Nodul riverside - Moranbong Band and Song So-hee versions Moranbong Band HD 2018-05-23 | The famous Korean folk song (new minyo) Nodul Riverside (노들강변) in two versions, the Moranbong Band and by the southern singer Song So-hee (송소희). I thought it might be interesting to some to show an example of culture common to both Koreas.The song originates in 1934 during the Japanese occupation. With lyrics written by Sin Bul-chul (신불출) and music by Moon Ho-wol (문호월), it was first recorded by Park Bu-yong (박부용).Nodul island (노들섬), located in the Han river in central Seoul, was once just a sand bank in the middle of the river. Here there used to be a boat station so people could pass the river.The song lyrics lets us meet one of the boats-men. He would sing "E-he-ya!" while rowing the boat. In the first verse the movements of the hanging branches of a willow tree reminds him of the skirt of a young woman who drowned in the river a long time ago.In the second verse he thinks about all the years he has been dragging the boat through the sand banks, making deep footprints while still feeling her presence in the water.In the third verse he thinks of his own destiny wishing for better times. And ,like so many others he will also one day be drowned in the river and presumably once again meet his loved one in there.Moranbong Band only sings the first two verses but one should not make any assumptions of that. An early example: youtu.be/b438bk8cpyY Actually the Moranbong Band version is more true to the original lyrics. The original Park Bu-yong recording: youtu.be/WBn4zRK1usMThere are several variations of the lyrics and Song So-hee doesn't even sing exactly the lyrics written into the video! At first I thought she had made a mistake in the third verse by singing "moseun" (무슨) instead of the written "mosam" (무삼), the latter here meaning a kind of hemp cloth used to wrap up a dead person before the funeral. It would fit in better, but in the 1934 original it's also "moseun". So, in fact it was the video editor who was lazy. Typical...Song So-hee is often said to be a national treasure. Likewise Moranbong Band is definitely the national treasure of music in the north.We all know it's hard to get videos from the north in good quality. Here though, the Song So-hee version is even more rare. It was recorded in 2013 (she was 16 at the time) but due to copyright problems the release was cancelled. They later made an audio only release so there may be advertisements when viewing as audio is the same (and copyrighted). I don't think you can find the second video anywhere else on YouTube and maybe they will take it down here, too. We'll see (as a well-known president usually puts it...).Technically this is an example of how the PAL video standard of the north and the south's NTSC can work well together without losing quality. All you have to do is just work a little harder to unify...
The Nine Dragons Trail in Mt. Kumgang Moranbong Band HD 2022-09-18 | All over the Korean peninsula there are beautiful mountains but the most famous of them all is Mt. Kumgang. In this video I walk the path up to the Nine Dragons Falls. The waterfall is 74 meters high but during my visit there were very little water due to dry and warm weather. At the pavilion there was a guy who had some drinks and snacks for sale in a box. He must be very fit as he has to walk the trail daily carrying his heavy box.I did not record much video simply because I had to concentrate on actually manage to make it down safely. I'm not used to walk long distances in hilly terrain so I literarily got shaky legs on the way down. I have never before felt my legs so tired when I finally arrived at the restaurant with the small ensemble of frogs playing Moranbong Band music outside (I had to put it in the beginning of the video to make the music fit).This area used to be possible even for Koreans from the South to visit, not just for family reunions but also normal hiking. I can't wait for the day when 산 속에 백만송희 channel at youtube.com/channel/UCwc5yW-HBQrYnkPEI8kRl8w will be able to do a proper exploration of this beautiful trail. Some more info of the trail: alltrails.com/trail/north-korea/kangwon/kuryong-fallsOriginal Moranbong Band video: youtu.be/mMUWCXmd4M0
Moranbong Band - Voice of my heart ( 내 심장의 목소리) Moranbong Band HD 2022-06-11 | 모란봉악단 - 내 심장의 목소리Music: Rim Kum-song (림금성) 2014Text: Ri Hye-jong (리혜정)Vocal solo: Ra Yu-mi (라유미)Recorded: 2014.05.20 Mokran Video DPRKRa Yu-mi is among many considered the most talented singer of the Moranbong Band. Here her honor title "Merited Artiste" is actually showed on screen at the beginning.I was in the process of making a video with footage of my own inspired by the fact I heard this song from a hidden loudspeaker outside a restaurant in Mt. Kumgang, when I realized what I had heard (and recorded) was from this May 2014 performance and not the one in September... As I need the audio and some footage from that video i might just as well publish the song separately, too. As a bonus the clapping in the beginning (in the full concert video) which covers Kang Phyong-hui's guitar intro has been removed in this version.
Moranbong Band - Brilliant Fatherland (빛나는 조국) Moranbong Band HD 2022-04-15 | 모란봉악단 - 빛나는 조국Text: Pak Se-yon (박세영)Music: Ri Myon-sang (리면상) 1947Recorded: 2013.01.01 Mokran Video DPRKHere they sing the original variant of the lyrics from 1947 in line three: "A nation of strong spirits" (민족의 억센기상). It was later changed to "The revolutionary spirit of our leader" (수령님 혁명정신) to honor the at the time supreme leader Kim Il-sung. For some reason, of which I am unaware, further later on they omitted the honorific suffix "-nim" (님) from "leader" (like in youtu.be/ME7osnyceEk ) to become 수령의 혁명정신, perhaps to be interpreted as just about any leader and not THE leader.It might seem strange to choose this song to celebrate the 110th birthday of President Kim Il-sung in which he is not mentioned at all, but (apart from lack of proper videos to upload...) this song have a very special place alongside the national anthem and actually celebrates the whole nation including all who live and have lived there. It was written as a national anthem candidate but eventually was not chosen.
Moranbong Band - Single minded people (인민은 일편단심) Moranbong Band HD 2022-02-16 | 모란봉악단 - 인민은 일편단심Music: U Jong-hui (우정희) 2012Text: Ri Ji-song (리지성)Recorded: 2013.01.01 Mokran Video DPRK
Moranbong Band - Let New Years snow fall, Finale (설눈아 내려라, 종곡) Moranbong Band HD 2021-12-31 | 모란봉악단 - 설눈아 내려라, 종곡Text & music: Ri Jongo (리종오) 1991Recorded: 2013.01.01 Mokran Video DPRKThe very last shortened da capo version of the song that since then is the most popular New Year's song of all. Right here a new tradition was born. The text on the backdrop, 새해를 축하합니다, simply means:"Happy New Year!"Full version of the song: youtu.be/rVsaOYZl3E0
Moranbong Band - Thinking of the General (장군님 생각) Moranbong Band HD 2021-12-16 | 모란봉악단 - 장군님 생각Text & music: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영) 1993Vocal solo: Ra Yu-mi (라유미)Recorded: 2014.05.20 Mokran Video DPRKAt the 2014.04.20 performance of this song (youtu.be/ktqMn-McobE) Ra Yu-mi was acting as Mother Kim Jong-suk waiting in the heavens for her husband, General Kim Il-sung. Here however she sings as herself mourning General Kim Jong-il. Interestingly the lyrics works perfectly both ways.
Moranbong Band - Mothers voice (어머니의 목소리) Moranbong Band HD 2021-11-16 | 모란봉악단 - 어머니의 목소리Music: Kim Hak-yong (김학영) 1992Text: Mun Gi-chang (문기창)Recorded: 2012.10.11 Mokran Video, DPRKAn alternative version with Kim Yu-kyong as soloist was performed in 2016:youtu.be/TAzAca5-3UU
Moranbong Band - I sing in praise of the Party (당을 노래하노라) Moranbong Band HD 2021-10-09 | 모란봉악단 - 당을 노래하노라Music: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영) 2010Text: Cha Yong-do (차영도)Recorded: 2012.10.11 Mokran Video, DPRK
Moranbong Band & State Merited Chorus - Loving (사랑하노라) Moranbong Band HD 2021-09-25 | 모란봉악단과 공훈국가합창단 - 사랑하노라Text: Ri Hye-jong (리혜정)Music: Sol The-song (설태성) 2014Recorded: 2015.10.11 Mokran Video DPRKAlternative version: youtu.be/fZoCt-YorRwToday five years ago the first video was published on this channel!
