North Korea has condemned the ongoing U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS), which began on August 18, as a provocative and aggressive drill aimed at a preemptive strike against its nation. At the same time, Pyongyang emphasized the importance of fully implementing party policies as the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea’s founding approaches this October.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s ruling party, featured a statement on its third page from the spokesperson of the Korean People’s Army General Staff. The spokesperson declared that despite widespread domestic and international concerns and opposition, the U.S. and South Korea have obstinately proceeded with the large-scale joint military exercise UFS. Further noting that this exercise is an extremely provocative and aggressive live-fire drill clearly aimed at a preemptive strike against the nation.
The spokesperson further stated that the reckless war games conducted by U.S. and South Korean warmongers pose a grave threat to national security and are pushing the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader region to the brink of extreme tension. He noted that UFS has evolved into a full-fledged multinational joint military exercise that significantly intensifies the military threat against the country.
The front page emphasized that receptiveness to and thorough execution of party policies means accurately grasping and promptly implementing the party’s ideology and intentions, thereby transforming the party’s vision and decisions into tangible reality. It underscored the importance of fulfilling one’s responsibilities and duties in carrying out party directives.
The second page highlighted the ongoing construction of the massive Wihwa Island greenhouse farm complex and the permanent flood prevention infrastructure in the island district. These projects are being vigorously pursued by military and civilian workers along the Yalu River on the country’s northwestern border. The article also praised the efforts of the heroic youth shock brigade from Mount Paektu.
The fourth page showcased the Record of the Implementation of Comrade Kim Il Sung’s Instructions from the Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex’s No. 6 Open-Hearth Furnace team, displayed at the Korean Revolution Museum. The newspaper reported that this 60-year-old document details the team’s efforts leading up to the 20th anniversary of the party’s founding in 1965. The article emphasized that this record of loyalty, imbued with the fighting spirit of previous generations, serves as a powerful reminder to the new generation of steelworkers as they march toward the party’s 80th anniversary. It exhorted the new generation of steel warriors, to embody the loyalty and patriotism of its predecessors and redouble the efforts!
The fifth page provided next week’s weather forecast, urging citizens to take thorough precautions to minimize crop damage from severe weather. According to the State Hydro-Meteorological Administration, the country is expected to be frequently affected by the monsoon front and a low-pressure trough from August 24 to 29. Widespread rain and thunderstorms are anticipated on Tuesday, with particularly heavy rainfall expected in parts of South and North Pyongan provinces and Jagang Province.
The sixth page reported on the opening of a new water park at Geumseong Lake in Tokchon City. Since its inauguration, the park has attracted numerous visitors from various parts of South Pyongan Province, including Pyongsong City, Kaechon City, and Bukchang County. The newspaper noted that this unique recreational facility, which reflects the region’s characteristics, has inspired visitors to further develop their hometowns into more civilized and beautiful landscapes.