On Wednesday, Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, inspected a newly constructed hot spring resort facility for the first time in about seven and a half years.
The party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Wednesday that the opening ceremony for the Onpo Workers’ Rest Home was held with great fanfare, stating that Kim attended the event. Kim wore a black long padded coat and dress shoes as he confidently toured the resort alongside officials.
Notably, when Kim inspected the indoor hot spring, residents wearing swim caps were seen enjoying the baths. The image of citizens awkwardly soaking in the hot springs in front of Kim and high-ranking officials, who were dressed in black coats and formal shoes, appeared somewhat stiff and uncomfortable.
There were also photos of Kim seemingly chatting with women in the women’s bath area. Observers noted that the sight of the supreme leader, dressed in winter attire while inspecting the indoor hot spring, seemed unnatural.
Typically, North Korean media portray citizens welcoming the supreme leader with outstretched arms and enthusiastic cheers. However, this report from Rodong Sinmun appeared equally awkward, showing residents unconditionally cheering for the leader’s appearance.
During his visit, Kim inspected not only the indoor and outdoor hot spring facilities at the resort but also the treatment and accommodation facilities.
The reconstruction of the Onpo Workers’ Rest Home began after Kim visited the site in July 2018. At that time, he pointed out the aging facilities and poor management, ordering a complete demolition and construction of a top-tier resort.
After returning to the site in March of last year, when construction was in its final stages, Kim ordered that it be completed by the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea on October 10. However, the completion came about three months later than the target date. Kim also instructed that the resort officially open in February, coinciding with the expected Ninth Party Congress.
