The North Korean ruling party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on April 18 that Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party, emphasized national unity while encouraging the implementation of the new five-year national development plan presented at the 9th Party Congress.
In a front-page article titled, No Force in the World Can Stop Our March Forward with High Spirits Under the Leadership of Our Respected Kim Jong Un, the newspaper stated that over the past five years, it has achieved historic transformations through solidarity. It added that building on these achievements, it is now launching initiatives to advance to a higher stage of development. To illuminate the next five years with victories through the self-reliant capabilities.
On page 2, Rodong Sinmun reported that the President of Mongolia sent a flower basket and a congratulatory letter to Kim in celebration of the 114th anniversary of Kim Il Sung’s birth (April 15). The newspaper noted that the flower basket bore the message that it sincerely wishes for the health of Respected Kim.
Page 3 featured news about the 25th National Youth Loyalty Festival, which ran from the April 12 to 17. During the closing ceremony, exemplary organizations received commendation certificates and victory flags from the Central Committee of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League. Rodong Sinmun reported that discussions were held on strengthening the organizational capacity, unity, and effectiveness of youth organizations.
On page 4, the newspaper announced that North Korean athletes Kim Hyun-ah and Moon Sung-hee won gold medals in the 57 kg (about 126 lbs) and 70 kg (about 154 lbs) weight classes, respectively, at the 2026 Asian Wrestling Championships held in China. Kim Ji-hye secured second place in the 63 kg (about 139 lbs) category.
Page 5 highlighted ongoing afforestation projects in over 200 villages across the country. Rodong Sinmun described afforestation as an indicator of national civilization levels and called for accelerating efforts in tree planting and support installation.
On page 6, the newspaper emphasized the need to strengthen healthcare sector capabilities. Rodong Sinmun stated that the 9th Party Congress identified the modernization of hospital facilities and medical equipment, along with the qualitative enhancement of healthcare personnel, as urgent priorities. It added that in particular, local medical staff should focus on improving their clinical skills and academic qualifications.