The Associated Press (AP) says North Koreans accompanying the New York Philharmonic in Pyongyang displayed knowledge of U.S. presidential candidates.

According to the report Tuesday, the orchestra's musicians were briefed ahead of their visit to avoid talking about politics. But it was their translators and other North Koreans who assisted them in the North who broached the subject.

The AP cited one state-provided translator who said Pyongyang hopes the next U.S. president will be a person who loves peace.

Another North Korean said he knew about Super Tuesday, the date when many U.S. states held presidential primaries. He said Obama had been compared to former President John F. Kennedy for his oratorical skills.