N. Korean girl band’s performance in Beijing canceled

The Moranbong Band, whose members were said to be handpicked by North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, were on a goodwill mission to Beijing and were set to perform three concerts starting Saturday night.

But the performance could not be staged as scheduled due to “communication issues at the working level”, Xinhua News Agency said.

The report also said that Kim’s recent claim that the North is capable of producing hydrogen bombs also affected China’s decision.

As to whether this mishap will strain North Korea and China’s relationship, The Global Times, a publication by the Chinese Communist Party’s People’s Daily, said, “Given the strategic relationship between the two, the atmosphere surrounding the show might have a short-term impact, but will not affect the basis of their strategic relations”.

Both groups perform music extolling the North Korean state and its leadership.

The unexplained departure has perplexed Asia-watchers, as the band is considered a favorite of NK leader Kim Jong-un, who reportedly even hand-picked some of its members.

However, Yang said news coverage about Hyon by the South Korean media might have had a negative impact on inter-Korean talks that were being held at North Korea’s border city of Kaesong.

Although conslusive details on why Pyongyang canceled the Moranbong Band performance have yet to surface, the incident is considered a diplomatic blunder, and many point out it will inevitably deal a blow to relations with China.

There was no hint of trouble when they practised in Beijing’s National Centre for Performing Arts on Friday.

The abrupt change in plans, however, was seen by some experts as another blow to ties, especially since the traditional alliance between the two has come under strain since Pyongyang conducted its third nuclear test in 2013. Performances by a North Korean choral group that were on the same program were also canceled. They are a contrast to the staid image of the brand of authoritarian socialism that has existed for decades in North Korea under the rule of three generations of the same family.

Ji Jae Ryong, North Korea’s ambassador to China, was seen accompanying Moranbong band members out of their hotel around midday and later seen at the Beijing airport with them, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

According to the report, China initially said yes to the concert, assuming the event would be a simple performance.

Others suggested North Korea would try to improve relations ahead of a historic Party Congress scheduled for May next year.

Relations appeared to be on the mend following a well-publicized visit to Pyongyang by high-ranking Chinese official Liu Yunshan in October.