North Korea unveils giant statue of Kim Jong-il
PLEASE NOTE, THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL
(ROUGH CUT - NO REPORTER NARRATION)
North Korea unveiled a new massive statue of former leader Kim Jong-il on Friday (April 13) following a failed rocket launch.
Earlier in the day, the North admitted its much hyped long-range rocket failed to deliver a satellite into orbit while U.S. and South Korean officials said it crashed into the sea a few minutes after its launch.
North's state-television broadcast a massive unveiling ceremony of Kim Jong-il's statue, which stood next to his father and founder, Kim Il-sung's statue.
The ceremony was attended by current leader Kim Jong-un.
Hundreds of North Koreans lined neatly in rows stood in a big square, laying flowers and cheering the unveiling.
Erecting Kim Jong-il's statue is seen as an attempt to strengthen his personality cult and help the dynastic succession of his son, Jong-un.
Pyongyang had defied international pressure from the United States, the United Nations and others to push ahead with the rocket launch timed to celebrate the 100th birthday of Kim Il-sung, the deceased founder of the state.
(ROUGH CUT - NO REPORTER NARRATION)
North Korea unveiled a new massive statue of former leader Kim Jong-il on Friday (April 13) following a failed rocket launch.
Earlier in the day, the North admitted its much hyped long-range rocket failed to deliver a satellite into orbit while U.S. and South Korean officials said it crashed into the sea a few minutes after its launch.
North's state-television broadcast a massive unveiling ceremony of Kim Jong-il's statue, which stood next to his father and founder, Kim Il-sung's statue.
The ceremony was attended by current leader Kim Jong-un.
Hundreds of North Koreans lined neatly in rows stood in a big square, laying flowers and cheering the unveiling.
Erecting Kim Jong-il's statue is seen as an attempt to strengthen his personality cult and help the dynastic succession of his son, Jong-un.
Pyongyang had defied international pressure from the United States, the United Nations and others to push ahead with the rocket launch timed to celebrate the 100th birthday of Kim Il-sung, the deceased founder of the state.