Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, engaged in 25 public activities throughout the month, marking the third-highest monthly activity count since he took power.
Displays Activity on Par with Early Days in Power… Cultivates Image of a Hands-On Leader
On Tuesday, Rodong Sinmun cited specific figures on its front page, stating since the beginning of March, there have been as many as 25 official reports on the revolutionary activities of the Respected General Secretary.
This figure follows the highest counts recorded in January 2013 (29 activities) and June 2012 (27 activities) after Kim Jong Un ascended to power following the death of Kim Jong Il in December 2011. However, the counts from 2012 to 2013 are based on data from the Korea Institute for National Unification, which may differ slightly from North Korea’s own figures.
The increase in public activities to levels comparable to the early days of his administration can be attributed to the recent 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party and the 1st Session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly held on February 22-23, which reshaped the power structure and solidified the Kim Jong Un era.
In terms of specific areas, military-related activities topped the list with eight occurrences. Kim visited the destroyer Choe Hyon on March 3-4 to assess training conditions and operational capabilities before commissioning. He also observed a cruise missile test launch from the Choe Hyon on March 10. Although specific dates are not provided, he guided a sniper shooting competition for the capital defense corps in early March and recently inspected the training conditions of special operations forces.
On March 14, he observed the launch of 600mm multiple rocket launchers by the long-range artillery unit in the western region. On March 19, he watched the training of the new tank Chonma-20 and the special forces’ assault drills. Recently, he personally evaluated the active defense system of the Chonma-20 and inspected a test site for an upgraded solid-fuel engine designed for Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), showcasing its increased thrust.
On March 1, Kim visited the Sangwon Cement Complex, directing an increase in cement production to boost construction projects. On March 15, the day of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly elections, he visited a coal mine, delivered a speech to miners, and cast his vote. During the 1st Session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly on February 22-23, he issued a stern message towards South Korea and the United States. Additionally, he planted trees in a new residential district built for the families of deceased Russian soldiers on March 14, demonstrating a blend of economic, social, and political activities.
In January, Kim also conducted 17 public activities, similar to the highest monthly count of 19 activities recorded in April of the previous year. This suggests that Kim has been emphasizing his image as a working leader since the beginning of the year.
Rodong Sinmun Calls Kim Jong Un Great Leader… Erasing Predecessors to Cement Sole Leadership
Rodong Sinmun praised Kim as the great leader, asserting that the nation’s strength has increased thanks to his leadership. The newspaper highlighted various activities undertaken by Kim this month in an article titled, The Glory of the People is Endless, and the Future is Bright, suggesting that a new transformative phase in socialist construction has begun.
The paper quoted Kim’s message that we have entered a new transformative phase since the 9th Congress of the Party and the 1st Session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly, moving forward to prosperity with clear vision and firm confidence. It referred to Kim as the great leader, the world’s foremost figure, the sky of destiny, an extraordinary leader, and the sacred father.
By citing statements from farm workers, coal miners, and female laborers, the article repeatedly emphasized loyalty to only Comrade Kim, framing his re-election as the Party General Secretary at the 9th Congress and as Chairman of the State Affairs Commission at the Supreme People’s Assembly as the people’s choice.
These actions by Kim and the propaganda methods used by North Korean media highlight the regime’s readiness to operate under the leadership of a superhuman leader following March, having completed various institutional adjustments to support this direction.
Analysts speculate that Kim’s emphasis on direct control over military, economic, and social matters underscores the Kim Jong Un era and may foreshadow the introduction of his unique governing ideology, referred to as Kim Jong Unism.