North Korea has launched a major propaganda campaign to tout its achievements in fulfilling the people’s economic plan for the first half of the year while mobilizing for economic success in the second half. As the July 27 Victory Day (anniversary of the Korean War armistice) approaches, the regime has highlighted war heroes to bolster internal unity.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published a front-page article on July 3 titled, Accelerating the March Toward New Prospects Set by the 9th Party Congress. The piece claimed that various sectors of the people’s economy successfully completed their first-half plans, thanks to the dedicated efforts of workers and officials fully engaged in the socialist patriotic movement and revolutionary mass campaigns.
The newspaper emphasized that the Musan Mining Complex conducted a massive blast of 1 million tons earlier this year, followed by additional 1.2 million-ton blasts in March and May, surpassing the first half’s iron ore production targets. Moreover, the Namhung Youth Chemical Complex finished its first-half plan ahead of schedule by June 23, achieving an average daily performance of 106% in June alone.
On page 2, the paper reported that Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party, visited a Korean War historical site in June 2015, hailing it as the sacred ground where victory over American imperialism began. The article highlighted war relics such as shell marks and unexploded ordnance at the supreme command’s headquarters, presenting them as historical artifacts showcasing Kim Il Sung’s wartime leadership. These were proclaimed as revolutionary treasures to be preserved for future generations.
Page 3 addressed record-breaking heat, floods, and drought as climate-related disasters, urging officials at all levels to implement comprehensive prevention measures. The paper showcased strategies from Yodok County, Eunjong Livestock Farm in North Hwanghae Province, and Chonma Mine, stressing that no area is absolutely safe or inviolable. It called for vigilance against complacency and urged proactive, aggressive measures.
On page 4, the newspaper profiled Jo Ok-hee, North Korea’s first female national hero, ahead of Victory Day. It recounted how Jo, once discriminated against as a colonial subject, found political purpose within the Party after liberation and sacrificed her life at 27 during wartime guerrilla activities. The article also quoted war heroes like Kang Ho-young, Hwang Soon-bok, Bae Byung-wook, and Ro Tae-jin, emphasizing their determination with phrases such as “The homeland’s heights are my heights” and “I’ll block enemy fire with my body.”
Page 5 reported that Dongchang County in North Pyongan Province has more than doubled its wheat cultivation area compared to last year, exceeding production targets. The paper stated that it has vigorously pursued the Party’s policy of restructuring grain production, achieving success in this year’s wheat farming. It also highlighted expanded dairy infrastructure, such as new milking machines and vacuum concentrators in Yanggang Province and a goat farm in Sinuiju, touting the Party’s childcare policy achievements.
Page 6 covered an ongoing art exhibition at the Pyongyang International Cultural Center focused on class education, stoking anti-American sentiment. It reported displays of paintings, sculptures, and calligraphy denouncing American imperialism and class enemies, with the overarching theme: Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, it must exact a thousandfold retribution in blood.
