House, Ottawa 2022, 135 pages.

Report on the crime of American Imperialists in spreading bacteria in Korea, this report was made public on April 23, 1952, by the Chinese People’s Commission for Investigating the Germ Warfare Crime of American Imperialists, November 8th Publishing House, Ottawa 2022, 42 pages.

Modern History of Korea, Kim Han Gil, November 8th Publishing House, Ottawa 2023, 581 pages.

The U.S. Imperialists started the Korean War, Candidate Academician Ho Jong Ho, Doctors Kang Sok Hui and Pak Thae Ho, November 8th Publishing House, Ottawa 2023, 305 pages.

DPRK, seven decades of creation and changes, November 8th Publishing House, Ottawa 2023, 162 pages.

2022: A Year Filled with Great Events, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 112 (2023), 199 pages.

Military Parade in Celebration of the 75th Founding Anniversary of the KPA, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 112 (2023), 52 pages.

2022: DPRK raising its profile, Foreign Languages Publishing House, Pyongyang, Juche 112 (2023), 70 pages.

Leading the Fatherland Liberation War to Victory, on the 70th anniversary of victory in the Fatherland Liberation War, FLPH, Pyongyang, Juche 112 (2023), 159 pages.

The Great Victorious War tells, FLPH, Pyongyang, Juche 112 (2023), 136 pages.

History and Culture of Kaesong, FLPH, Pyongyang, Juche 112 (2023), 64 pages.

Cradle of Happiness for the People, FLPH, Pyongyang, Juche 112 (2023), 190 pages.

Kim Jong Il – Anecdotes of his external activities (visits to Russia and China), FLPH, Pyongyang, Juche 112 (2023), 77 pages.

Mt Myohyang, FLPH, Pyongyang, Juche 112 (2023), 27 pages.

Journey of Devotion for the Good of the People, FLPH, Pyongyang, Juche 112 (2023), 116 pages.

2023 – Year of Great Changes and Transformations, FLPH, Pyongyang, Juche 113 (2024), 191 pages.

Paektu, Famous Mountain in Korea, (leaflet), FLPH, Pyongyang, Juche 113 (2024), 3 pages.

Mt Paektu Area, a series of 10 postcard of the area around Mount Paektu, FLPH, Pyongyang, Juche 113 (2024).

Mt Paektu, (leaflet), FLPH, Pyongyang, Juche 113 (2024), 3 pages.

The crop fields tell, FLPH, Pyongyang, Juche 113, (2024), 115 pages.

Mt. Kumgang, FLPH, Pyongyang, 2024, 73 pages.

Pyongyang, FLPH, Pyongyang, 2024, 173 pages.

2023 – Year of Transformations, FLPH, DPRK, 2024, 111 pages.

2024 – Year of New Transformations and Leaps Forward, FLPH, DPR Korea, 387 pages.

City of Samjiyon – leaflet and map, 2 pages.

Juche Idea – questions and answers, FLPH, DPR Korea, 2025, 222 pages.

World of affection for the people, FLPH, DPR Korea, 2025, 114 pages.

Guide to Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, leaflet, FLPH, DPR Korea, 2025, 1 pages.

Mt Kumgang, postcards, FLPH, DPR Korea, 2025, 26 pages.

Natural Scenery in Mt Paektu Area, postcards, FLPH, DPR Korea, 2025, 26 pages.

More on the DPRK

View of the world

Ukraine – what you’re not told

The future of the country in the feet of a football team

Posted on 11/07/2021 by Michael

The future of the country in the feet of a football team

If there was one word that could be used to describe the manner in which the present covid pandemic has been managed in the UK then that word would be ‘surreal’. (I have been more closely following the situation in Britain but from what I know about other parts of the world the epithet would not be misplaced elsewhere.)

Perhaps, at the very beginning, there was an excuse for this impression. But only a small ‘perhaps’. Previous governments, of whatever political colour, had given the impression they were planning for any such eventuality (be it medical, natural or even military) but when it came it seemed – in Britain, at least – that they had been planning for the wrong type of pandemic. The cunning covid virus had snuck under the radar and it should have been a variety of flu.

That was a weak argument as there must be certain constants that exist in a pandemic; testing; isolation plans; a properly functioning, resourced and financed health service; support for those who are infected but can’t work; a well thought out strategy; an idea of worst case scenarios; a long term perspective as a modern city based society has little to fall back on compared to when pandemics (much more virulent and destructive in terms of human life) struck in past centuries – failure to do so could quite well lead to a situation where the cure can become more destructive and longer lasting than the disease itself.

But none of that was there, nothing concrete and thought through existed from the start and the situation is not that much better now.

Following the ‘data and not dates’ has meant that prior to long publicised ‘crunch’ times speculation is rife, with the Government no doubt promoting leaks to see how they are picked up by the media and the population in general. Lacking any strategy, lacking any real ideas, lacking any courage they seek to place (in whatever manner) the responsibility upon the the people themselves.

Whilst claiming ‘leadership’ the Buffoon and his acolytes have bounced around like a ball in a squash court with no one knowing where the ball will land. U-turns have been made on virtually all important decisions (when they are proven to be totally out of tune with reality or because they realise the plans just aren’t workable) and getting close to any sort of strategy is just a pipe-dream.

The period where speculation is rife before the making of a decision on the way forward gets extended from one week to two, the resultant ‘debate’ almost certainly causing more confusion the longer it goes on. But one thing is certain, whatever the consequences of changes in the present circumstances (which must happen, at some time in the future, a modern society can’t go on as it has in the UK for the last 18 months or so), if it all goes tits up it won’t be the Buffoon or the politicians that are at fault.

