The North Korean ruling party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, has been consistently highlighting the Gangwon Spirit on its front page. This emphasis comes as the regime prepares for the year-end plenary meeting and the 9th Party Congress scheduled for early next year, signaling a strong focus on internal cohesion.
The front page reported on Sunday that Party organizations at all levels are actively promoting organizational and political efforts to ensure members learn from the fighting spirit of those who embody the Gangwon Spirit. The newspaper spotlighted workers at key economic sites, including the Dukjang District Coal Mining Union, the Musan Mining Union, and the Kumdok Mining Union.
Page 2 covered housewarming ceremonies at farms in Heocheon County and Nangrim County’s Insan Farm. The paper proclaimed that modern housing has been constructed in mountainous rural areas, allowing agricultural workers to experience the joy of starting new lives in comfortable homes.
The third page commemorated the 80th anniversary of the educational publishing company. It lauded the company’s contributions to national education and its commitment to revolutionary duties, emphasizing the need to promote educational publishing for the post-liberation generation further.
Page four reported that winter tours of the Baekdu Mountain revolutionary sites have been ongoing for over 20 days, with a continuous influx of citizens eager to participate. The newspaper claimed that people are passionate about experiencing the Baekdu revolutionary spirit firsthand, suggesting that this enthusiasm will accelerate the nation’s comprehensive revival.
The fifth page announced the renovation of a farming tools factory in Kaesong City in preparation for the 9th Party Congress. It detailed ongoing efforts to implement the Party’s policy of increasing agricultural mechanization.
On page six, the paper criticized Japan’s military ambitions, noting attempts to rename the Self-Defense Forces and restore Imperial Army military ranks. It warned that Japan’s military buildup and provocations pose a serious threat to regional security, cautioning that reviving the Imperial Army would only bring disaster to the Japanese archipelago.