"The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader, Kim Jong-un, awarded the Socialist Patriotic Youth League (SPYL) with the country's most honourable award - the Order of Kim Jong-il - during a conference marking the body's 80th anniversary in Pyongyang on Saturday. Images released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) show the packed Kim Il-sung Stadium, where thousands listened to Kim's speech and celebrated the occasion. Kim also pinned the medal to the SPYL flag and greeted the youth league's members before departing. During his speech, Kim commended the contribution made by the youth league to Pyongyang's 'glorious struggle history' throughout 80 years and applauded young soldiers who had recently participated in overseas operations. He additionally emphasised the young generation's role in advancing the 'succession of our revolutionary cause' and determining the 'eternal prosperity' for the DPRK, according to state media. The DPRK's Socialist Patriotic Youth League traces its origins to January 17, 1946, when it was founded as the Democratic Youth League of North Korea"