Moranbong Band - Mother (어머니) Moranbong Band HD 2021-02-12 | 모란봉악단 - 어머니Music: Ryu Yong-nam (류용남) 1992Text: Ri Kwang-son (리광선)Vocal duo: Ri Myong-hui (리명희) & Pak Son-hyang (박선향)Bayan solo: Kim Hyang-sun (김향순)Recorded: 2012.10.11 Mokran Video, DPRKA well hidden jewel in the Moranbong Band:The synthesizer player Kim Hyang-sun here switches to Russian accordion (bayan). She usually looked almost bored when playing synth and actually quit the band in 2013. But here with her accordion, her eyes shine up just from playing this simple tune. The reason for this is she is in reality an accordion virtuoso of very high class.Check out this video when she performs "Horse hooves at Mt. Paektu": youtu.be/XaBF6VNWMo8 and it becomes clear she really has no use of the Moranbong Band. She could just play everything by herself...In this video from the same TV program "Talents of the DPRK" in 2009 she performs an arrangement of the well-known virtuoso piece "La Campanella" by Franz Liszt: youtu.be/tfFE_dYFAekFinally from the Korean revolutionary opera "Sea of Blood", "The Banner of the Revolution": youtu.be/poMqsApA0ZwSince she left the Moranbong Band she has been seen performing with the State Merited Chorus.Japanese subtitles: @Cathay 340, @グレートキエThai subtitles: @Panyut Sriwirote
Samjiyon Orchestra - One great family & Advancing Socialism Moranbong Band HD 2021-01-26 | From a TV transmission 2021.01.25 to celebrate the 8th Party CongressThis is of course not the Moranbong Band but who knows, maybe this is a beginning of a new generation of singers advancing into popularity?Video was captured from an online stream with limited bandwidth. Some detail is missing.
Moranbong Band - Dash to the future (달려가자 미래로) Moranbong Band HD 2020-12-31 | 모란봉악단 - 달려가자 미래로Recorded: 2014-05-20 Mokran Video, DPRKPersonally I must admit that I prefer the version from 2013.10.10 but this song has a good message to greet You all a Happy New Year!There are are subtitles available in 13 different languages that I had to check the time codes for. I hope I got it right. All except Korean and English were previously added by watchers. Thanks a lot!
Moranbong Band - Medley in honor of the General (장군님을 우러러 부르는 노래련곡) Moranbong Band HD 2020-12-07 | 모란봉악단 - 장군님을 우러러 부르는 노래련곡Recorded: 2013.01.01 Mokran Video, DPRKWhen this medley was performed on New Year's Day 2013, just a little over one year had passed since the demise of Supreme Leader General Kim Jong-il. Still within the three years long mourning period all efforts were put in to make this medley as glorious as possible.00:00 Song dedicated to Comrade Kim Jong-il (김정일동지께 드리는 노래)Text & Music: Kim Gon-il (김건일) 199202:52 The General is the son of a partisan (장군님은 빨찌산의 아들)Music: U Jong-hui (우정희) 199704:14 Glorious and admirable (매혹과 흠모)Music: An Jong-ho (안정호) 2010Text: Yun Du-gun (윤두근)06:08 Song of the people’s love (인민사랑의 노래)Music: An Jong-ho (안정호) 2010Text: Yun Du-gun (윤두근)08:16 Thinking of Him (그이만을 생각하네)Music: Kim Un-ryong (김운룡)Text: Sin Ji-rak (신지락)09:34 Snow falls on the road to the front (전선길에 눈이 내리네)Music: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영) 2001Text: Jong Ryol (정렬)11:10 Tell, road of Songun (말하라 선군길아)Music: Kim Un-ryong (김운룡) 2004Text: Yun Du-gun (윤두근)The memorial stone (along the steep mountain Road of Songun southward from Kosan (고산)) showed at 12.14 reads "At this spot on 1998.08.03, the Dear Comrade Supreme Commander Kim Jong-il pushed His car up on His own". This made me think of the memorial in far away Norway over the postman Gunnar Turtveit who was buried in snow for 56 hours and digged himself out using his post horn. People who live in mountainous countries are a special kind... instagram.com/p/B19iLHzIjUx12:39 The General uses teleportation (장군님 축지법 쓰신다Music: Kim Un-ryong (김운룡) 1996The "teleportation" is an ancient mythical way of shrinking space (some English translations use "warp speed") to travel fast and is of course figurative speech. In Japan it's called "shukuchi" with Wikipedia link en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shukuchi13:22 Thunder from Jong-Il Peak (정일봉의 우뢰소리)Music: An Jong-ho (안정호) 1994Perfectly placed here because when you travel at "shukuchi" speed there will be thunder heard in the air. This made me think of good old von Däniken and vimana (sorry for that!).14:18 The force of Korea (조선의 힘)Music: U Jong-hui (우정희) 2012Text: O Yong-je (오영재)The powerful finale of this great medley. Both the performers and the arranger may be proud of their efforts.
Moranbong Band - Lets give glory to our great Party (영광을 드리자 위대한 우리 당에) Moranbong Band HD 2020-10-09 | 모란봉악단 - 영광을 드리자 위대한 우리 당에Music: An Jong-ho (안정호), 2010Text: Yun Du-gun (윤두근)Recorded: 2012.10.11 Mokran Video, DPRKJapanese subtitles: @Cathay 340, @グレートキエThai subtitles: @Panyut Sriwirote
The Workers Party of Korea 7th Congress celebration performance (조선로동당 제7차대회경축 공연) Moranbong Band HD 2020-06-14 | Moranbong Band, Chongbong Band & State Merited Chorus모란봉악단, 청봉악단, 공훈국가합창단 합동공연Recorded: 2016.05.11 Mokran Video, DPRKThe 7th Party congress in 2016 was a major event in the history of the DPRK and to celebrate it a major concert also took place. The content basically describes the 20th century history of Korea going all back to the beginning of the century.A report by a rather arrogant BBC reporter from the event where he actually got a glimps of the Moranbong singers backstage: youtu.be/9MaB4C5Tu6A Fortunately Hyon Song-wol was there to protect them...Video quality is not very good, partly because of mpeg2 compression artefacts. The original file had to be within the 4 GB limit of FAT32 and is therefore heavily compressed. In this video I tried to remove some more of the artefacts without loosing too much detail. I hope i looks better compared to the individual clips linked to below.0:00 Intro0:16 The National Anthem (애국가)Music: Kim Won-gyun (김원균) 19471:52 The green pine on Nam Hill (남산의 푸른 소나무)Text: Kim Hyong-jik (김형직) 1918 Kim Hyong-jik was the father of Kim Il-sung and wrote this poem at the time of His departure to go out in the liberation war. At the end his motto written with Chinese letters: 志遠 = Aim High!7:34 Long live the great Korean Worker’s Party (조선로동당 만세)youtu.be/zjxIPVRhxqU26:09 Loving (사랑하노라)Text: Ri Hye-jong (리혜정) 2014Music: Sol The-song (설태성)Moranbong Band version: youtu.be/fZoCt-YorRw30:53 Let's defend socialism (사회주의 지키세)youtu.be/fn5TZjZX4mM34:24 Mother's voice (어머니의 목소리)youtu.be/TAzAca5-3UU39:13 Let’s subordinate ourselves under the Party flag (당의 기치따라)Music: Han Si-hyong (한시형) 1980Text: CollectiveChollima runs (천리마 달린다)Music: Kim Gil-hak (김길학) 1960Text: Nam Ung-son (남응손)44:32 Mother Party (어머니당이여)youtu.be/zHiGIuvsAok49:42 