Special to WorldTribune.com

China-North Korea relations, once described by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army to be “as close as lips to teeth,” has been strained recently as Beijing moves closer to South Korea while Kim Jong-Un is said to largely ignore Chinese delegations visiting North Korea.

Now, Kim is sending his hand-picked all girl band to China in an attempt to smooth over relations.

The group, called Moranbong, will perform three times in Beijing during their upcoming week-long visit.

In announcing Moranbong’s visit to Beijing, North Korean state news agency KCNA referred to the group as “a model of the Juche-based literature and art and a worldwide stylish band.”

“Juche” is usually translated as “self-reliance” and is the official political ideology of North Korea.

Moranbong was established by Kim in 2012. The youthful dictator is said to personally pick the group’s songs, which range from patriotic propaganda to homages to the Dear Leader’s “warm heart” and “sweet smile.”

Kim’s girl band also performs Western hits such as “My Way” and an electronic violin version of the theme from the movie “Rocky”.

Tickets for the Beijing concerts will reportedly be for selected guests only and will not go on sale to the general public.

Moranbong’s concerts will be held at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, “opening up a new path in art creation with the spirit of devotedly carrying out the tasks given by the Party,” KCNA added.

  Kim Jong-Un sends his girl band to warm relations with China, Moranbong, WorldTribune.com