North Korea has emphasized the principle that those who contribute more should receive a larger share when assessing and distributing the year’s achievements. This stance indicates a rejection of unconditional equality, acknowledging that competition is a key driver of economic development.
The ruling party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Tuesday that egalitarianism has no place in socialist distribution principles. The article stated that socialism is not a society that pursues egalitarianism, noting that in a collectivist society, individuals cannot receive the same evaluation regardless of their performance.
The newspaper argued that in a socialist society, everyone should strive to be diligent and dedicated to the community. It asserted that those who contribute more and work harder for society should rightfully receive a larger share and higher social recognition. This, the paper claimed, is the essence of collectivism and the hallmark of a truly socialist society.
Rodong Sinmun warned that egalitarian evaluations would dampen workers’ productivity and foster a culture of complacency. It emphasized that if hard workers and slackers receive the same compensation, overall motivation and the drive for skill improvement would inevitably decline.
The report framed the year-end evaluation process as more than just a bureaucratic exercise of highlighting positives and negatives. Instead, it described it as a crucial political task directly linked to public morale and productivity. To ensure fairness and effectiveness, the paper stressed the importance of adhering strictly to socialist distribution principles throughout the evaluation process.
As the year comes to a close, North Korea is conducting assessments across various economic sectors. This approach underscores the regime’s focus on accurate and fair distribution to prevent public discontent. Since the collapse of denuclearization talks following the failed Hanoi summit in February 2019, North Korea has championed a policy of ‘self-reliance’. Following the 8th Workers’ Party Congress in 2021, the country has clearly shifted towards fostering a ‘competitive structure’ in various economic sectors, marking a significant departure from its traditional economic model.