North Korea's state-run television has aired footage of a North Korean praising last week's nuclear test at a lavish resort on the North's east coast, indicating that the resort is operating smoothly this year.

The report comes amid South Korean media reports that the operation of Masikryong Ski Resort was put on hold this year due to problems stemming from shoddy construction.

The ski resort, opened in December 2013, is one of the pet projects of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un who reportedly enjoyed skiing while attending school in Switzerland in the early 1990s.

The Korean Central TV Broadcasting Station reported Sunday that a North Korean visitor to the resort expressed joy and pride over the success of the country's first hydrogen bomb test that took place on Jan. 6.

"I've heard surprising news at this resort," said the North Korean whose identify is not known. "I cannot hide my joy and pride over the thought that my country has joined the ranks of a nuclear state that even possesses a hydrogen bomb."

The report also said that as the number of visitors to the resort has been on the rise, officials there have prepared more ski suits and other equipment to better meet visitor demand. (Yonhap)