North Korean singer Hyon Song Wol, rumored to have been executed by firing squad last year, was seen speaking at a convention in Pyongyang on Friday, pictures released by North Korean broadcaster KCTV have shown.

Dressed in a military uniform, Hyon was shown participating in the 9th National Convention of Artists in Pyongyang, Yonhap News Agency said.

Hyon came out as the first contestant, stressing a need for artists to be determined in creating their best for “their beloved army and people” against “the enemy”.

Hyon’s portrayal on TV is the first