North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sent musical instruments as gifts to newly built schools in flood-affected areas, according to a report by the Workers’ Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun on Friday.
The newspaper stated that General Secretary Kim Jong Un had sent gifts of pianos, accordions, guitars, traditional Korean instruments such as the oungum and gayageum, and harmonicas to newly built schools in the flood-affected regions of North Pyongan Province, Chagang Province, and Ryanggang Province.
Schools receiving these gifts include Sinuiju City’s Hadan 1 High School, Uiju County’s Seoho High School, Songgan County’s Gwangmyeong High School, Chonchon County’s Hwaam Elementary School Mupyeong Branch, and Kimhyŏngjik County’s Sampo High School.
The newspaper emphasized Kim Jong Un’s affection for future generations, noting his special decision to temporarily house some flood victims and children at Pyongyang’s April 25 Hotel. It further praised his generosity, reporting that along with building impressive schools that bring pride to the newly transformed villages and supplying modern educational tools and sports equipment, he had also provided a wide range of musical instruments.
At gatherings, attended by the party’s officials, government representatives, faculty members, students, and parents of North Pyongan Province, Chagang Province, and Ryanggang Province, gratitude was expressed towards Kim.
The newspaper reported that participants pledged to dedicate themselves to education, excel in their studies and organizational activities, and actively participate in extracurricular pursuits to prepare themselves as true sons and daughters of their father, General Secretary Kim.
Kim Intae, a senior researcher at South Korea’s Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS), analyzed that North Korea seems to be leveraging support for flood recovery regions as part of Kim Jong Un’s people-centered political strategy. He noted that the choice to send popular rather than professional musical instruments likely reflects an effort to encourage ideological education among North Korean youth through music.
Previously, in late July last year, massive flooding occurred along North Korea’s Yalu River. In response, Kim had approximately 15,000 local residents, including the elderly, children, students, and soldiers, temporarily relocated to Pyongyang. About five months later, in December, these flood victims returned home.
Since then, North Korea has continued to promote the construction of new homes in flood recovery areas, encouraging unity and loyalty among residents. They have particularly emphasized their care for students and children in the affected regions, which is seen as an ongoing effort to maintain public support in these areas.