I sing in praise of the Party (당을 노래하노라)youtu.be/HQqN_XB8b9E55:08 One great family (하나의 대가정)youtu.be/gZRGPb02WeI58:47 Let us go with high spirits (신심드높이 가리라)youtu.be/yzAY94TYT0U1:02:26 Fly high our Party flag! (높이 날려라 우리의 당기)Music: Kim Dong-chol (김동철) 19851:10:57 We have nothing to envy in this world (세상에 부럼없어라)youtu.be/AbFf8CEECC81:18:04 Glory to the Worker’s Party of Korea (영광드립니다 조선로동당이여)youtu.be/0-M7X1NSesU1:21:49 Partisan songs medley (빨찌산 노래 련곡)Individual song titles in the English subtitles1:37:05 We love the Party flag (우리는 당기를 사랑하네)youtu.be/yfJrMWsXzaQ1:41:35 Rich Harvest Comes to the Chongsan Plain (청산벌에 풍년이 왔네)youtu.be/wkAwF2JyUX01:45:44 People's wish (인민의 축원)youtu.be/7AMtfs9s2Jw1:50:59 The Mother Party protects my destiny (내 운명 지켜준 어머니당이여)Individual song titles in the English subtitles2:03:59 We love (우린 사랑한다)youtu.be/7Wrxlj4CFRY2:14:00 Our faith (우리의 신념)Music: Pak Myong-song (박명성) 2016Text: Ri Hye-jong (리혜정)2:17:52 We will forever follow this only way (영원히 한길을 가리라)youtu.be/HraXP1j-IkQ
Chongbong Band - Peoples wish (인민의 축원) Moranbong Band HD 2020-06-07 | 청봉악단 - 인민의 축원Music: U Jong-hui (우정희)Text: Ri Ji-song (리지성)Recorded: 2016.05.11 Mokran Video, DPRKThe Chongbong Band style is more serious, perhaps with grown up intellectuals in mind. Sometimes they even lean towards the equilibrist with intricate arrangements, etc. Here however, they perform a really beautiful version of this equally beautiful song.The lyrics are a variant on the theme of how hard the Supreme Leader works for His people. The Orion's belt star constellation mentioned in the lyrics, can actually be seen on the backdrop at 0:22 . While following the strict rules for how DPRK texts should be written it reaches very high poetic qualities. With my limited knowledge of the English language, it actually feels a bit awkward to try and translate it.Some of the highest quality music in the western history of music comes from times when even more strict rules had to be obeyed. Often the same religious themes were used over and over again but reaching higher levels of art each time. I'm thinking of 16th Century polyphony by Franko-flemish masters like Ockeghem, Josquin and Palestrina. Later on Bach also had to follow (and bend) the rules in his famous church music. Maybe the secret why the DPRK music reaches these high levels of fine art lies in the fact they also have many strict rules to follow and fight against?
Moranbong Band & State Merited Chorus - Let us go with high spirits (신심드높이 가리라) Moranbong Band HD 2020-05-31 | 모란봉악단 & 공훈국가합창단 - 신심드높이 가리라Music: Om Ha-jin (엄하진) 1986Text: Kim Du-il (김두일)Recorded: 2016.05.11 Mokran Video, DPRK
A Moranbong Band Victory Day celebration performance 2013.07.27 (모란봉악단 전승절 축하공연 130727) Moranbong Band HD 2020-05-09 | Recorded: 2013.07.27 Mokran Video, DPRKThis concert was held in the Mokran House, Pyongyang at the banquet to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the armistice agreement in the Korean war. A couple of days later a longer version took place in the much larger arena Mansudae People's Theatre as a thank you gesture from the Supreme Leader to the participants in the military parade. There the band got a much more lively response from the audience compared to this rather strict banquet. A link to a video captured from KCTV i low resolution youtu.be/3PpNryvw-90 where the the actual performance is just 1h 12min long. For some reason the whole video is repeated several times.Check out the links attached below for more info on each of the songs.0:00 Intro0:37 The National Anthem (애국가)2:48 Go all out for victory in the war (모든 힘을 전쟁의 승리를 위하여)youtu.be/yOq_63XJJEo6:30 Song of blessing (축복의 노래)youtu.be/hHTeH1Oop9k11:25 Mungyong Pass (문경고개)youtu.be/V4ZufjjPb6Y15:39 Medley of war movie songs (전쟁영화노래련곡)youtu.be/nCGaLmR4UNk26:13 Tell, Fireworks of War Victory (전승의 축포여 말하라youtu.be/HrtlEybS1_M31:13 At the spring site (샘물터에서)youtu.be/iO4Q1iPv3qw33:55 Long long live the commander-in-chief Kim Il Sung (김일성대원수 만만세)youtu.be/Tyib7uyQZq438:55 Celebration for the great victory (위대한 전승의 명절)youtu.be/p1h-Y7OqBrw41:55 Honours to victors of the great years (위대한 년대의 승리자들에게 경의를 드린다)youtu.be/QKdZ4hXvxUg44:24 7.27 March (7.27 행진곡)youtu.be/fgfKKWVik3s
Moranbong Band - Long long live the commander-in-chief Kim Il-sung (김일성대원수 만만세) Moranbong Band HD 2020-05-03 | 모란봉악단 - 김일성대원수 만만세Recorded: 2013.07.27 Mokran Video, DPRK1. We won (우리는 승리했네)Music: Ri Myon-sang (리면상) 1953Text: Sok Pal-pong(석팔봉)2. The beginning of the speech held by Marshal Kim Il-sung on July 28, 1953 where he announces the armistice agreement. The speech was held right south of the Moranbong park in Pyongyang. Nowadays there is a mosaic at the spot depicting him holding this speech. In 1982 the large arch of triumph was built close to where the listeners stood during the actual speech.3. Long long live the commander-in-chief Kim Il Sung (김일성대원수 만만세)Music: Ri Jong-o (리종오) 1992Text: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영)
Moranbong Band - Mothers voice (어머니의 목소리) Moranbong Band HD 2020-04-26 | 모란봉악단 - 어머니의 목소리Music: Kim Hak-yong (김학영) 1992Text: Mun Gi-chang (문기창)Recorded: 2016.05.11An alternative version with Ryu Jin-a as soloist was performed in 2012:youtu.be/mgA_zXqX0A0?t=3691
Moranbong Band - Go all out for victory in the war (모든 힘을 전쟁의 승리를 위하여) Moranbong Band HD 2020-04-15 | 모란봉악단 - 모든 힘을 전쟁의 승리를 위하여Recorded: 2013.07.27 Mokran Video, DPRKAfter the challenging musical introduction, (the at the time) General Kim Il-sung enters for a radio speech given on June 26, 1950. The day before the war against the US had broken out. In this address to the whole Korean people he explains what had happened. Just the beginning of the speech is present in this video. Those interested can read the full speech translated to English by downloading this pdf: http://www.bannedthought.net/Korea-DPRK/KimIlSung/GoAllOutForVictoryInTheWar-1950.pdfThen follows the song:Marching and marching (진군 또 진군)Music: Hwang Hak-gun (황학근) 1950Text: Group (집체)
Moranbong Band - We love the Party flag (우리는 당기를 사랑하네) Moranbong Band HD 2020-04-10 | 모란봉악단 - 우리는 당기를 사랑하네Music: U Jong-hui (우정희) 2015Text: Cha Ho-gun (차호근)Vocal intro: Kim Yu-kyong 김유경)Recorded: 2016.05.11 Mokran Video DPRKThis song was also performed in October 2015 with Jo Kuk-hyang doing the intro but here with Kim Yu-kyong instead. The 2015 version can be found here: youtu.be/Vr2YaOIfhqc . The full concert upload is technically better (without video errors) here: youtu.be/9sdT10f3AFM?t=5292The more ballade-like 2015 version had a very passionate intro by Jo Kuk-hyang. Here Kim Yu-kyong makes a more lovely style intro but the song soon changes into a more rocky variant.
