16 April 2012 Last updated at 05:09 ET
Damian Grammaticas, China correspondent Article written by Damian Grammaticas China correspondent

Kim Jong-un's first public speech

 

North Korea's new leader, Kim Jong-un, has spoken in public for the first time since assuming power late last year.

Kim Jong-un, who inherited his position from his father Kim Jong-il and grandfather Kim Il-sung, vowed to maintain his country's military might during a speech at a huge military parade in the capital, Pyongyang.

He spoke as North Korea marked the 100th anniversary of the birthday of Kim Il-sung. Here's my report:

Kim Jong-un gives his first public speech at the rally

A day earlier, some 70,000 people gathered for a rally at the Kim Il-sung stadium as part of the commemorations. It was also a mass show of loyalty, especially from the military, for the new Supreme Leader.

The rally took place the day after the failure of a high-profile rocket launch that North Korea claimed was for its space programme. Critics have said it was a cover for testing long-range missile technology.

The Pyongyang rally was part of the celebrations for Kim Il-sung

 
Damian Grammaticas, China correspondent Article written by Damian Grammaticas Damian Grammaticas China correspondent

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