Kim Jong-un sends girl band to perform in China to improve relations with N. Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is sending his personal girl band, Moranbong, to perform a week of shows in Beijing as Pyongyang seeks to improve relations with its main ally ahead of an important United Nations meeting. 

According to North Korean state news agency KCNA, the Moranbong Band, "a model of the Juche-based literature and art and a worldwide stylish band, will soon give friendship performances in China."

The all-female group were formed in 2012 by Kim himself, and sing synthesizer-backed paeans about the repressive dictator's "warm heart" and "sweet smile."

Tickets for the concerts will reportedly be for selected guests only and will not go on sale to the general public.

The concerts will be held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, "opening up a new path in art creation with the spirit of devotedly carrying out the tasks given by the Party", KCNA added.

Relations between Beijing and Pyongyang have reportedly been strained since Kim came to power in 2011, but in recent months there have been signs of a shift.

Source: CNN/UK Mirror