North Korea praises pro-Pyongyang Federation

Today marks the 20th anniversary of former North Korean leader Kim Il-sung's death... and various commemorative events are being held in the North on this day. Accompanied by top military officials, current leader Kim Jong-un visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun early this morning... and paid tribute to his grandfather as well as his father, Kim Jong-il. And it is with this symbolic anniversary that North Korea is trying to extract some much needed cash from a pro-Pyongyang Federation of Koreans living in Japan. Kim Min-ji reports. North Korea's main national daily, Rodong Sinmun, has published a rare article praising a pro-Pyongyang Federation of Koreans living in Japan,... known as Jochongryon. Titled "The legend of love engraved in the history of North Koreans in Japan," the article says late leader Kim Il-sung showed great interest in the planning and construction of the Mankyungbong -- a vessel that was used to carry North Koreans and federation officials to Pyongyang. It added that Kim said officials from the federation were "revolution comrades." The Korean Central News Agency also reported on federation officials visiting the North to commemorate the 20th anniversary since the death of Kim Il-sung,... as its top story. The move comes a matter of days after Japan lifted some sanctions imposed on the North. Pyongyang seems to be laying the groundwork to get financial support from the federation again,... now that regulations on the transfer of money have been eased. Around 300-thousand U.S. dollars can be remitted to North Korea without prior approval from the Japanese government. However, there are voices of concern emanating out of the federation. Japanese media reports say some businessmen within the federation dread becoming the source of funding for North Korea. It seems their woes will deepen though,... as North Korea continues to cozy up with Japan. Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.