Here's everything we know about Kim Jong Un's handpicked all-girl pop group
The Moranbong band, also known as the Moran Hill Orchestra, was formed in 2012, according to Daily NK.
The Korean Central News Agency described the band's inception: "Kim Jong Un 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."
Source: KCNA
The Moranbong Band were the first all-female band in the country, according to Sino NK.
Source: Sino NK
Each of the roughly 20 members is ranked highly in the North Korean military. The band often performs in slightly altered military outfits.
However, the band is clearly influenced by western fashion and, according to The Review of Korean Studies, their outfits offer a rare sign of the acceptability of mini skirts and high heels in the military regime.
Source: Review of Korean Studies.
Other western influences are clear. At one of their first gigs in 2013, the band played along to a backdrop of Snow White, as well as other Disney characters.
Source: Reuters
All band members play their own instruments and are recognised as highly technically skilled performers.
Source: Sino NK
Kim Jong Un has given particular praise to Seon-u Hyang-hui, leader of the band, "for her splendid directing," according to Inquisitr.
Source: Inquisitr
The band is hugely popular in North Korea. According to Sino NK, shops close and streets are empty during broadcasts of the band's performances on the national TV station.
Source: Sino NK
There has been a focus on unifying the bands aesthetic, to make each member look nearly identical. In 2013, members were put on diets so that they could reach the same weight, according to Sino NK.
Source: Sino NK
In the summer of 2015, there were rumours that the North Korean girl group had "vanished," after not performing for several months.
Source: BBC
Some thought the group had been replaced with a brand new North Korean girl band: The Chongbong band.
Source: BBC
However, the Moranbong band returned in September 2015, without explanation. They performed in front of Kim Jong Un and a visiting delegation from Cuba.
Source: BBC
In December 2015, The Moranbong band had three dates planned in Beijing. The concerts were to be their first performance in a foreign country. However, the concerts were mysteriously cancelled at the last minute.
Source: The Guardian
It was later revealed that Chinese censors banned the girl group from performing because of "anti-American lyrics," according to The Guardian. The offending lyrics called the US an "ambitious wolf" and glorified the Korean war.
Source: The Guardian
Back home in North Korea, The Moranbong band perform to vast audiences in huge stadiums.
Source: Sino NK
They have been supported by the State Merited Chorus, a male military singing group.
Source: Sino NK
Unfortunately, no western tour dates have been announced yet.
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