They were watched by a great number of personages and residents of the city and the province.

The secretary of the Qingdao City Party Committee said it was with irrepressible sorrow that he heard the news that leader Kim Jong Il untimely passed away, adding he would always be alive in the hearts of the Korean and Chinese peoples.

He went on:

The performances successfully given by Korean artistes till their last one made a great contribution to deepening the friendship between the two countries.

The noble ideological and moral traits and artistic skill displayed by Korean artistes greatly influenced the cultural and artistic circles of his province and city.

The vice-mayor of the city noted every scene of the opera drew keen attention, adding that he was deeply moved to watch the Korean artistes perform on the stage despite the sorrow over the great loss.

Their truthful acting, peculiar music, dances and stage decor, etc. mesmerized the whole audience, he stressed.

The vice-director of the Cultural Department of the province said Korean artistes' performances were successful thanks to the initiative and meticulous leadership of Kim Jong Il.

He hoped they would come to his province again with more excellent works in the future.