A total of 20,000 children have arrived in Pyongyang on Saturday by air, train and bus from across the country for the ceremony that will run from Sunday through Friday, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.
The children pledged their allegiance to "teacher Kim Jong-un that they will prepare to become the faithful successor of the revolution," the North's main Rodong Sinmun newspaper said Sunday.
North Korea said Kim has provided the celebrations for the union whose members include children of smelters, coal miners and disabled soldiers. It also said the union members have distinguished themselves in study and displayed their excellent skills at international contests of fine arts.
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It is the largest-ever celebration of the Korean Children's Union and it comes as Kim is believed to be tightening his grip on power following the December death of his father, the long-time leader Kim Jong-il.
North Korean officials and soldiers have also repeatedly vowed their loyalty to Kim Jong-un.
On Saturday, the North Korean children received the delegate certificates at the April 25 Hotel in Pyongyang. Ri Yong-su, a senior North Korean official, called on the children to hand down "the certificates as family heirlooms."
"My father and mother said in tears that I should study hard to live up to the loving care of the dear respected Kim Jong-un," Ri Jong-ui, a delegate from South Hwanghae Province, said, according to the KCNA.
entropy@yna.co.kr
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