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On Saturday, South Korea's Navy was examining pieces of rocket debris, South Korean broadcaster SBS reported. The parts could explain what went wrong and provide details about North Korea's rocket technology. In Pyongyang, meanwhile, Kim Jong Un was made first secretary of the National Defense Commission, a post formally making him the nation's leader. Joining him on the commission were three new, relatively younger, officials in the first major reshuffle of the body since Kim, who is believed to be in his late 20s, took power four months ago following his father's death. The legislature also approved setting aside 15.8 percent of the budget for defense
-- roughly the same amount as the past two years, confirmation that resources will continue to be pumped into the military under Kim Jong Un. However, the premier said the focus will rest on improving the economy. "This year the Cabinet will concentrate all efforts on light industry and agriculture and lay a solid foundation for building an economic power," Choe told legislators, according to KCNA. The appointments follow key changes in the makeup of the leadership of the ruling Workers' Party on Wednesday. On Saturday, tens of thousands -- soldiers, party officials and ordinary citizens being honored for doing exceptional work this year
-- gathered at Kim Il Sung Stadium for a rally in honor of Kim Il Sung's 100th birthday. They closed by chanting "Kim Jong Un, defend him to the death," as Kim watched and waved from a viewing platform. At Kim Il Sung Square, thousands waving fake red and pink bouquets practiced their steps for a parade expected Sunday while scores of residents, many of the women in brightly hued traditional Korean dresses, bowed and left flowers at the foot of two new statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
[Associated
Press;
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