On May 20, North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un sent a message of condolence for the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who was killed in a helicopter crash.
Rodong Sinmun reported the news on the front page of their newspaper on May 21. In his message to First Vice-President of Iran Mohammad Mokhber, Kim expressed his “deep condolences to the government, people, and bereaved family of Iran upon hearing the shocking news of the sudden demise of Raisi in an unexpected accident.” The media highlighted the construction speed battle on the same page, stating, “The soldiers of the Social Security Brigade participating in the construction of 10,000 homes in the Hwasong District’s third phase have completed all the framework construction of the homes and public buildings 40 days ahead of schedule.”
On the next page, the revolutionary thought of Kim was emphasized, stressing the importance of “the people’s collective demands and political consciousness.” Additionally, the news of new homes being built at the Northern Farm in Chuksang was reported.
On the third page, the DaeHan Heavy Machinery enterprise was introduced in the Learning from the Chollima Spirit of the New Era section. Through their experiences, the media urged, “We must become stronger in adversity,” and “Let’s all develop together through cooperation in competition.”
The fourth page covered news of rice planting occurring nationwide. The media emphasized, “We must actively carry out political work in the fields,” “We must manage rice seedlings scientifically,” and “We must greatly increase support for rural areas.”
The fifth page highlighted the workers and scientists of the East Pyongyang Thermal Power Plant and the National Science Institute of Thermal Engineering, who received the 2.16 Science and Technology Award. Another article emphasized the importance of resource recycling technology, introducing the recycling case of the Heecheon Daily Products Production Cooperative.
The sixth page emphasized the importance of anti-class consciousness, stating, “Fantasies about American imperialism and class enemies are tantamount to death.” It also criticized the U.S. for announcing plans to deploy ground-based medium-range missiles in the Indo-Pacific region this year, stating, “The U.S. is seriously threatening world peace by inciting an arms race.”