At 93 years old, Kim Cho Sim remains a revered figure in North Korea’s musical and educational circles, continuing her lifelong dedication as a singing teacher at a music school affiliated with Pyongyang Kim Won Gyun University of Music and Dance. According to The Pyongyang Times, Kim’s remarkable journey from a humble beginning to becoming a national cultural icon is a testament to her resilience and patriotism.
Born on October 22, 1932, in Chongjin City, North Hamgyong Province, Kim’s childhood was marked by a deep love for singing, despite facing suppression under the Japanese occupation when she was forbidden from singing Korean songs in school. Her dream was realized only after Korea’s liberation, when she began performing songs celebrating the birth of a new nation. Her early performances attracted wide attention, foreshadowing a bright future.
At the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, the then 18-year-old Kim voluntarily joined the Korean People’s Army, prioritizing her country over the stage. Serving as a vocalist for the Ministry of the Interior Song and Dance Ensemble, she performed on frontlines and liberated towns, bolstering the morale of soldiers and civilians alike. Beyond her musical role, Kim bravely transported ammunition and evacuated wounded soldiers under fire, sustaining serious injuries during the conflict. For her courage and service, she was awarded two Distinguished Military Service Medals.
After the war, Kim continued to inspire the nation as a leader of the women’s chorus in the Central Broadcasting Art Troupe, performing during pivotal moments such as the construction of the country’s first central TV broadcasting tower.
When war injuries eventually prevented her from performing, Kim turned her focus to education, dedicating over 60 years to teaching music. Her leadership helped her students at Pyongyang Inhung Middle School and later at the Pyongyang Students and Children’s Palace and the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace earn national recognition. Many of her protégés have become celebrated People’s and Merited Artistes.
Reflecting on her long career, Kim told The Pyongyang Times, “Years have gone by. But I can still pursue a successful teaching career full of energy because the policies and benefits of the country for war veterans serve as nutrients of my life.” Despite offers to retire comfortably, she remains committed to nurturing new generations of talent as a gesture of gratitude to her country.
Her home proudly displays photos with Chairman Kim Jong Il and General Secretary Kim Jong Un, along with state commendations recognizing her outstanding contributions. Chairman Kim Jong Il lauded her meritorious deeds, and General Secretary Kim Jong Un personally expressed warm wishes for her health at the Seventh National Conference of War Veterans.
“I don’t care about my age. I only want to train my students well to the last moments of my life so that they can bring honour to the country,” Kim said. “This is the greeting a war veteran offers to the benevolent country.”