Moranbong Band - Motherland and I (조국과 나) Moranbong Band HD 2020-04-04 | 모란봉악단 - 조국과 나Text: Ryu Dong-ho (류동호)Music: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영) 1997Vocal solo: Ryu Jin-a (류진아)Piano solo: Kim Jong-mi (김정미)Recorded: 2013.10.10 Mokran Video DPRKRyu Jin-a also sang this song at the Party jubilee in 2012 (youtu.be/ox7XWuCjp1Y ) but here she sings all three verses. The arrangement is also completely different.As this full concert was already published at youtu.be/t4bGLWK9V74 this is indeed a duplicate but I think this song really deserves a separate entry.
Moranbong Band & State Merited Chorus - The 70th anniversary of The Workers Party of Korea Moranbong Band HD 2020-03-22 | 모란봉악단과 공훈국가합창단 - 조선로동당창건 70돐경축Recorded: 2015.10.11 Mokran Video, DPRKI did not have the time to proofread all the subtitles. If you find any misplaced lyrics, please comment. Also some of the older translations could benefit from an overhaul but for now I simply used them as is. It would have taken for ever...0:00 Intro0:18 The national anthem (애국가)Music: Kim Won-gyun (김원균) 19471:59 Mother's birthday (어머니 생일)youtu.be/bNzSI-2005U 5:48 The shining name of the Sun (빛나라 태양의 그 이름) 9:05 Long live the Workers' Party of Korea medley (조선로동당 만세 련곡)youtu.be/Y6zcLBI9eYo20:54 I sing in praise of the Party (당을 노래하노라)Music: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영) 2010Text: Cha Yong-do (차영도)Vocal solo: Im Ji-song (임지성)Moranbong Band version: youtu.be/HPXyYTlWlkw25:46 Longing is my happiness (그리움은 나의)youtu.be/XgXKz_Ckwj829:58 We have longed to see you (뵙고싶었습니다)youtu.be/-vexJ2q-bhY33:22 Loving (사랑하노라)youtu.be/Nz1iU-dInYY37:34 My country is the best (내 나라 제일로 좋아)Moranbong Band version: youtu.be/z-bnpQLwDsEAt 40:39 the oboist switches to a "jangsenap" (장새납) which is a double reed instrument with origins somewhere in inner Asia. In medieval times it spread both to the west and east. In the west it evolved into a "shawn" and later to the modern oboe. In Korea the "classic" variant "senap" or "taepyeongso" (태평소) is still in use as a ceremonial instrument. By adding the finger mechanics of the oboe to the senap it was developed into a fully chromatic (western style scale) by the DPRK in the 1970s.The tune he is playing is the Korean traditional "Arirang" with accompaniment by the small gong "kkwaenggwari" (꽹과리) which is very typical for Korean folk music. Kkwaenggwari is also often used by the Moranbong Band (usually played by the saxophonist Choe Jong-im) to symbolize good harvests etc.42:28 Ode to the Workers' Party of Korea (조선로동당찬가)46:57 March of Korea (조선의 진군가)49:19 Our Comrade Kim Jong-un (우리의 김정은동지)youtu.be/qh2Ct_WZ5oY52:24 Hand of Destiny (운명의 손길)youtu.be/6rpKtgMlRdQ56:22 With pride (보란듯이)youtu.be/heXPirh4UJs59:44 The appearance of Korea (조선의 모습)Music: Om Ha-jin (엄하진) 1989Text: Kim Jong-hun (김정훈)1:02:34 We will follow our Party forever (우리 당 영원히 따르리)youtu.be/9Kjdanxjmhg1:05:45 Even in death, let's not give up our revolutionary beliefs (죽어도 혁명신념 버리지 말자)Text: Ri Ji-song (리지성) 2015Music: U Jong-hui (우정희)Moranbong Band version: youtu.be/4WV_qBg45qE1:10:35 Let’s go to Mount Paektu (가리라 백두산으로)Music: U Jong-hui (우정희) 2015Text: Ri Ji-song (리지성)Moranbong Band version: youtu.be/qhXrye7zkwY1:15:00 We will forever follow this only way (영원히 한길을 가리라)youtu.be/Brm4hzZb0Zs1:24:35 Today, tomorrow, into eternity (오늘도 래일도 영원히)youtu.be/1AIF5SLuz141:28:12 We love the Party flag (우리는 당이를 사랑하네)youtu.be/Vr2YaOIfhqc1:32:38 Mother's birthday (어머니 생일)
Moranbong Band & State Merited Chorus - Today, tomorrow, into eternity (오늘도 래일도 영원히) Moranbong Band HD 2020-03-15 | 모란봉악단과 공훈국가합창단 - 오늘도 래일도 영원히Recorded: 2015.10.11 Mokran Video, DPRK
Moranbong Band & State Merited Chorus - The 68th anniversary of The Workers Party of Korea Moranbong Band HD 2020-03-04 | 모란봉악단과 공훈국가합창단 - 조선로동당창건 68돐경 축Recorded: 2013.10.10 Mokran Video, DPRKThe Moranbong Band has here been active a little over a year and are now extremely popular among DPRK citizens. Since their debut in 2012 as a sign of the new era they had made many performances with great success, and this concert is no exception. But there were some blackening clouds towering up within the leadership of the country that came to its climax later in December with the execution of Jang Song-thaek. Perhaps some of the songs were selected with this in mind?Instead of just repeating the information for songs that have previously been published individually, I have simply added a link to those videos below.0:00 Intro0:22 I sing in praise of the Party (당을 노래하노라)youtu.be/K27HzwY-z1w2:34 Paean to my Motherland (조국찬가)youtu.be/HmkT7LFG3_g6:47 The Mother Party protects my destiny medley (내 운명 지켜준 어머니당이여 련곡)youtu.be/_L_GFCRNh6818:19 Our future is bright (우리 앞날 밝다)Text & music: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영) 1993This song was written two years after the fall of the Soviet Union and the whole eastern block of socialist countries. The DPRK had lost most of its allies and trading partners and stood more or less alone. This led to an economic downfall and added to that several natural disasters that eventually led to a severe hunger crisis. The lyrics might seem inappropriate or even ironic but at hard times this kind of music actually help people in their struggles to carry on despite all trouble. By the end of the millennium the DPRK was back on its feet again and has since then proved the line "There is no one who can stop us" many times.21:56 Dash to the future (달려가자 미래로)youtu.be/AOH41w7M2tU25:03 Fly high our Party flag (높이 날려라 우리의 당기)youtu.be/3TOzFz7pr8o29:54 My way (나의 길)Text & music: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영) 1997Vocal solo: Kim Myong-sin (김명신)Violin solo: Sonu Hyang-hui (선우향희)35:02 Where my life came into bloom (내 삶이 꽃펴난 곳)youtu.be/gLAsSW6FOh038:35 Motherland and I (조국과 나)youtu.be/7g73w-_OIJcText: Ryu Dong-ho (류동호) 1997Music: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영)Vocal solo: Ryu Jin-a (류진아)Piano solo: Kim Jong-mi (김정미)Written during the hard days of the late 1990s, this beautiful song tells you with a touch of melancholy that even during difficult times your home is in the bosom of the Workers' Party.Ryu Jin-a also performed this song in 2012: youtu.be/ox7XWuCjp1Y but here she sings all three verses.43:06 It is October (10월입니다)youtu.be/BHxJEirZqdY46:50 Spread Your wings, Chollima of Songun Korea (나래치라 선군조선 천리마여)Music: U Jong-hui (우정희) 2009Text: Cha Ho-gun (차호근) Vocal solo: Ham Kum-ju (함금주)The mythological Chollima horse is of great