Days after uncle’s execution, Kim Jong-un visits ski resort at ‘centre of world’s attention’
North Korean leader pictured in second public appearance since executing Jang Song-thaek
PUBLISHED : Sunday, 15 December, 2013, 10:48am
UPDATED : Sunday, 15 December, 2013, 10:48am
Agence France Presse
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visits a ski resort under construction near the Mount Masik pass. Photo: EPA
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a ski resort under construction in the northeast of the country to check on the progress of his pet project, state media reported on Sunday, just days after he had his uncle executed.
The Masik Pass Ski Resort made headlines in August when Switzerland blocked a $7.6 million sale of ski lifts to Pyongyang, calling it a “propaganda project” for the regime.
Featuring 110 kilometres (70 miles) of multi-level ski runs, a hotel, heliport and cable cars, the resort has been heavily promoted since Kim visited it in June and called for construction to be completed by the end of the year.
The visit marks Kim's second public activity after the execution of his uncle Jang Song-thaek. Photo: EPA
On his latest trip, the young leader praised soldiers and labourers for helping speed up construction under “biting cold in December”, official state news agency KCNA said, adding the project was “near completion”.
“He (Kim) said the skiing courses on the Masik Pass Ski Resort are world-class ones in terms of their number and total length,” it said.
The project was now “at the centre of the world’s attention”, Kim was quoted as saying, adding “everyone would marvel” at its magnificence.
Jang Song Thaek, with his hands tied with a rope, is dragged into the court by uniformed personnel. Photo: Reuters
He also urged operators to illuminate the resort at night to allow visitors to enjoy skiing and skating after dark, in an impoverished country suffering chronic power shortage.
Kim’s reported trip came days after the shock execution Thursday of his powerful uncle and political mentor, Jang Song-thaek.
Jang was put to death four days after he was ousted from all his party and military positions for charges including corruption and plotting to overthrow the state.
The purge was the biggest political upheaval since Kim, aged around 30, took power after the death of his father and longtime ruler, Kim Jong-Il, in December 2011.
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