One day in June 1998, Chairman Kim Jong Il visited Jagang Province of the DPRK.

That day, the Chairman asked a senior official of the province about the arrival time of the representatives of workers who were to enjoy an art performance for congratulating them in the afternoon.

Hearing the official's reply that those from the farthest area were unlikely to arrive in time, the Chairman told him to start the performance an hour later if they would not arrive in time.

The official was surprised as he knew well that every second is very precious in the Chairman's work schedule.

As if he fathomed the official's feelings, the Chairman said in a soft voice that the performance is given to congratulate the workers who created the Kanggye spirit and working manner of the people of Jagang Province and that the performance should not be given without their participation. Though he is busy, he should wait for them and the performance should start after the representatives arrived, the chairman added.

That day the Chairman postponed his afternoon schedule and waited for them for an hour. -0-