North Korean choir gives military-inspired concert in Russia

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MOSCOW (AP) — The North Korean National Choir has performed for the first time in the Russian capital, putting on a military-inspired concert.

Members of the male choir wore full military dress for the performance at Moscow's Tchaikovsky Concert Hall. As they sang, a giant screen behind the stage showed scenes of military parades, air shows and North Korea's authoritarian leader, Kim Jong Un.

Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia has strengthened ties with North Korea and worked to bolster trade.

North Korea's ambassador to Russia said Monday evening's concert was part of a new cultural exchange between the two countries.

Russian military veteran Boris Dumiy, who attended the concert, described the music as "mysterious" and said it reflected the "special climate" of a country bounded by two seas.