The artistes staged the art performance, which was personally initiated and meticulously guided by Kim Jong Un, 70 times before more than 108 300 people.

His citation was awarded to 72 artistes including Kim Kwang Suk, Jon Hye Yong, O Ryon Sim, Kim Pong Hui, Ryom Tong Son, Ju Chang Hyok, O Jong Yun, Ryom Chong, Kim Sung Yon, Choe Sam Suk, Paek Sung Ran, Jon Kwon, Song Kwang, Ri Ja Yong, Kang Se Hyok, Ri Jong O, Kim Man Yong and Hwang Song Ha.

A ceremony of awarding the citation took place at the People's Theatre on Friday.

In a speech Choe Thae Bok, member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, recalled that Kim Jong Un showed warm loving care for the artistes. This reflects his great expectation that they would glorify their whole lives on the road of trusting and following only the party, keeping in their mind the loving care and trust shown by leader Kim Jong Il who let them stand in the sacred ranks which ushered in a heyday of Juche-based art and led them, Choe added.

A letter to Kim Jong Un was adopted at the ceremony.