VIDEO: North Korea’s Kim gifts country’s most famous newscaster a luxury home
Kim Jong Un visits the new house of Ri Chun Hi after attending an inauguration ceremony of Pothong riverside terraced residential district in Pyongyang. Reuters
Ri Chun Hi, North Korea’s most famous state TV anchor, has announced major events for decades, including nuclear and missile tests and the death of a leader, with an instantly identifiable, passionate voice.
The anchor, dubbed the "pink lady” abroad for her bright traditional Korean attire, became the topic of official North Korean media herself on Thursday after leader Kim Jong Un gave her a luxurious residence and asked her to continue to serve as the voice of his ruling Workers’ Party.
Experts say Kim is providing special treatment to elite North Koreans to boost their loyalty as he grapples with the pandemic, a troubled economy and a stalemate in nuclear diplomacy with the United States.
"(Kim) said it is the sincerity of the party that it would spare nothing for a national treasure like her, who has worked as a revolutionary announcer for the party for more than 50 years since her girlhood,” the official Korean Central News Agency said.
Kim expressed his "expectation that she would as ever vigorously continue her work in good health as befitting a spokeswoman for the party.”
Kim met Ri, who is about 79, on Wednesday after inaugurating a newly built riverside terraced residential district in Pyongyang, the capital, KCNA said.
It said houses in the district were presented to Ri and other people who have given distinguished service to the state.
North Korea often inaugurates construction projects to mark key state anniversaries.
Friday is the 110th birthday of Kim’s late grandfather, state founder Kim Il Sung.
It’s the most important anniversary in North Korea, which has been ruled by three generations of the Kim family since its foundation in 1948.
The new housing area is where Kim Il Sung’s official residence was located until the 1970s.
Associated Press
