North Korea has showcased its accomplishments in the economy and military for 2024 ahead of the Workers’ Party plenary meeting, which will summarize this year’s achievements.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published a feature article on Thursday titled “2024: A Year That Demonstrated the Great Leadership of Our Party.” The article detailed specific policy achievements, including advancements in 12 major objectives for the people’s economy and the 20×10 local development policy.
The newspaper reported that all sectors of the people’s economy, including the 12 major objectives, have progressed due to the population’s commitment to self-reliance. It highlighted the construction of 10,000 housing units in the Hwasong District and the vigorous promotion of rural housing construction nationwide.
On page two, the newspaper included New Year’s greeting messages from the presidents of Egypt, Laos, and Palestine, as well as from diplomats stationed in North Korea, addressed to Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party. In another article titled “The Joy of Our Father,” Kim was praised as a leader who has embraced the demands of the nation, the revolution, and the people’s aspirations more deeply than anyone else. The article lauded him as possessing great ideas, exceptional leadership, unwavering conviction, and an indomitable will unmatched by any historical figure.
The third page listed North Hwanghae Province’s economic achievements in 2024. It attributed these successes to enhanced propaganda efforts, including improved broadcast scripts and video editing.
Page four reported that agricultural officials and workers ramped up efforts to repair agricultural machinery and produce parts in preparation for next year’s farming. The article also highlighted the completion ceremony for the Hyesan Instant Noodle (Cup Ramen) Factory, which took place locally on Wednesday.
The fifth page highlighted various health sector sponsorship projects across multiple units this year. The newspaper emphasized that healthcare is tantamount to investing in the people, a top priority for the Party. It reported that the Rason Pharmaceutical Factory is committed to producing more effective, higher-quality medications tailored to people’s needs.
Page six included criticisms of the United States and other imperialist nations, arguing that their claims of promoting peace are, in reality, “calls for confrontation and war.” The article accused these nations of using the media to portray themselves as defenders of peace. It further claimed that the idea of “peace through strength” is a U.S. strategy to impose global order through force and military intervention. The paper stressed, “Peace, the dignity of the state, and the well-being and future of the people are ensured through strong self-reliant national defense capabilities.”