Kim Jong Un, Supreme Leader of North Korea, has been making daily appearances on the front page of Rodong Sinmun since the new year began. As the 9th Party Congress approaches, where a five-year national plan will be established, he’s showcasing his hands-on leadership in all matters, focusing on consolidating achievements and rallying public support.
According to the Monday edition of the party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, Kim observed a ballistic hypersonic missile launch exercise the previous day. The paper reported that on Sunday, a key fire-strike unit of the Korean People’s Army conducted missile-launch training. The hypersonic missiles, launched northeast from Pyongyang’s Ryokpo district, reportedly flew 621 miles and struck designated targets in the East Sea.
Kim emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining and expanding a powerful and reliable nuclear deterrent. He confirmed that this launch exercise demonstrated the successful completion of a crucial national defense technology objective.
The Monday front page reported Kim’s visit to a major munitions factory on Saturday. There, he inspected North Korea’s production of its version of the Spike missile, designed to target tanks, fixed artillery, and concealed positions. He also directed the modernization of the defense industry and the expansion of production capacity.
The Sunday edition of Rodong Sinmun covered Kim’s visit to the construction site of the Sinuiju Greenhouse Farm Complex. He commended the patriotism and dedication of young builders and soldiers. In his speech, Kim expressed confidence in the younger generation’s commitment to the country’s socialist system, describing it as reassuring for the party, which he said bears responsibility for the nation’s future.
The Friday front page featured Kim paying respects at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where his predecessors’ bodies are interred, to mark the new year. Notably, the report confirmed that his daughter, Ju-ae, made her first public visit to the palace.
The New Year’s Day edition of Rodong Sinmun showcased photos of Kim attending the midnight celebration alongside Ju Ae and First Lady Ri Sol Ju. He delivered a speech and watched performances at the event.
Since late last year, Kim has dramatically increased his public appearances across military, civilian, and economic sectors.
In December alone, he conducted over 20 public activities. He visited local industrial factories nearing completion in Bukchang, Sinyang, and Eunsan counties, promoting the Local Development 20×10 policy. His subsequent visits included a hospital in Guseong City (January 13), industrial facilities in Gangdong County (January 15), a factory in Jangyeon County (January 18), another in Sinpo City (January 19), a hotel in the Samjiyon Tourist Area (January 20), and a factory in Jeongpyeong County (January 24).
In the military sphere, Kim’s activities began with the Air Force’s 80th anniversary event on November 28. He presided over the welcome ceremony for the engineering unit returning from Russia (December 12). He also inspected the construction of what North Korea calls a nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine of 8,700 tons and observed the test launch of a new high-altitude long-range anti-aircraft missile (December 24), dubbed North Korea’s version of THAAD.
Furthermore, Kim visited munitions factories to assess missile and artillery production in the fourth quarter. He also inspected the launch site of a long-range cruise missile (December 28), which North Korea claims can carry nuclear warheads.
Kim’s actions appear aimed at projecting the image of a hands-on leader from the outset of the year, fostering internal unity. Simultaneously, he seems to be gearing up to deliver an assertive message at the 9th Party Congress, highlighting achievements in nuclear weapons development and economic progress, backed by tangible results.