North Korean leader Kim Jong Un convened senior military officials to address the recent drone intrusion into Pyongyang.
The state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported on Tuesday, “Dear Comrade Kim Jong Un convened a meeting on defense and security matters on the 14th.” This marks General Secretary Kim’s first such meeting. Attendees included Defense Minister No Kwang Chol, Party Secretary for Military Supplies Jo Chun Ryong, Chief of the General Staff Ri Yong Gil, Deputy Chief of the General Staff and Director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau Ri Chang Ho, and State Security Minister Ri Chang Dae.
During the meeting, the Director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau presented a report on the drone incident, while the Chief of the General Staff discussed military response strategies. Kim Jong Un reportedly emphasized the importance of maintaining significant tasks related to war deterrence and the right to self-defense to protect the nation’s sovereignty and security interests. However, specific details regarding these reports and directives were not disclosed.
The second page of Rodong Sinmun reflected on the nation’s resilience, calling for unity in overcoming what it described as the greatest crises since the country’s founding, including external provocations, natural disasters, and health challenges. The newspaper stressed that patriotism and loyalty are essential to weathering these adversities.
In a shift to economic matters, the third page praised the Namhung Youth Chemical Complex, one of North Korea’s “Top 10 Companies of 2023,” for its technological innovations. The piece highlighted the importance of nurturing talent and accurately evaluating individuals as part of the Party’s goals for advancing the national economic plan.
International relations were featured on the fourth page. The article reported that a delegation from North Korea’s sports ministry, led by Vice Minister O Kwang Hyuk, departed for Russia to attend an international sports forum. The article mentioned that both Pyongyang officials and the Russian ambassador were present at Pyongyang International Airport to see the delegation off.
The fifth page spotlighted agricultural productivity, praising farms in South Phyongan Province for achieving high yields despite difficult conditions. The article called on workers to boost agricultural efforts under the guidance of the ruling Party.
Lastly, the sixth page criticized U.S. foreign policy, accusing the U.S. of increasing nuclear tensions by activating a nuclear consultative group and providing ongoing military support to Ukraine and Israel. The piece accused the U.S. of being embroiled in “bloody slaughter” through its international military interventions.