Скачать или смотреть NORTH KOREA : 84TH ANNIVERSARY OF LATE 'GREAT LEADER' KIM IL SUNG

(15 Apr 1996) English/Nat

Kim Il-sung, North Korea's late ruling general, was honoured across the nation Monday on the 84th anniversary of his birth.

Over the weekend, at one of several meetings held to celebrate Kim's memory, a senior government figure warned that war between the Koreas is a question of when, not if.

The Great Leader, as he was known to North Koreans ruled the country from its inception in 1950, until his death in 1994.

Two years on, his influence remains strong as his son Kim Jong-il moves toward ascension to leader status.

The personality cult built around the eldest Kim is said to be one of the primary factors still holding the country together, despite massive food and fuel shortages.

SOUNDBITE: (KOREAN) \"Kim Il-sung, in North Korean history, is portrayed as a heroic leader and a god.\"
SUPER CAPTION: Suh Jae-jean, Research Fellow, Research Institute for National Unification

At the demilitarised zone where the two Koreas meet, music and
speeches praising the departed Great Leader could be heard faintly in the distance.

Daily propaganda broadcasts emanate from a village on the North Korean side of the zone.

But Monday's broadcasts are special, as are programme on North Korean state radio, monitored by the South Korean government and foreign journalists.

SOUNDBITE: (Korean) \"We received message of condolences
addressed to the great leader of our party and North Korea Kim Jong-il
on the 84th birthday of leader Kim Il-sung.\"
SUPER CAPTION: North Korean announcer

While Kim Il-sung's rule was never challenged and fondly celebrated in North Korea, his son and hand-picked successor, Kim Jong-il is not as popular.

Despite the passing of two years, the younger Kim has not assumed all of the offices his father held.

Analysts say he will most likely become the supreme leader in the fall, despite his weaker image.

SOUNDBITE: (KOREAN) \"Kim Jong-il, on the other hand, is in the
process of becoming a god. So, compared to his father, he has a lower political presence and has little political achievements. \"
SUPER CAPTION: Suh Jae-jean, Research Fellow, Research Institute for National Unification

Kim Jong-il may have a tougher road to travel to become as well-loved as his father.

With living conditions rapidly declining and glimpses of a wealthier Korea to the south occasionally sneaking through, many in North Korea will inevitably wish for the good old days...before their Great Leader passed on.

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