As Victory Day (July 27, the anniversary of Armistice Agreement Day) approaches, North Korea has been intensifying efforts to instill patriotism by newly enshrining the remains of war veterans.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea, reported on Monday in an article titled, The Valuable Lives of Heroic Warriors Shining on the Hill of Eternal Life, that the remains of Kim Gi-woo, a dual hero of the republic, and Ri Yong-je and Ri Dong-kyu, both heroes of the republic, have been laid to rest at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs’ Cemetery. These individuals were soldiers and war correspondents who fell during the Korean War.
The newspaper’s third page featured another article promoting patriotism ahead of Victory Day. It highlighted a patriotic martyr enjoying eternal life within the embrace of the party, specifically mentioning Comrade Ri Ryong-jin, the former chairman of the Hwanghae Province People’s Committee.
The front page carried an article titled, The Momentum to Perfectly Unfold the Reality of the Socialist Paradise, which emphasized the acceleration of local development under the party’s leadership. It spotlighted the construction of a coastal aquaculture facility in Rakwon County, noting that General Secretary Kim Jong Un had visited the site to encourage field workers.
On page 4, the importance of science, technology, and talent development was stressed. The paper argued that officials must be adept at identifying and nurturing talent, warning that indifference to advanced technology and poor talent management could hinder progress, even if officials believe they’re fulfilling their duties.
Page 5 reported on the continued agricultural success of Sukchon County, which was named the best agricultural county last year. Their achievement was attributed to unity in the face of adverse weather conditions.
Page 6 covered a music presentation at the Pyongyang University of Music and Dance, emphasizing the importance of cultivating artists. The article stated that improving arts education to meet modern demands is crucial for the music sector, adding that the party’s goal is to foster outstanding talent through forward-looking educational practices.