strength and can, thanks to its wings, travel 1000 ri in a single day. The lyrics refers to when the Great Leader Kim Il-sung once got injured near Mt Paektu during the anti-Japanese guerilla fights and a wild horse came and saved him from freezing to death by warming him with his body. General Kim Jong-il spent some of his childhood near Mt. Paektu.The very dramatic opera style voice of People’s Artiste Ham Kum-ju is completely different to the Moranbong Band singers, but when depicting Chollima her powerful singing actually fits perfectly.49:20 Burn high, campfire! (타오르라 우등불아)youtu.be/dteukX3tRXg52:41 Peace is on our bayonets (우리의 총창우에 평화가 있다)Music: Ri Jongo (리종오) 1993Text: Jong Un-ok (정은옥)57:05 Let's defend socialism (사회주의 지키세)Music: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영) 1991Text: Sin Un-ho (신운호)Written in 1991 at the time when the Eastern bloc fell for the temptational winds of capitalist money, this song declared that the DPRK should stay on the road of socialism.Now in 2013 other winds of temptation began to blow on a few, channeling money into their hands. They even tried to grab the sword of justice from its righteous owner, believing He was not experienced enough to handle it. They were however gravely mistaken and soon the sword of justice turned them down. In late 2013 the song: youtu.be/xvC1e4STgAo was first published but not performed by the Moranbong Band until 2014."The guiding star" refers to the Worker's Party of Korea. At 57:24 the red flag of the Soviet Union is shown over the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow. Next the flag is taken down, followed by a crying woman.1:01:01 His great name is the banner of victory (위대한 그 이름은 승리의 기치)youtu.be/Fv0VpRXT-js1:03:35 Long live the Workers' Party of Korea (조선로동당 만세)Music: Om Ha-jin (엄하진) 1980Text: An Ho-gun (안호근)
A joint performance by the Moranbong Band & State Merited Chorus 2016.12.28 Moranbong Band HD 2020-02-16 | A joint performance by the Moranbong Band & State Merited Chorus For the participants in the First Conference of Chairpersons of the Primary Committees of the whole Party(제1차 전당초급당위원장대희 참가자들을 위한 모란봉악단, 공훈국가합창단 합동공연)Recorded: 2012.12.28 Mokran Video, DPRKIn this performance the State Merited Chorus (and orchestra) really shines under its conductor Jang Ryong-sik (장령식). Their style with origins from the old Soviet Union is carried on with great care even surpassing in style and musical perfection. Actually it is a little strange that this kind of music would end up being preserved in the far east DPRK. Perhaps even UNESCO should entitle the State Merited Chorus as a World Culture Heritage for preserving traditional socialist music?The Moranbong Band on the other hand obviously have difficulties to get enough instrumentalists on stage. Nevertheless they put up a just as great performance as always with the help of a few borrowed males, dressed in all white (even shoes!). The girls however, all of a sudden have invested in new black skirts. Perhaps their newly rehearsed elaborate dance moves look better in less innocent black?This is the last time (at least for now) Pak Son-hyang (박선향) was seen on stage. They also avoid showing her on camera, indicating something had happened to her family, just as was the case for Kim Yu-kyong (김유경) in 2014. They were both still allowed to perform, even in front of the Supreme Leader Himself, but the old traditions of generational punishment are still alive in people's minds. Let's hope she has used her time off to get herself her own family.There is a downside of setting up a band of all females in their early 20s in a country where family and children are the most important. But, after a few years the kids will attend kindergarten so their mothers can start performing again. Let's hope for a great comeback soon!To get more info on some of the songs click the links to where they were previously published individually.0:44 Following our Leader and Party for millions of ri (수령님을 따라 천만리 당을 따라 천만리)9:16 Medley You are Mother (노래련곡 그대는 어머니)youtu.be/jlmq5Gt5Kz422:07 I know only You (그대밖에 내 몰라라)Music: So Jong-gon (서정건) 1987Text: Jon Tong-u (전동우)Vocal solo: Choe Jin-hok (최진헉)This song was performed in 2012 with Yu Un-jong (유은정) as cello soloist: youtu.be/NKIiglf4bfA but here you also get to know the lyrics. It comes from the movie "Trust" (보증).26:59 Are we living like back then (그때처럼 우리가 살고있는가)youtu.be/iFHVMaY_TLk31:00 With pride (보란듯이)youtu.be/6WxV2gqDG8k34:41 We have a great Party (우리에겐 위대한 당이 있네)youtu.be/RWNNfRcWl1A39:05 High haul in the sea & Sea of apples at the foot of Chol Pass (바다 만풍가 & 철령아래 사과바다)youtu.be/nhirZ_xk8Og45:13 Oh Party, because of You (당이여 그대 있기에)youtu.be/0LF7sxwK5Hc50:29 I sing in praise of the Party (당을 노래하노라)Music: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영) 2010Text: Cha Yong-do (차영도)Vocal solo: Kim Kwang-myong (김광명)55:58 We are the Mallima riders (우리는 만리마기수)youtu.be/KQx6HIcVxFg1:00:23 Advancing in socialism (전진하는 사회주의)youtu.be/Nzb3dqRaN_81:04:49 We will follow the path of loyalty (충성의 한길로 가고가리라)Music: Kim Yun-bung (김윤붕) 1972Text: Kim Je-hwa (김재화) The flag at 1:05:37 with the characters ㅌ.ㄷ is the flag of the forrunner of the Worker's Party of Korea established in 1926. ㅌ.ㄷ stands for 타도제국주의동맹 which translates to Down With Imperialism Union. In 2016 was the 20th anniversary of its foundation. At 1:05:59 they show the old Party building in Pyongyang, nowadays a museum.1:12:19 Whether 1000 ri or 10 000 ri (천리라도 만리라도)youtu.be/xFim7Vac20Q
Moranbong Band & State Merited Chorus - His great name is the banner of victory Moranbong Band HD 2020-02-01 | 모란봉악단과 공훈국가합창단 - 위대한 그 이름은 승리의 기치Composition: Hwang Jin-yong 황진영 2013Recorded: 2013.10.10 Mokran Video, DPRK
Moranbong Band - Honours to victors of the great years (위대한 년대의 승리자들에게 경의를 드린다) Moranbong Band HD 2020-01-25 | 모란봉악단 - 위대한 년대의 승리자들에게 경의를 드린다Music: Jo Kyong-jun (조경준) & Hyon Un-chol (현은철) 2013Text: Han Te-jun (한태준) & Jong Ye-nyam (정예냠)Recorded: 2013.07.27 Mokran Video, DPRKDuring the second verse the band members not only pay their respects through the song lyrics but also by offering flowers to war veterans present in the audience.At the very end of the concert the old soldiers offer the same flowers in return to the band to show their gratitude for the performance. Probably not a planned gesture. Seen at the end of this video: youtu.be/fgfKKWVik3s
Moranbong Band HD trailer Moranbong Band HD 2020-01-21 | NK POP - elegance - beauty - Juche - full HD - subtitles - enjoy!
