In the aftermath of the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party, North Korea prominently showcased Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un’s military-centric agenda, emphasizing a message of unity and strength. Following a photo op with troops who participated in the parade, Kim awarded cutting-edge sniper rifles to key party and military officials, even joining them for live-fire exercises. This sequence of events underscores the regime’s focus on the military as the vanguard for implementing the Congress’s directives.
The Rodong Sinmun, North Korea’s state-run newspaper, devoted extensive coverage to these events in its February 28 edition, expanding from its usual six pages to eight.
The front page headline announced Kim’s attendance at the commemorative parade for the 9th Party Congress on February 27, where he met with commanders and enlisted personnel from various Korean People’s Army units and posed for photos. The paper emphasized that parade participants demonstrated unwavering support for the party’s strategic objectives and showcased the nation’s military might.
According to the report, Kim commended the military’s display of absolute loyalty to party directives and their indomitable fighting spirit. Notably, he met with veterans of overseas operations, checking on the recovery of wounded personnel and urging all troops to exhibit heroism and resilience in executing the 9th Party Congress’s ambitious agenda.
Page 3 detailed the weapons presentation ceremony. Kim personally awarded specially prepared gifts to top officials and military commanders at party headquarters. The Supreme Leader presented newly developed next-generation sniper rifles from the National Defense Science Institute, describing them as recognition of exceptional service and a token of absolute trust.
Recipients included members of the Central Military Commission, high-ranking military commanders, and key political figures such as Politburo Standing Committee members Jo Yong-won and Kim Jae-ryong, as well as Kim Yo-jong, head of the Party’s Organization and Guidance Department.
The newspaper devoted pages four through eight to coverage of initiatives implementing the Congress’s decisions. Page 4 reported on a mass rally and demonstration in Pyongyang supporting the 9th Congress directives, with extensive coverage of the gathering in Kim Il Sung Square. Page 5 highlighted political and cultural activities of Congress attendees, including screenings of propaganda films and visits to revolutionary historical sites.
Page 6 featured coverage of a youth rally in Kim Il Sung Square commemorating the 9th Congress, emphasizing its role in galvanizing revolutionary fervor and fighting spirit to achieve the ambitious goals set forth by the party leadership.
Page 7 spotlighted the Sinanju Greenhouse Comprehensive Farm District, lauding its transformation from an area plagued by natural disasters to a model of agricultural innovation. The report highlighted achievements in large-scale vegetable production, modern rural housing, and flood control infrastructure.
The final page reported on congratulatory visits from foreign dignitaries and diplomatic missions in Pyongyang, underscoring international recognition of the Congress. The paper noted that representatives from various countries visited North Korean embassies to extend their congratulations, emphasizing the regime’s perceived global support.