North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his wife
were among the guests on Sunday at the first
of two special concerts in Pyongyang by South
Korean artists.
It seems he enjoyed it so much that he suggested
holding another concert in autumn.
Oh Jung-hee reports.
For the first time in 13 years,... a South
Korean art troupe held a concert in Pyongyang
on Sunday night,... dazzling an audience that
included North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and
his wife Ri Sol-ju.
The concert -- titled "Spring is Coming" -- started
at about 6:30 PM, North Korea time.
Eleven different South Korean artists... including
Cho Yong-pil, Lee Sun-hee, idol group Red
Velvet,... and Seo Hyun of Girls' Generation
performed at the concert.
The 15-hundred seat hall was completely full
as the South Korean singers sang songs that
represent the divided status of the two Koreas...
and they ended the concert with songs titled
'Our Hope is Reunification' and 'Until We
Meet Again.'
Kim Jong-un's attendance was somewhat expected,...
as the concert's start time was changed a
couple of times on the day.
He's known to have originally planned to watch
Tuesday's concert -- a joint one by South
and North Korean artists -- but had schedule
problems.
Kim said there should be more cultural and
art performances between Seoul and Pyongyang...
and suggested holding another concert in autumn
-- this time in Seoul -- signifying that the
two Koreas are seeing "fruitful results" from
their diplomatic push.
South Korea's taekwondo demonstration team
performed earlier on Sunday.
The performance was attended by high-level
North Korean taekwondo officials as well as
Choe Hwi, the chairman of the North's National
Sports Guidance Committee.
Around 23-hundred North Korean citizens also
watched the performance.
"We welcome South Korea's taekwondo demonstration
team to Pyongyang "
The 50-minute show featured smashing performances
as well as dances that use taekwondo moves.
The Pyongyang citizens in attendance clapped
and enjoyed the performance,... but showed
no response when the South Korean team danced
to the recent South Korean pop song 'Fire'
by boy band BTS.
On Monday, South Korean Taekwondo demonstration
team will hold another performance -- this
time, together with the North Korean team.
The South Korean artists will hold a joint
performance with their North Korean counterparts
on Tuesday before returning to Seoul.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.
