General Secretary Kim Jong Il clearly indicated the general orientation and ways for the development of the literature and arts in the new century, leading officials, creators and artistes in these fields to create masterpieces one after another.

"October Concert" given by the Unhasu Orchestra and the performances by the Samjiyon Band of the Mansudae Art Troupe and other art troupes last year on the occasion of the 65th birthday of the Workers' Party of Korea were highly acclaimed by people as they reflected Kim Jong Il's far-reaching idea with rich ideological contents and high artistry.

The audiences were mesmerized by such songs as "Push Back the Frontiers of Latest Science and Technology", "Higher and Faster" and "Let Us Meet at the Front." They could be produced thanks to the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il.

The State Theatrical Troupe started its local performance tour with the light comedy "An Echo among the Hills" in Haeju City of South Hwanghae Province. It set a record in its period, the number of the performances given and audiences, making a hot wind of echo among the hills sweep the whole country.

In the meantime, the mass-based arts reflecting the fixed faith and revolutionary optimism of the working class in the DPRK were created as a model of a new culture in the era of Songun on the basis of the revolutionary soldier culture.

Under the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il the literature and arts in the DPRK are rich in the ideological content and high in artistry and characterized by simplicity and popular character. They are powerfully encouraging the broad masses in their drive for building a thriving nation.