ITEM 1: The Adventures of Kim Jong-un! An anime perspective on the life of Kim Jong-un (College Humor):
Click image to watch full video.
ITEM 2: Looks like the Korean Friendship Association’s (KFA) “Special Delegation” to the DPRK to celebrate Kim Il-sung’s 100th birthday was not so special–and more expensive to boot! A participant reports on his travel with the Korean Friendship Association (KFA) here, here, and here.
ITEM 3: A reader points out that KCNA has updated the broadcast background to reflect the new construction on Mansudae Street. Below are two KCNA screen shots (2012-5-4, 2012-5-9):
Also, the news presenters have started wearing the new “double-leader badge” featuring both Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Below are two screenshots (2012-4-11 and 2012-4-12):
A touristto the DPRK took these pictures a few days ago:
On the left, the new Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il badge. On the right, someone who shares the sentiment but lacks the means (or is not as well connected).
According to a colleague the new “pair” badge was distributed to the delegates of the party conference (3-4 to each delegate), and from them to other people. It is very rare to see these badges right now.
The Daily NK and Ruediger Frank also wrote about the “pair” badges.
ITEM 4: North Korean art–some great works here. Also a reader send in this painting (3rd place and chosen as a national treasure no less!)
ITEM 5: This is the closest thing to a Kim Jong-il screen-saver that I have seen.
I wouldn’t say the new two-head badge is “very rare” in Pyongyang at least. I saw quite a lot of them while I was there last month.