On March 8, Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, emphasized that women’s responsibilities and roles in socialist development are of paramount importance, marking International Women’s Day.
North Korea’s state-run newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Monday that a commemorative performance for International Women’s Day was held the previous day at the Pyongyang Gymnasium. Kim attended the event accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol-ju, and their daughter, Ju Ae.
In his address, Kim acknowledged the recent 9th Party Congress had highlighted women’s contributions, stating that the women will play a crucial role in making the nation more harmonious and prosperous.
He praised the strength and dedication of North Korean women, saying that in all sectors of the revolution – from national defense posts to socialist construction sites, factories, and rural areas – the women demonstrate unwavering strength, resilience, purity, and honesty, never falling behind their male counterparts.
Kim urged all women to fulfill their sacred mission and duty in promoting national prosperity, development, and social cohesion.
The newspaper reported that party and government leaders, Central Committee officials, and exemplary women from various Pyongyang institutions attended the performance. Foreign diplomats were also invited.
Notably, prominent female officials including Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and Kim Yo-jong, head of the Party’s General Affairs Department, as well as Ri Chun-hi, a well-known announcer from Korean Central Television, were seated in the front row alongside Kim, his wife, and daughter.
The newspaper described the performance as featuring a variety of patriotic songs and traditional music, creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement among women celebrating March 8 as their happiest holiday.
Concurrently, various events commemorating International Women’s Day took place across North Korea. The final round of the 2026 National Provincial Equestrian Competition was held at the Pyongyang Mirim Riding Club, attended by key officials including Party Secretary Jo Yong-won, Ri Il-hwan, Foreign Minister Choe, and Kim Yo-jong.
A dance party for Women’s Union members occurred at Kim Il Sung Square. The newspaper reported that participants, dressed in winter jackets over traditional hanbok, danced with enthusiasm, embodying their commitment to the goals set by the 9th Party Congress.
Additionally, a central report meeting for the 116th anniversary of International Women’s Day was held at the People’s Cultural Palace, attended by Central Committee Secretaries Ri Il-hwan and Ju Chang-il.
In Seoul, South Korean Unification Ministry spokesperson Yoon Min-ho noted during a press briefing that this marked Kim Jong Un’s second attendance at an International Women’s Day performance, but his first time delivering a speech. He also pointed out that Ri Sol-ju and Ju Ae’s presence was unprecedented.
Yoon suggested that these developments likely aim to emphasize women’s roles in advancing comprehensive socialist development following the 9th Party Congress, while also projecting the image of a unified socialist family.