Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Sends North Korean Band Moranbong In China To ‘Deepen Friendship’

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un sent his favorite band to China on Thursday for a "friendship visit," as reported by state-run news agency KCNA. Daily News reported on the same day that the visit of Moranbong band in the country came after Kim reportedly proclaimed his country owns a hydrogen bomb.

The North Korean band is set to stage a series of performances which KCNA reported "would deepen the friendship and boost the cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China said the country wants to maintain their friendly cooperation with North Korea.

"North Korea is a close neighbor of China. We would like to continue with our friendly cooperation with North Korea as it serves the interests of the two countries and contributes to peace and stability in the region," says Hua Chunying, as noted by Global Times Thursday.

She continues, "We always believe that state-to-state exchanges and cooperation in various forms will help increase mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples."

Reports have revealed that the performances of the North Korean band at the National Center for Performing Arts starting Saturday are not open to the public.

Moranbong band, also known as Moran Hill Orchestra, started in 2012. Further reports have revealed that the members of the all-girl North Korean band were personally selected by the country's supreme leader.

KCNA reported that Kim "organized the Moranbong band as required by the new century, prompted by a grandiose plan to bring about a dramatic turn in the field of literature and arts this year in which a new century of Juche Korea begins."

Aside from Moranbong, State Merited Chorus is also in China to stage a series of performances from December 12 to 14.