A Moranbong Band performance to celebrate the 1st air force personnel conference Moranbong Band HD 2020-01-12 | 조선인민군 제1차 비행사대회 가자들을 위한 모란봉악단 축하공연Recorded: 2014.04.20 Mokran Video, DPRKThis is one of the Moranbong Band major concerts. It starts off in a solemn mode where the nation's founders are honored. In the song "Thinking of the General" even Mother Kim Jong-suk is personalized by Ra Yu-mi. Towards the end they gradually build up an atmosphere of unity, strength and willingness to give one's life for the nation and their leaders, aimed both at the air force pilots in the audience and the whole people watching on TV.The term "pangchang" in the English subtitles (please, activate them if you want to know what they are singing) means "chamber vocal ensemble" or to perhaps be more precise "singing in the room but not on the front stage". I have previously published all songs individually, often with more explanations in the video description of the many symbols that appear throughout this concert. Please, check them out via the links below.0:00 Intro0:14 Our Leader, forever the Sun of our people (수령님은 영원한 인민의 태양)youtu.be/A6BPaAtP3hk4:44 Our hearts yearning for The Leader (수령님 그리는 마음)youtu.be/IWT1sFswLCw10:10 Day and night I think of You, Leader (자나깨나 수령님을 생각합니다)youtu.be/CH50E-oHdWI14:55 Shine, Jong-il Peak (빛나라 정일봉)youtu.be/l5csyzejj5s20:28 Sound of horse hooves in Mt Paektu (백두의 말발굽소리)youtu.be/S1KIh0MBBX423:51 Thinking of the General (장군님 생각)youtu.be/ktqMn-McobE29:20 Glorious and Admirable (매혹과 흠모)youtu.be/e3D4nH9FnpY34:32 Resting place for all my life (내 삶의 보금자리)youtu.be/aU8ePJ6EON839:06 People's joy (인민의 환희)youtu.be/NJcd1kPL9dk42:54 Our Marshal (우리 원수님)youtu.be/p8LN5x3vguI47:15 High haul in the sea (바다 만풍가)youtu.be/p6cuspqYWLA52:15 Footprints of soldiers (병사의 발자욱)youtu.be/tMCNM35dcBc55:20 I will forever be your son (나는 영원히 그대의 아들)youtu.be/l7MWw1SzYOs1:09:22 Beautiful vapor trails (아름다운 비행구름)youtu.be/qn3b7dW3Zzw1:11:54 Waiting for the command (우리는 출격명령만 기다린다)youtu.be/GhZF_iEE09U1:20:42 We cannot live without Him (그이 없인 못살아)youtu.be/iUngkch-Txg1:25:02 Celebrating the good health of Comrade Highest Commander (최고사령관동지 건강을 축원함)youtu.be/EtquVL9PLL81:27:30 Our revolutionary armed forces support only the Marshal’s leadership (혁명무력은 원수님 령도만 받든다)youtu.be/5n9PTRv1E601:30:43 We will follow You only (우리는 당신밖에 모른다)youtu.be/xvC1e4STgAo
Let New Years snow fall - Chongjin Kindergarten dance performance Moranbong Band HD 2019-12-31 | A dance performance by three little girls at a kindergarten school in Chongjin city up in the north eastern part of the DPRK. They used a shortened sound track of this Moranbong Band song so I added the missing parts from the original showing a few other scenes from the school.Let's hope for a prosperous and bright new year for these kids and everyone else, wherever you are! And let the white magpie sing for all of you in the upcoming New Year's morning!Original Moranbong Band recording of this song:youtu.be/rVsaOYZl3E0
Moranbong Band - When a child is born (아이가 태여났을 때) Moranbong Band HD 2019-12-21 | In some English speaking countries the song When a child is born became a great hit in the 70s, sung by Johnny Mathis. Since then it has become almost like a Christmas song to many so I decided to make this "special cut" for you this week.The single verse is surrounded by the more usual DPRK song We have nothing to envy in this world (세상에 부럼없어라). The full 16 minutes long original medley can be found here: youtu.be/9xUQTIax0Mg
Moranbong Band - Resting place for all my life (내 삶의 보금자리) Moranbong Band HD 2019-12-15 | 모란봉악단 - 내 삶의 보금자리Music: Pak Jin-guk (박진국)Text: Kim Un-suk (김은숙)Vocal solo: Ra Yu-mi (라유미)Recorded: 2014.04.20 Mokran video, DPRKPaektusan (Mt Paektu) is the sacred birthplace (cradle) of:1. The whole Korean people since ancient times when the mythological nation founder Dangun was born there.2. The Korean revolution against Japanese colonial rule.3. General Kim Jong-il.
Moranbong Band - Celebration for the great victory (위대한 전승의 명절) Moranbong Band HD 2019-12-09 | 모란봉악단 - 위대한 전승의 명절Music: Hyon Kyong-il (현경일) 2013Text: Cha Ho-gun (차호근)Recorded: 2013.07.27 Mokran Video, DPRKThis song was composed for the 60th anniversary of the Korean war armistice and also got rewarded with a special medal during the celebrations in 2013.
Moranbong Band - Waiting for the command (Shortened version) Moranbong Band HD 2019-11-24 | Recorded: 2014.04.20 Mokran Video, DPRKSimply a shorter version of: youtu.be/GhZF_iEE09UIn my opinion this song becomes a little too long if you just listen to the music. They play a few extra repeats just to give space to all the pictures shown. As an experiment I cut the song down for a perhaps better listening experience.Audio is cut at 3 min 0.348 sec and video at frame No 9860. The video is now 3 min 35.062 sec shorter. It is actually rather difficult to hear the cutting point.I did this as a service to those who download the videos and just use the audio in various players on the go, etc.
Moranbong Band - Waiting for the command (우리는 출격명령만 기다린다) Moranbong Band HD 2019-11-24 | 모란봉악단 - 우리는 출격명령만 기다린다Recorded: 2014.04.20 Mokran Video, DPRK
Moranbong Band + Chongbong Band + State Merited Chorus - We will forever follow this only way Moranbong Band HD 2019-11-17 | 모란봉악단 + 청봉악단 + 공훈국가합창 - 영원히 한길을 가리라Music: Ri Hak-pom (리학범) 1981Text: Ri Jong-sul (리정술)Recorded: 2016.05.11 Mokran Video DPRKThe grand finale from the two and a half hour long performance to celebrate the 7th congress of the Worker's Party of Korea in May 2016.A different version can be found here: youtu.be/Brm4hzZb0Zs from 2015. The present version however is even more grandiose.
