Juche Jams

Whether 1,000 ri or 10,000 ri 천리라도 만리라도

Music: Hyon Kyong-il (현경일) 2015

Text: Jo Kwang-chol (조광철)

A motivational song about unity and following the Marshal’s guidance. In this case the title Marshal is clearly referring to Kim Jong-un, which we can infer based on the fact the song was created in 2015. I believe the first performance of it was during the April 27th, 2015 concert as a duet with Kim Yu-kyong and Ryu Jin-a. Both singers brought out the passion evident in the lyrics of the song with their performance, and I think they sing well together.

Performances

Moranbong Band

04.27.2015. Kim Yu-kyong and Ryu Jin-a. This is probably my favorite version of the song since I am a fan of both singers and I think they performed this song nicely.

Music video, Ryu Jin-a and Kim Yu-kyong duet. Same as above, but in music video form with Korean subtitles.

01.01.2018. This time rather than a duet there are several singers on stage: starting with Kim Ok-ju, Jo Guk-hyang, and Kim Yu-kyong and then Ryu Jin-a, Pak Mi-kyong, and Jong Su-hyang join in. Strangely, the camera never focuses in on Pak Mi-kyong and I almost missed her.

State Merited Chorus

04.12.2019 Hwang Un-mi solo with State Merited Chorus. Hwang Un-mi’s vocals are higher and more operatic sounding compared to when Kim Yu-kyong and Ryu Jin-a did this song.

Joint Performances

12.28.2016. A much more grandiose version of this song, with the Moranbong Band and State Merited Choir singing together. The full State Merited Orchestra also joins in with the Moranbong Band instrumentalists. It really drives home the meaning behind the lyrics when there are so many people singing together.

Other

Chongryon Concert, 2016. I can’t find much information about this concert but I do know Chongryon is a pro-DPRK organization in Japan. I would assume this performance took place in Japan but I’m not sure. The performance initially features only a male singer until later in the song when two female vocalists join him.

English Lyrics

Lyrics by Moranbong Band HD

If only just for a minute I am out of His care
I have nothing more worth living for
Both in joy and pain, together we share
Our common destiny

Whether 1000 ri or 10,000 ri we will follow Him
Supporting only our Marshal into eternity
Let’s go forward in our stride
For high ideals, to become one with Him

By His high spirits in everything He does
We are all under His guidance
Nothing in this world can separate us
We came from the same bloodline

Whether 1000 ri or 10,000 ri we will follow him
Supporting only our Marshal into eternity
Let’s go forward, our heart beats
And breath, to become one with Him

Even if the sky would fall apart
We are not afraid to die
United as one heart with no one but Him
Our beliefs are invincible

Whether 1000 ri or 10,000 ri we will follow Him
Supporting only our Marshal into eternity
Let’s go forward carrying out great achievements
In determination, to become one with Him

Whether 1000 ri or 10,000 ri we will follow Him
Supporting only our Marshal into eternity
Let’s go forward carrying out great achievements
In determination, to become one with Him

Korean Lyrics

Lyrics by Moranbong Band HD

단 한분 그이 품을 떠나서
순간도 살수 없기에
기쁨과 아픔 함께 나누며
운명을 같이하네

천리라도 만리라도 따르리
원수님만 끝까지 받들어
가리라 우리의 보폭도
리상도 그이와 하나되여

그이의 모든것에 온넋이
이끌린 우리이기에
이 세상 그 누구도 못 가를
한피줄 이루었네

천리라도 만리라도 따르리
원수님만 끝까지 받들어
가리라 심장의 박동도
숨결도 그이와 하나되여

하늘이 무너진들 변하랴
죽음도 두렵지 않아
한마음 그이밖에 모르는
불굴의 우리 신념

천리라도 만리라도 따르리
원수님만 끝까지 받들어
가리라 이룩할 위업도
결심도 그이와 하나되여

천리라도 만리라도 따르리
원수님만 끝까지 받들어
가리라 이룩할 위업도
결심도 그이와 하나되여