On January 6th, the Korean Central Television (KCTV) in Pyongyang ran still photos of tank drills by the North Korean People's Army 105th Armored Division. Kim Jong-il apparently was present to observe the drills, marking it his first field inspection of 2010. His first inspection of 2009 was also the 105th division. The KCTV reported that Kim Jong-il was pleased with the preparedness of the division. The 105th division is the first unit that invaded Seoul at the onset of the Korean War in 1950. Four of the photos released by KCTV clearly showed signs bearing names of South Korean cities and highways. While the North has been known to conduct military drills aimed at the South, this marks the first time the photos of such exercises were reported in its state media. This unprecedented action seems to be primarily aimed at domestic consumption. The North may have been trying to boost the military's morale - especially with the Dear Leader himself in attendance, and to justify to the North Korean public that military has to be the focal point amid its economic turmoil.
Click on the photo to see all the photos released by KCTV.
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