North Korean state-run media say ruling Workers' Party officials based in South Hamgyeong Province have held a public rally and pledged loyalty to the North's new leader Kim Jong-un.

Reports said that during the rally Monday, chief party secretary in South Hamgyeong Province, Kwak Pom-gi, vowed to uphold the great leadership of the "respectable" Kim Jong-un.

Participants also reportedly adopted a "letter addressed to all North Korean laborers" pledging to carry on the instructions left by their late leader Kim Jong-il.

A South Korean Unification Ministry official commented on the rally saying South Hamgyeong Province represents a model example of economic development. He says the coverage of the rally by North Korean media underlines the North's hope to see the spirit of Hamgyeong spread through all of North Korea.