Moranbong Band Victory Day Celebration Performance 2012 (전승절경축 모란봉악단공연 2012년) Moranbong Band HD 2019-11-09 | Recorded: 2012.07.28 Mokran Video, DPRKAfter their debut just three weeks earlier in front of of a smaller audience but with the Supreme Leader present, here's their first performance in a large arena full of ordinary people.The concert is divided in two parts where the first one hour long half contains almost exclusively newly rehearsed material. They had been practicing day an night until they literarily fainted to make this event happen. There are some minor imperfections in the strings here and there, probably due to the short time they had at disposal to prepare the often technically very demanding music parts. The audio recording is also slightly substandard and one gets the impression there may have been some problems with fold-back to the performers, too. Maybe the strings could not hear each other (and themselves!) properly? If you look carefully you will see some wearing of in-ear monitoring headphones here and there. Video was also shot during rehearsal so it's hard to tell if they were used during the actual performance.To find out more about the songs, please click on the links below where each song has been published separately: 0:00 Intro0:09 The National Anthem (애국가)youtu.be/Hk1_hValwGs3:37 War songs medley (전시가요련곡)youtu.be/LQRLaJ225dU17:29 General Star (장군별)youtu.be/crByEE0wuMo22:32 On the road to a decisive battle (결전의 길로)youtu.be/WlBm5zez9HY26:20 Marching and marching (진군 또 진군)youtu.be/2W5EgrrVWLE30:03 Soldier's song (전사의 노래)youtu.be/nHL4mqQHA0o34:46 My life (나의 한생)youtu.be/DdxoOtXnrO839:02 My life and Motherland (내 삶과 조국)youtu.be/Y33AGzWobEA42:31 With the battle flag (군기와 함께)youtu.be/EMspBj2QIa845:50 Echoes of war victory (전승의 메아리)youtu.be/XhqiUx2DOw050:16 Living like back then (그때처럼 우리가 살고있는가)youtu.be/lmQKnOyD8QE53:54 Chinese songs (중국노래)youtu.be/kCq1inGch9Y58:14 Forever remembered by the Fatherland (조국은 영원히 기억하리라)youtu.be/8EZLq7pN1Y01:01:44 The winners - Our 7.27 (승리자들 - 우리의 7.27)youtu.be/eweZkTWwuSQ1:07:23 Beautiful girl (예쁜이)youtu.be/J-oa0GJ673c1:11:19 Csárdás (챠르다쉬)youtu.be/d-rEsJBhLUY1:15:42 Silk weaving girl in Nyongbyon (녕변의 비단처녀)youtu.be/IRL5ml4ybwI1:19:04 This land's masters say (이 땅의 주인들은 말하네)youtu.be/ZABKF4Qz0e01:23:04 Minuetto in rosy colours (장미빛을 띤 메뉴에뜨)youtu.be/QozrjMBtgkQ1:25:35 Ma Reine de Saba (싸바의 녀왕)youtu.be/9wQkij2l-8E1:28:37 Star in my heart (내 마음 별에 담아)youtu.be/by73XrMmcdg1:31:16 Let's study (배우자)youtu.be/ukBcC-sK3wQ1:34:59 We cannot live apart from His bosom (그 품 떠나 못살아)youtu.be/mXRKpOKSddY1:38:32 Mozart No 40 (모짜르트 40번)youtu.be/gm2mm8RbzGU1:41:50 Zigeunerweisen (집씨의 노래)youtu.be/i-1iEYCBzes1:46:29 Look at us (우리를 보라)youtu.be/yyndOxZCqH01:50:27 I sing in praise of the Party (당을 노래하노라)youtu.be/HPXyYTlWlkw1:54:16 Our beloved leader (인민이 사랑하는 우리 령도자)youtu.be/JwbsEelBia8
Moranbong Band - My life and Motherland (내 삶과 조국) Moranbong Band HD 2019-11-03 | 모란봉악단 - 내 삶과 조국Music: Ri Kyong-hun (리경훈) 1995Text: Kim Sok-chon (김석천)Vocal trio: Pak Mi-kyong (박미경), Kim Yu-kyong (김유경), Pak Son-hyang (박선향)Recorded: 2012.07.28 Mokran Video, DPRKA very serious song on the inner thoughts of a soldier that makes him or her go out into a battle to perhaps never come back again alive.From the two parts movie "Lightning and Thunder" (번개와 우뢰). Both can be watched here (with English subtitles):Part one: youtu.be/9B00HyJLlpYPart two: youtu.be/1gYJ-u6Vnbg
Moranbong Band & State Merited Chorus - Whether 1000 ri or 10 000 ri (천리라도 만리라도) Moranbong Band HD 2019-10-26 | 모란봉악단과 공훈국가합창단 - 천리라도 만리라도Music: Hyon Kyong-il (현경일) 2015Text: Jo Kwang-chol (조광철)Recorded: 20161228 Mokran Video, DPRKFirst performed by the Moranbong Band with only a vocal duo in 2015, here we get the full ensemble including the symphonic orchestra of the State Merited Chorus, featuring both male and female soloists and a large male choir.The 2015 version: youtu.be/Tm7A1JNLSvE
Moranbong Band concert for the participants to the 5th conference for Korean Peoples Army Moranbong Band HD 2019-10-20 | 조선인민군 제5차 훈련일군대회 참가자들을 위한 모란봉악단공연Recorded: 2015-04-27 Mokran Video, DPRKAfter being away for over 6 months here the band is back in business again, but now without Sonu Hyang-hui. Ryu Jin-a who was absent in autumn 2014 is back as the queen of the evening with several solos. Quite a few new songs, including the "smash hit" Let's go to Mt. Paektu are presented. Towards the end they really build up an atmosphere of energy and patriotism. Precisely what the military training personnel will need to train new recruits.0:00 Intro0:48 Brilliant fatherland (빛나는 조국)Text: Pak Se-yon (박세영)Music: Ri Myon-sang (리면상) 1947youtu.be/ME7osnyceEk5:30 My country is the best (내 나라 제일로 좋아)Music: Ri Jong-o (리종오) 1991Text: Choe Jun-kyŏng (최준경)youtu.be/z-bnpQLwDsE9:22 Let’s go to Mount Paektu (가리라 백두산으로)Music: U Jong-hui (우정희) 2015Text: Ri Ji-song (리지성)youtu.be/qhXrye7zkwY13:38 Whether 1000 ri or 10 000 ri (천리라도 만리라도)Music: Hyon Kyong-il (현경일) 2015Text: Jo Kwang-chol (조광철)youtu.be/Tm7A1JNLSvE18:14 My heart (내 마음)Music: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영) 2015Text: Mun Chun-sim (문춘심)youtu.be/h8Xs1Hht-vc21:35 When one loves (사랑할 때면)youtu.be/Kj_45lUshmg24:06 Let the name of the strongest country in the world become well known (떨쳐가자 천하제일강국)youtu.be/iy1Ev_77qC027:52 Medley The Fatherland I protect (내가 지켜선 조국 노래련곡)youtu.be/bSrs8PGU6f033:27 Loving (사랑하노라)Text: Ri Hye-jong (리혜정)Music: Sol The-song (설태성) 2014youtu.be/fZoCt-YorRw37:43 World of compassion (인정의 세계)Music: Jang Chung-sim (장충심) 2015Text: Ri He-jong (리헤정)youtu.be/st2MjkKqdZ842:16 Following the Party (당을 따릅니다)youtu.be/LAGP8el6ez846:00 Tomorrow of happiness (행복의 래일)Text: Cha Ho-gun (차호근)Music: Rim Kum-song (림금성) 2015(?)youtu.be/Ln4JknvG4gQ49:00 Even in death, let's not give up our revolutionary beliefs (죽어도 혁명신념 버리지 말자)Text: Ri Ji-song (리지성) 2015Music: U Jong-hui (우정희)youtu.be/4WV_qBg45qE53:32 Celebrating the good health of Comrade Highest Commander (최고사령관동지 건강을 축원함)Music: Ri Jong-o (리종오)Text: Choe Jun-kyong (최준경)youtu.be/EtquVL9PLL8 (Alternative version recorded in 2014)55:52 Fly high our Party flag + Long live the Workers' Party of Korea (높이 날려라 우리의 당기 + 조선로동당 만세)youtu.be/DVS_mBOqoW4
Moranbong Band - Fly high our Party flag + Long live the Workers Party of Korea Moranbong Band HD 2019-10-19 | 모란봉악단 - 높이 날려라 우리의 당기 + 조선로동당 만세Recorded: 2015.04.27 Mokran Video, DPRK1. Fly high our Party flagMusic: Kim Dong-chol (김동철) 1985Text: Choe Jun-kyong (최준경)2. Long live the Workers' Party of KoreaMusic: Om Ha-jin (엄하진) 1988Text: An Ho-gun (안호근)
Moranbong Band & State Merited Chorus - Mothers birthday (어머니 생일) Moranbong Band HD 2019-10-12 | 모란봉악단과 공훈국가합창단 - 어머니 생일Music: Kim Un-ryong (김운룡) 2015Text: Cha Ho-gun (차호근)Recorded: 2015.10.11 Mokran Video, DPRKThis song was composed to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Worker's Party of Korea in 2015 but is equally suitable this year, too.
