The palace was brightly decorated with computer-aided diorama portraying Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia, immortal flowers, magnolia, national flower of the DPRK, gate of pine decorations and others.

Appreciating the performance together with schoolchildren were senior officials of the party, the army and the state, the chairman of a friendly party, officials of the party, the armed forces and power organs, social organizations, ministries and national institutions, servicepersons of the Korean People's Army, officials in the fields of science, education, culture and arts, public health and media, persons of meritorious services and working people in Pyongyang.

Among the audience were the chief of the Pyongyang Mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front, and overseas Koreans.

Present there on invitation were diplomatic envoys of various countries and representatives of international organizations here.

The schoolchildren's lunar New Year's celebration started with prelude "We Wish Fatherly Marshal Good Health."

School boys and girls extended to Marshal Kim Jong Il lunar New Year's greetings carrying their best wishes for his good health when the performers presented the song of best wishes and dances with ardent longing to see him.

Put on the stage were such colorful numbers as female solo, ensemble of national musical instruments, a series of play songs, accordion trio, dance, children's play, singing to the accompaniment of Janggu, dance and story-telling.

The performers truthfully represented the Marshal's immortal Songun revolutionary exploits and the proud feature of the schoolchildren firmly preparing themselves as pillars of the country by keeping themselves knowledgeable, virtuous and healthy.