Breaking News

North Korea's first lady Ri Sol Ju seen for first time this year

Updated 1819 GMT (0219 HKT) May 3, 2015

Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.

A jovial Kim Jong Un is seen clapping at a soccer match, alongside his wife Ri Sol Ju. It's the first time North Korea's first lady has been seen in public since December, 2014. It's unclear what they were cheering; it may have been the game, or a display of model gliders provided by the Pyongyang Air Club during half-time.
Photos: North Korea's first couple: Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju
A jovial Kim Jong Un is seen clapping at a soccer match, alongside his wife Ri Sol Ju. It's the first time North Korea's first lady has been seen in public since December, 2014. It's unclear what they were cheering; it may have been the game, or a display of model gliders provided by the Pyongyang Air Club during half-time.
Hide Caption
1 of 8
A more sombre moment at the event, which occurred Monday, April 13, at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang, according to North Korean state news agency KCNA.
Photos: North Korea's first couple: Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju
A more sombre moment at the event, which occurred Monday, April 13, at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang, according to North Korean state news agency KCNA.
Hide Caption
2 of 8
The match pitted Sonbong Team against Hwoebul Team, with Sonbong winning 3-1. According to KCNA, "players of both teams gave fullest play to their spiritual, physical and technical abilities, showing spectacular scenes." Spectators can be seen packing the stands.
Photos: North Korea's first couple: Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju
The match pitted Sonbong Team against Hwoebul Team, with Sonbong winning 3-1. According to KCNA, "players of both teams gave fullest play to their spiritual, physical and technical abilities, showing spectacular scenes." Spectators can be seen packing the stands.
Hide Caption
3 of 8
KCNA provided a list of officials who watched the match. They included Choe Ryong Hae, Choe Thae Bok, Kim Yang Gon, Kwak Pom Gi, Kim Phyong Hae and members of the State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission. Youth, students and "working citizens" also watched from the stands.
Photos: North Korea's first couple: Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju
KCNA provided a list of officials who watched the match. They included Choe Ryong Hae, Choe Thae Bok, Kim Yang Gon, Kwak Pom Gi, Kim Phyong Hae and members of the State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission. Youth, students and "working citizens" also watched from the stands.
Hide Caption
4 of 8
Before Monday's football match, North Korea's first lady hadn't been seen since this photo was released on December 17, 2014. Here, she is seen accompanying Kim to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang on the third anniversary of death of his father, former leader Kim Jong Il.
Photos: North Korea's first couple: Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju
Before Monday's football match, North Korea's first lady hadn't been seen since this photo was released on December 17, 2014. Here, she is seen accompanying Kim to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang on the third anniversary of death of his father, former leader Kim Jong Il.
Hide Caption
5 of 8
A week earlier, North Korea's most powerful couple attended a performance in Pyongyang's Cultural Hall, by families of members of the Korean People's Army (KPA) units.
Photos: North Korea's first couple: Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju
A week earlier, North Korea's most powerful couple attended a performance in Pyongyang's Cultural Hall, by families of members of the Korean People's Army (KPA) units.
Hide Caption
6 of 8
Ri was also seen by her husband's side in an image released in May, 2013, at a performance by the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Korean People's Internal Security Forces in Pyongyang.
Photos: North Korea's first couple: Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju
Ri was also seen by her husband's side in an image released in May, 2013, at a performance by the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Korean People's Internal Security Forces in Pyongyang.
Hide Caption
7 of 8
Ri first appeared alongside Kim in an image released in July 2012. They were seen watching a performance of the Moranbong band in Pyongyang. The same month North Korean state television confirmed that Kim and Ri were married, setting off a flurry of speculation about who she was, how long they'd been married and whether their union had produced any children.
Photos: North Korea's first couple: Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju
Ri first appeared alongside Kim in an image released in July 2012. They were seen watching a performance of the Moranbong band in Pyongyang. The same month North Korean state television confirmed that Kim and Ri were married, setting off a flurry of speculation about who she was, how long they'd been married and whether their union had produced any children.
Hide Caption
8 of 8
02 kim wife ri sol ju01 kim wife ri sol ju03 kim wife footballkim jong un ri sol ju04 kim ri dec 201405 kim ri KPA 201407 kim ri file 201306 kim ri file 2012
North Korea's first lady has made her first public appearance since last December. In images released by North Korea's state news agency, Ri Sol Ju is seen laughing and clapping alongside leader Kim Jong Un. In 2012, Korean state television confirmed the couple had married.