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North Korean soldiers vow loyalty to Kim as S. Korea goes on alert
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North Korean troops pledged yesterday to defend leader Kim Jong Un with their lives after his uncle was executed for an alleged plot, as South Korea put its forces on alert for any “reckless provocations.”
The mass rally in Pyongyang came ahead of today’s second anniversary of the death of longtime leader Kim Jong Il, whose sudden demise thrust his young son Jong Un to the helm of the state.
The deadly execution prompted both Seoul and Washington to warn vigilance is needed against any surprises by North Korea.
State TV showed thousands of soldiers marching in a large square outside the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, which houses the embalmed bodies of the country’s founder Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il.
“Let’s become rifles and shields to safeguard the supreme commander!” they chanted during a memorial rally for Jong Il.
Choe Ryong-Hae, head of the military’s political bureau, urged the soldiers to protect Kim Jong Un “at the cost of their lives” and become “human bullets and bombs” for him.
Choe is seen as one of the most powerful military figures after Jang Song Thaek, Jong Un’s uncle, was executed last Friday for trying to overthrow the government.
Choe also said North Korean troops, undeterred by “strong winds,” would defend the young leader to death despite the “maneuvering of betrayers.”
South Korean President Park Geun-Hye yesterday called a meeting of top defense and national security officials.
“Given the latest development in North Korea, it is uncertain in what direction its political situation would evolve,” she told the meeting.
“We also can’t rule out the possibility of contingencies such as reckless provocations,” she said, urging the military to step up vigilance along the heavily fortified border.
Yesterday thousands of North Korean propaganda leaflets fell on the frontline island of Baengyeong warning of an attack on South Korean soldiers stationed there, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.
Park discussed what she called the “grave and unpredictable” situation at the meeting.
“She ordered (officials) to strengthen the joint defense posture with the US ... and continue to closely coordinate and share intelligence with related countries and the international community,” her spokesman said.
Kim spent a whirlwind weekend making public appearances around the country in a move apparently intended to show he is firmly in charge.
State media have reported since Saturday his “field guidance” trips to venues including a ski resort and a military fish warehouse, as well as a wake for a late senior party official.
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