The show must go on, unless North Korean divas say otherwise

A dispatch by China’s state-run Xinhua news agency later cited “communication issues at the working level” as the reason for the cancellation.

Many observers expect the North’s leader to reveal a new lineup of his top aides and a fresh policy direction.

Some observers believe that the performances had to be canceled due to the band and chorus being ordered home in connection with this.

The despot hand-picked the 21 member group from army personnel and they travelled to China for three concerts to build ties between the two countries.

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.

The surprise move, the very first time the group would have performed outside North Korea, created a significant amount of excitement among some young Chinese, although the concerts were to be invitation only.

North Korea convened the third national conference of financial and banking officials on Sunday in Pyongyang, highlighting improvements in the country’s financial systems.

Band members arrived at Beijing’s airport on Saturday afternoon – then departed aboard a North Korean Air Koryo jet shortly after 4pm following a lengthy delay.

Xinhua reports that the two musical groups were seen off at a North Korean train stations by Kim Ki-nam, the secretary of the Central Committee of the Korean Workers’ Party, Cultural Minister Pak Chun-nam, and China’s ambassador to North Korea, Li Jinjun.

Moranbong, whose members were reportedly handpicked by Mr Kim, was formed in 2012.

There has been no word from North Korea on the band’s departure.

The band’s stage set was dismantled and its concerts were cancelled. Sun said that if a state leader watched the show it would be interpreted as Beijing tolerating, if not endorsing, North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme, contradicting its official stand.

The abrupt pullout of the band by North Korea from China suggests that the ties were deteriorating, the observers said. “Whether this will eventually lead to a visit to China by Kim Jong Un still remains to be seen”.

North Korea has postponed a major communist party congress until October 10 next year, according to Pyongyang’s state media Wednesday. Observers in Seoul also say North Korea’s announcement that it has a hydrogen bomb and its declaration of a mourning period for its late leader Kim Jong-il may have been factors as well.