On Monday, North Korea asserted that facing history and settling past issues with Japan is an unavoidable moral responsibility and international legal obligation.
The ruling party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published a statement from the director of the Foreign Ministry’s Japan Research Institute on page 6. The article criticized Japan’s ambivalent attitude on the 80th anniversary of its World War II defeat, accusing it of trying to sidestep accountability by issuing personal opinions after a cursory review of the war.
The newspaper emphasized that history cannot be erased with ink, burned with fire, or torn apart with swords. It added that no matter how hard one tries to erase past crimes and evade responsibility, the history of aggressors and war criminals will persist for future generations. The paper stated that for crimes against humanity of such magnitude, there is no statute of limitations, even after 80 or 800 years.
On the front page, Rodong Sinmun reported that the Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex has established a new technology process using active lime. The article noted that this process, which utilizes domestically abundant limestone and coal, is now producing large quantities of active lime.
Page 2 emphasized the importance of officials taking strong responsibility for their work results. The newspaper warned that officials who do not dedicate their passion and effort cannot share the party’s fate. It also recounted an anecdote about Kim Jong Un’s visit to the Samjiyon Students and Children’s Palace, highlighting his affection for future generations.
Page 3 cautioned that the “import disease” is rooted in nihilism and defeatism, urging self-reliance instead. The paper stressed that it can thoroughly eradicate the “import disease” when officials responsible for various sectors, regions, and units internalize their belief in the boundless wisdom and strength of the masses.
The propaganda activities of the Nyongbyon County Party Committee were also highlighted. According to reports, the mobile artistic propaganda team replaced its old equipment and instruments with new, modern ones.
An article on page 4, titled, A New Definition of Workplaces and the Motherland, emphasized that workers, as well as the People’s Army, should sing The Motherland I Protect. It asserted that safeguarding the workplace is equivalent to protecting the motherland.
Page 5 reported that officials and producers in the light industry sector are modernizing production processes to enhance the quality of consumer goods. It also highlighted that Moranbong No. 1 Middle School is utilizing an intranet homepage to efficiently manage administrative tasks, educational programs, and student learning, thereby improving the school’s level of informatization.