Pyongyang: Shaman, a Russian singer-songwriter known for his support of President Vladimir Putin, arrived in Pyongyang as North Korea marks the Korean Peninsula's liberation from Japan's colonial rule 80 years ago, the North's state media reported.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the singer visited North Korea as part of a delegation from Russia's culture ministry, led by Deputy Minister Andrey Malyshev. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that North Korea's culture ministry invited the delegation ahead of the 80th anniversary of liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. The delegation also includes Russia's military concert bands.

Shaman previously traveled to North Korea in June last year, accompanying Putin on a trip for a summit with leader Kim Jong-un and performed at the Pyongyang Gymnasium.

The KCNA earlier said another delegation from Russia's parliamentary lower house, the Duma, led by Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, will visit North Korea as part of the anniversary celebration.