North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the inauguration ceremony of a local industrial factory in Kangdong County, emphasizing that the people are the true beneficiaries of the new era’s local development policy. His wife, Ri Sol-ju, and daughter, Ju Ae, accompanied him to the event.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Tuesday that the grand inauguration ceremony for the Kangdong County local industrial factory and comprehensive service center took place the previous day under Kim’s attendance.
The newspaper hailed the grand opening as a significant milestone that heightens nationwide patriotic fervor and joy, marking the explosive implementation of local development initiatives following the Party’s 9th Congress.
According to the report, Kim personally cut the inauguration ribbon and toured the factory and service center. In his address, he emphasized that the Party’s unwavering mission is to drive local development and bring prosperity to the people. This is the cornerstone of the service to the masses.
Kim further stressed that the local populace are the primary beneficiaries of the new era’s development policies, underscoring the regime’s commitment to prioritizing the needs of the people.
Notably, Kim’s wife, Ri, and daughter, Ju Ae, were seen alongside him, drawing public attention. This marked Ri’s first public appearance in about six months since the family’s attendance at the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area inauguration in June.
Interestingly, North Korean media continued to spotlight Ju Ae more prominently than Ri, as was the case during their previous public appearance. Throughout the factory tour, Ju Ae was observed assisting Kim more closely than his wife.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Ri Il Hwan, the Party’s propaganda secretary, who recently resurfaced in public after a year-long absence from state media, which had fueled speculation about his possible purge.
According to the newspaper, Secretary Ri proclaimed that the factory and service center inaugurated today are precious gifts from Comrade Kim, who has guided them meticulously since the project’s inception. He urged the people to dedicate their wisdom, strength, and passion to the prosperity and revival of the homeland.