The Tories have tried (probably not very successfully) to claim credit for the success in the vaccination programme in the country. They were hypocritical in their ‘celebration’ of the 73rd anniversary of the establishment of the National Health Service which took place on 5th July. A party that had fought against its establishment in the first place, has been trying to undermine it ever since and which is, at present, pushing through changes that will further weaken its ability to provide what it promised to do in the immediate post-war years looks even more shallow when they are forced to attend such celebrations.

Now the Buffoon has become the country’s most avid football supporter and the Euro Cup Final that’s taking place as I type is supposed to have everyone in the country supporting ‘our’ team, an attempt at narrow minded nationalism which will help us to cope as we come out of the ‘unprecedented’ situation of the last year and a half.

If the feel good factor kicks in if England win what happens if they lose?

Vaccination programme in Britain ….

Covid vaccines: combining AstraZeneca and Pfizer may boost immunity.

Heart inflammation link to Pfizer and Moderna jabs.

….. and the rest of the world

Delta variant exposes the flaws of stop-start vaccination programmes.

Proposals to extend covid jabs to children in west would delay worldwide roll out and allow deadly variants to develop elsewhere.

South Africa’s vaccine quagmire, and what needs to be done now.

The ever changing virus

What’s the ‘Delta plus’ variant? And can it escape vaccines?

Age, sex, vaccine dose, chronic illness – insight into risk factors for severe covid is growing.

We should treat covid like norovirus – not the flu.

Moving forward …..

Chris Whitty: keeping covid restrictions will only delay wave.

Why it’s time to think differently about covid.

Living with covid: is now the right time for England to lift all restrictions?

….. or pumping up the fear

UK scientists caution that lifting of Covid rules is like building ‘variant factories’.

Covid-19: ‘For us it’s not freedom day, is it?’

Global experts urge Boris Johnson to delay ‘dangerous’ covid reopening.

England’s ‘freedom day’ to be day of fear for elderly people.

‘Collateral damage’

How missing out on nursery due to covid has affected children’s development.

A hidden covid crisis? Assessing the pandemic’s impact on young workers and their mental health. This page has a link to a recording of a webinar that looked at this issue in May.

Remote workers suffered most mental distress during pandemic.

Some things we are learning

How scientists can help tell if someone caught the virus at a nightclub.

Why we should stop testing in schools.

Poverty in Britain

How inequality explains the high impact of covid-19 in the UK.

£20 cut to benefits to impact families’ ability to put food on the table.

Universal credit £20 top up to be phased out.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies published a report entitled Living standards, poverty and inequality in the UK: 2021. On 8th July there was also a webinar where this report was introduced.

The covid death toll in poorer areas highlights long term inequalities in Britain, the conclusion of a report by the Health Foundation entitled Unequal pandemic, fairer recovery.

Chaos that follows the ‘no strategy’ strategy

Parents angry at shifting government covid messages.

Covid-19: New rules for schools in England to be set out.

Hypocrisy in Britain

For an example of the shallowness of British society, and the ease with which a sizeable section of the population can be lulled into inactivity, just look at the ‘honours’ system that operates due to the existence of an hereditary monarchy. At a time when wide ranging changes are being proposed for the National Health Service which could drastically alter (for the worse) general working conditions; when staff shortages are getting worse – not solely down to the pandemic as it arrived at a time of a staffing crisis that had been developing for years; when a derisory pay offer is being offered by the Buffoon’s government which will very likely lead to strike action and/or an even greater departure of trained staff; and still a lack of a strategy to deal with covid – which we are constantly being told will be with us for ever – what is the government’s response? The Queen gives ‘courageous’ and ‘dedicated’ NHS the George Cross as William and Kate mark its 73rd birthday

Corruption in Britain

Greensill given access to covid loans without detailed checks.

Testing

UK pupils use orange juice to fake ‘positive’ Covid test results.

Test-and-trace rules ‘wreaking havoc’ for pubs and restaurants.

After the pandemic – or at least after Britain returns to ‘normal’

Why early-years education must be prioritised in pandemic recovery plans.

The Centre for Ageing Better has produced a report on access to the internet for older people, Covid-19 and the digital divide, with suggestions how things could change in the future.

Sunak must spend extra £10 billion a year on public services because of Covid – Office for Budget Responsibility.

Lessons from the pandemic

Human behaviour: what scientists have learned about it from the pandemic.

And how did it all start?

Covid origins: Scientists weigh up evidence over virus’s origins.

Bulletin of the Korean Association of Social Scientists

Posted on 10/07/2021 by Michael

Juche Tower – International Wall

More on the DPRK

View of the world

Ukraine – what you’re not told

Bulletin of the Korean Association of Social Scientists

‘The Juche idea, the Songun idea is focusing the attention of the world, when the independence is turning to the strong trend at present. Many people including the figures in political, public and academic circles and the Juche idea followers over the world are now developing the study and dissemination of the Juche idea, the Songun idea, making efforts to apply it in the reality of their countries.

The Korean Association of Social Scientists issues this Bulletin for the world progressives and the Juche idea followers who want to have deep understanding of the Juche idea, the Songun idea and to know the reality of the DPRK in which the Juche idea is applied brilliantly.

The Bulletin will carry the papers written by many local and foreign figures and scholars to explain the Juche idea, the Songun idea scientifically and theoretically, the articles introducing the DPRK which translates the idea into reality, news of seminars on the Juche idea and the news of activities done by the Juche idea followers.

We hope the Bulletin of the KASS will serve as mental pabulum and close companion that give hopes, conviction and courage to the people fighting for independence and justice.’

From the very first issue of the bulletin (p1, Number 1, 2014).