A North Korean music troupe visiting Southern California held a performance at a theater in Los Angeles on Feb. 16 during a tour that marks its debut in the United States.

The eight-member troupe wrapped up earlier performances in New York and Chicago. Comprised of both musicians and singers, it performed songs beloved in both South and North Korea, such as "Arirang," and traditional North Korean folk songs.

Included among the artists were vocalist Ho Kwang-su and female folk singer Sok Ryon-hee.

After arriving in the United States on Feb 12, the North Korean troupe’s first U.S. performances drew special attention in New York.

The group’s arrival also marks the first time a North Korean delegation has visited the United States since the inauguration of President George W. Bush on Jan. 20. The United States officially issued visas to the North Korean troupe members.

"The performances in the United States were designed to introduce our country’s pure art and express the hope of the unification of the two Koreas,’’ said Jon Kyong-nam, vice chairman of the (North) Korean Committee for Aiding Overseas Compatriots and the troupe’s leader.

They also held performances in Houston and Washington before returning home Feb. 24.

The National Federation of Korean Residents in the United States organized the tour.