On Wednesday, North Korea observed a nationwide atmosphere of mourning to commemorate the 14th anniversary of Chairman Kim Jong Il’s death. This move is seen as an attempt to rally the public around Kim Jong Il’s achievements in anticipation of the 9th Workers’ Party Congress scheduled for early next year.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, featured a front-page editorial titled, Let us vigorously open a new chapter in building a socialist powerhouse, honoring the patriotic aspirations of our great leader Kim Jong Il.
The editorial meticulously outlined Chairman Kim Jong Il’s past accomplishments and stressed the importance of ideological preparedness among the people ahead of the upcoming 9th Party Congress.
Emphasizing Kim Jong Il’s unwavering belief that self-reliance is the only path to survival, the editorial urged all officials, party members, and workers to remember Kim’s patriotic aspirations and vision for a strong nation. It called on them to redouble their efforts and welcome the 9th Party Congress with pride in their achievements.
The same issue also reported that General Secretary Kim Jong Un paid his respects at midnight, visiting the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun with members of the Party’s Politburo.
Various memorial gatherings were held across the country. The newspaper reported that on Tuesday, a meeting for students and youth took place at the Mangyongdae Students and Children’s Palace, while a separate meeting for women and agricultural workers was also conducted.
Furthermore, overseas Korean organizations, including the General Association of Korean Residents in China, as well as international organizations and foreign dignitaries, sent floral tributes to the statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il on Mansu Hill.
North Korea is currently facing the challenge of completing its five-year national economic development plan by year-end and holding the significant 9th Party Congress in early 2024. Analysts interpret the commemoration of Kim Jong Il’s death as a strategic move to bolster public loyalty and patriotism during this crucial period.