I visited Pyongyang in October 2015, invited along with other journalists from Beijing to cover the events surrounding the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War, at which time Korea was freed from 35 years of Japanese domination. Most of my time was spent with a video camera, but there were moments when I was able to take some still shots, and here they are.
Our bus driver waiting in front of the new airport terminal in Pyongyang
A couple of strange shots from the Yanggakdo International Hotel, where were stayed
Attending a performance of the Moranbong band
In Kim Il-sung Square after the day’s military parade
Couple on an evening stroll
Women dressed for their part in the military parade run across the square
The women were on their way across the square to a road where the parade’s military vehicles were returning to their bases
I climbed on the foundation of a light pole to get a better view of events
Quite a sight to watch the people cheer as the tanks and missile carriers thundered by
As they cheered the troops, I thought that these smiling boys were the “crazed animals” feared (and rightly so) by the South Koreans
Between the military parade and the next show, the military guys were apparently required to stay in place
In the subway, teaching the children to bow to the Dear Leader
Reading the news in the subway
A lunch in the exclusive revolving restaurant atop the hotel