Moranbong Band - Medley The Fatherland I protect (내가 지켜선 조국 노래련곡) Moranbong Band HD 2019-10-05 | 모란봉악단 - 내가 지켜선 조국 노래련곡Recorded: 2015.04.27 Mokran Video, DPRK1. The Fatherland I protect (내가 지켜선 조국)Music: Kim Kwang-hun (김광훈) 1990Text: Choe Jun-kyŏng (최준경)2. We will be the shield of the sky (하늘의 방패 우리가 되리)(From the movie "Do not wait for our return")3. Let's protect the seas of our Fatherland eternally (조국의 바다지켜 영생하리라)Music: Ra Kuk (라국) 1982Text: Pak Du-son (박두선)(From the movie "The memories of a war reporter")4. The Fatherland I protect (repeat)
Chongbong Band - Lets defend socialism (사회주의 지키세) Moranbong Band HD 2019-10-01 | 청봉악단 - 사회주의 지키세Music: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영) 1991Recorded: 2016.05.11 Mokran Video, DPRKAlthough the Moranbong Band often use intricate arrangements, the Chongbong Band takes this one step further, inspired by jazz. This quite elaborate version of Let's defend socialism could be compared with the more straightforward State Merited Chorus version youtu.be/t4bGLWK9V74?t=3426 where you also get the lyrics (with English subtitles).
Moranbong Band - My life (나의 한생) Moranbong Band HD 2019-09-29 | 모란봉악단 - 나의 한생Text: Ri Chun-gu (리춘구) 1999Music: Pe Yong-sam (배용삼)Vocal duo: Ryu Jin-a (류진아) & Pak Son-hyang (박선향)Recorded: 2012.07.28 Mokran Video, DPRKFrom the multi movie series Nation and Destiny, No 46 depicting the life of Choe Hyon (최현) (1907-1982). He was one of the foremost anti-Japanese guerilla fighters, also a leading commander during the Korean War and later a major politician. Nowadays his son, Choe Ryong-hae (최룡해), holds top positions within the state.
A Moranbong Band concert with new works (모란봉악단 신작음악회) Moranbong Band HD 2019-09-15 | Recorded: 2014-09-04 Mokran Video, DPRKI had initially planed to publish this concert in time for the Chusok holiday but got delayed. In 2014 it went on TV just in time for Chusok and there is even a song (The longed for small white boat) where the lyrics actually fit quite well for the holiday.Some mean this performance is not as good as other Moranbong Band concerts, probably because there are less "easy going" pop songs. Here the quality of the songs are in focus and especially the lyrics are made with great care and lots of intricate details. I therefore had more difficulties than usual in the translation process. Sometimes I even could not find proper ways to transfer it to English and actually had to make up a few lines myself... Most of the artful details are lost but I hope the general meaning is fairly correct.All songs are also published individually with Korean lyrics and sometimes other languages, too added. You can also often find some further info on each song. Links to the videos below.0:00 Intro0:33 The beloved name called by the people (인민은 부르네 친근한 그 이름)Music: U Jong-hui (우정희) 2014Text: Cha Ho-gun (차호근)youtu.be/41JEP3Z6U1A6:42 The longed for small white boat (그리움의 하얀 쪽배)Music: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영) 2014Text: Pak Kyong-sim (박경심)It would not surprise me if the woman in the middle at 11:12 is the mother of Pak Mi-kyong. They have very similar faces.youtu.be/4BsSgfPcbic11:26 Voice of my heart (내 심장의 목소리)Music: Rim Kum-song (림금성) 2014Text: Ri Hye-jong (리혜정)youtu.be/JuPqqwE42aI16:04 Song of Mangyongdae revolutionary school (만경대혁명학원교가)youtu.be/PJbNF7W3XVs18:47 15 minutes on that day (그날의 15분)Music: Ham Hyok (함혁) 2014Text: Sol The-song (설태성), Pak Chol (박철)youtu.be/oc8qtEQ4_hc23:11 Instrumental medley:Brilliant Motherland (빛나는 조국)Song of the Proclamation of the People’s Republic (인민공화국선포의 노래)Ode to the Motherland (조국찬가)youtu.be/5lMhmHtUwHU28:04 Confession (고백)Music: Hwang Jin-yong (황진영) 2014Text: Kim Jong-dok (김정덕)youtu.be/mvMnSCGzHTk32:38 Though years have passed (세월이야 가보라지)Music: An Jong-ho (안정호) 2014Text: Kim Hyong-chan (김형찬)youtu.be/zaqy1T2q0aw36:16 Sea of apples at the foot of Chol Pass (철령아래 사과바다)Music: An Jong-ho (안정호) 2014Text: Cha Ho-gun (차호근)youtu.be/xWgAcIThxf840:15 Song of the pride of guards (근위부대자랑가)Text & music: Sol The-song (설태성) 2014There is of course a lot to write about this song. So much it would turn into a long lecture about the Korean War. They are simply singing about several battles where the North had success and most of what you here is true. One of the happenings however, has been questioned...youtu.be/G1DmapoO4IA44:54 Victory through generations (승리는 대를 이어)Text: Cha Yong-do (차영도) 2014Music: Hyon Kyong-il (현경일)youtu.be/jJ3Jtw-_sFE
Moranbong Band - Though years have passed (세월이야 가보라지) Moranbong Band HD 2019-09-14 | 모란봉악단 - 세월이야 가보라지Music: An Jong-ho (안정호) 2014Text: Kim Hyong-chan (김형찬)Vocal solo: Ri Ok-wha (리옥화)Recorded: 2014.09.04 Mokran Video, DPRKIt wouldn't surprise me if this song was especially written for Ri Ok-hwa and this very occasion. She had been working for some time, probably as a mentor, with the young singers of the band. She might perhaps be in her early forties, hard to tell as she most likely have treated her skin with lots of products containing ginseng and other secrets only known in the DPRK... Anyway, here the old lady shows she can still outperform any of the young chicks she have worked so hard to make perfect. The almost humorous lyrics makes it even better. It actually claims 90 is the new 60 but I think they will have to change the zodiac for that to happen in real life...A perfect song for her debut as a singer with the band. Check out 2:06 where the the smile from Hong Su-kyong reveals she really enjoys the situation. Ri Ok-wha singing style is very precise, with a kind of pedagogic clarity. She really seems to know all the secrets for a successful performance.
Moranbong Band - Our Leader, forever the Sun of our people (수령님은 영원한 인민의 태양) Moranbong Band HD 2019-09-07 | 모란봉악단 - 수령님은 영원한 인민의 태양Music: An Jong-ho (안정호) 1996Text: Jo Song-o (조성오)Recorded: 2014.04.20 Mokran video, DPRKIn the DPRK President Kim Il-sung is often represented by the sun. This video actually explains why.At the beginning the backdrop shows Mangyongdae, the house where President Kim Il-sung was born. It lights up as a rather large sun rises behind the house. In reality the sun actually sets in that direction but it would of course look strange to show a photo of this very important building from the back. If you check out the beginning of youtu.be/hDdqTVFmfIo you will find where the sun actually is on the sky at late afternoon.At 0:46 the portrait of the President is shown flanked by magnolia flowers, the national flower of the DPRK.At 1:22 the Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang is shown while driving on the Victory Street and at 1:41 a panorama from the top of the Juche Tower over the Taedong River with Kim Il-sung Square on the other side.At 2:29 the kimilsungia flower is at the center. Kimilsungia was a newly discovered plant in 1965 and was named after the President when He visited President Sukarno in Indonesia. It was later further cultivated and given to President Kim Il-sung as a present in 1975.
