North Korea has effectively completed its ambitious project to construct 50,000 housing units in Pyongyang. Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, attended the completion ceremony for 10,000 housing units in the Hwasong District. He was accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae and wife Ri Sol-ju, continuing his recent trend of public family appearances.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party, reported on Tuesday that the completion ceremony for the 10,000 housing units in the Hwasong District had taken place. The newspaper emphasized that this achievement surpasses the goal set at the 8th Party Congress to build 50,000 housing units in Pyongyang. It further claimed that the Hwasong District project ushers in a new era of capital construction, showcasing socialist progress under the banner of self-reliance and national dignity.
During the event, Kim personally toured the newly constructed streets and greeted residents. His appearance alongside his daughter Ju-ae drew significant attention, particularly as she has recently been seen at various military and state events. This has fueled speculation about her potential role in the succession narrative.
The report also included scenes of Kim’s family exploring commercial and convenience facilities in the new district. The newspaper highlighted moments where Kim, Ju-ae, and Ri visited a pet shop and a musical instrument store, emphasizing the living infrastructure of the completed residential area. Notably, a figure identified as Ri Sol-ju was seen standing next to Ju-ae in front of a pet shop with a sign that read “Bark Bark.” Sources from South Korea’s Ministry of Unification also confirmed the individual to be Ri.
Analysts interpret Kim’s display of family members as an attempt to underscore regime stability and project an image of a normal state. Simultaneously, by featuring everyday family scenes, he likely aims to visually convey a message of improving living standards for North Korean citizens.
A large crowd gathered at the site to celebrate the completion, and the new urban area, featuring high-rise apartments and various amenities, was unveiled. The newspaper described the Hwasong District as an ideal urban area embodying modern aesthetics and originality. It reported that the large-scale high-rise housing and public facilities harmonize to provide residents with more stable and civilized living conditions. The project was touted as a clear result of the Party’s policy to prioritize the welfare of the people as the absolute standard for all activities.
The newspaper reported that citizens of the capital were filled with joy and excitement as they anticipated moving into their new homes, describing the completion ceremony as taking place amid enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. It characterized the construction of the Hwasong District as a monumental creation that serves as a gift of loyalty to the Party Congress and visibly showcases the country’s development.
The plan to construct 50,000 housing units in Pyongyang is a core housing policy presented by Kim at the 8th Party Congress in 2021. It aims to address the capital’s housing issues by supplying a total of 50,000 new homes at a rate of 10,000 units per year. The completion of the Hwasong District also highlights the regime’s achievements in developing large housing areas, reflecting confidence in its governance and aiming to reinforce internal unity.