Music: An Jong-ho (안정호) 2016
Text: Cha Ho-gun (차호근)
A powerful sounding song about Juche socialism and how it persists despite any obstacles they face. It’s songs like this one that show the determination of the DPRK to hold strong to its values. Created in 2016 and it looks like the first time it was performed was at the December 28th, 2016 Moranbong Band and State Merited Chorus joint concert. The two groups together give a strong performance of this song.
Performances
12.28.2016. Moranbong Band joined by female State Merited Chorus singers.
Music video. It sounds very similar to the performance above, but slightly different. It appears to have been recorded in a studio rather than a live performance. It still sounds like the Moranbong Band and State Merited Chorus.
12.31.2019. This song is featured in a “Let’s Defend Socialism” medley performed by the Samjiyon Orchestra on December 31st, 2019. It is the third song performed starting at 3:00. Four male vocalists sing together with the Samjiyon Orchestra and Chorus backing them. I recognize some of these singers from State Merited Chorus performances as well.
Date Unknown. This video contains both “Advancing in Socialism” and “Socialism is the Only Way.” There’s no date on the video, title, or in the description so I’m not sure when this was recorded.
WPK 71st Anniversary "Defend Socialism" medley. The State Merited Orchestra and Choir backup a selection of female vocalists that can be recognized from the Moranbong Band, Chongbong Band, and the State Merited Chorus: Song Yong, Kim Ok-ju, Kim Chong, Ri Su-kyong, Ro Kyong-mi, and Hyon Ye-won. This might be my favorite "Defend Socialism" medley I've listened to, and yes, there are quite a few of them out there!
DPRK Youth League Art Squad. January 28th, 2020. Four male vocalists singing over a recording rather than live music.
English Lyrics
Lyrics by Moranbong Band HD
As steel put in a blazing flame, it only gets hardenedKorean Lyrics
Lyrics by Moranbong Band HD
불길속에서 강철이 단련되듯이