Bravery award for protecting 'headquarters of revolution'
Source: AFP |
May 10, 2013, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THE unusual award of a top medal for bravery to a North Korean traffic policewoman has fuelled speculation that she might have intervened in an incident that had threatened the life of leader Kim Jong Un.
Some South Korean media reports yesterday suggested policewoman, Ri Kyong Sim had rescued Kim from a traffic accident, while others even speculated about a possible assassination attempt.
The initial announcement that Ri had been given the coveted "Hero of the Republic" award was made in a brief despatch on May 5 by the official Korean Central News Agency.
Ri had "displayed the heroic self-sacrificing spirit of safeguarding the security of the headquarters of the revolution in an unexpected circumstance," it said without elaborating.
The phrase "headquarters of the revolution" is often used to refer to the country's supreme leadership.
The "Hero of the Republic" award is usually reserved for heroic acts during wartime, although it is also given to people who have made a major contribution to the country.
Speculation that Kim Jong Un was involved in some way was fuelled by hints in state media reports that followed the initial KCNA announcement.
"Comrade Ri's action was not made possible by pure accident, but made possible because she had always harbored this longing for the respected leader day and night," her superior officer told state TV in an interview.
State TV showed hundreds of soldiers and traffic police attending the award ceremony, during which Ri wept uncontrollably.
"I couldn't feel more grateful for the mercy shown by our respected leader in awarding me this highest honor," she said.
Some South Korean media reports yesterday suggested policewoman, Ri Kyong Sim had rescued Kim from a traffic accident, while others even speculated about a possible assassination attempt.
The initial announcement that Ri had been given the coveted "Hero of the Republic" award was made in a brief despatch on May 5 by the official Korean Central News Agency.
Ri had "displayed the heroic self-sacrificing spirit of safeguarding the security of the headquarters of the revolution in an unexpected circumstance," it said without elaborating.
The phrase "headquarters of the revolution" is often used to refer to the country's supreme leadership.
The "Hero of the Republic" award is usually reserved for heroic acts during wartime, although it is also given to people who have made a major contribution to the country.
Speculation that Kim Jong Un was involved in some way was fuelled by hints in state media reports that followed the initial KCNA announcement.
"Comrade Ri's action was not made possible by pure accident, but made possible because she had always harbored this longing for the respected leader day and night," her superior officer told state TV in an interview.
State TV showed hundreds of soldiers and traffic police attending the award ceremony, during which Ri wept uncontrollably.
"I couldn't feel more grateful for the mercy shown by our respected leader in awarding me this highest honor," she said.
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