N. Korea’s Kim sends all-female band to sing in China

BEIJING (AP) — An all-female band formed by Kim Jong Un will perform behind closed doors in Beijing on a visit to cultivate better ties with China.

The Moranbong Band, a group of women who sing and play instruments including violins, electric guitars, and keyboards in short dresses and high heels, was set up by the North Korean leader in 2012. Its look is similar to pop bands from the North’s hated rival, South Korea.

The band will play alongside another North Korean musical troupe at Beijing’s National Center for Performing Arts for three nights starting Thursday. The performances are not open to the public, according to various people reached at the center who could give no details on who was invited.

North Korean state media said it was a “friendship visit.’’