North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently inspected a nearly completed memorial hall dedicated to Russian troops. He announced plans to hold an opening ceremony in mid-April.
According to the state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper on April 3, Kim visited the construction site of a memorial honoring overseas military operations. The North Korean leader emphasized the significance of the site, describing it as a monument to the era that praises the great heroic spirit of the proud sons of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and a hall for patriotic education. Kim also said that a solemn ceremony to inter the remains of fallen heroes would be conducted in mid-April, coinciding with the first anniversary of the Kursk Liberation Operation’s conclusion.
The newspaper’s front pages also featured Kim’s inspection of commercial facilities in the Hwasong district, part of Pyongyang’s new urban development. Accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae and wife Ri Sol-ju, Kim toured various establishments, including the Masang Automobile Technical Service Center, which offers vehicle parts and repair services, the Hwasong Pet Shop, the Hwasong Music Store, and several barber shops and beauty salons.
On page 3, the paper published Kim’s response to Vietnamese President Le Quang Cuong. The North Korean leader expressed gratitude for President Le’s congratulations on his recent re-election as Chairman of the State Affairs Commission during the Supreme People’s Assembly. Kim emphasized the importance of further developing friendly relations between the two nations.
The fourth page reported on an expanded meeting of the 10th Central Committee of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League. The gathering focused on implementing the programmatic tasks outlined in Kim’s recent address to the Supreme People’s Assembly.
An article titled “Three Revolutionary Goals for Rural Villages: Urbanization, Civilization, and Advancement” appeared on page 5. The article argued that these goals would help modernize rural areas, fulfill the aspirations of agricultural workers, and reduce the urban-rural divide, ultimately accelerating socialist development.
The final page featured a report on the increasing number of centenarians in North Korea, attributing the trend to the benefits of the socialist system. The article said the party’s prioritization of public health and welfare has contributed to more citizens living to 100 years of age.