North Korea highlighted what it described as the achievements of leader Kim Jong Un’s “people-first” governance, emphasizing regional development, tourism, and expanded cultural infrastructure while continuing anti-U.S. propaganda, according to state media on Saturday.
The ruling Workers’ Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun devoted its front page to a lengthy editorial titled, “The Workers’ Party’s Goal Is to Build Our Homeland Into a Paradise Filled With the Smiles of the People.” The article portrayed Kim’s leadership as focused on improving living standards and described the party’s unwavering objective as creating a “socialist paradise” where the people’s aspirations are fully realized.
The newspaper cited several flagship projects as evidence of that vision, including the construction of 50,000 housing units in Pyongyang, the Regional Development 20×10 Policy, greenhouse farming initiatives, and modernization projects in coal mining communities.
On page two, the newspaper prominently covered the official visit to China by a North Korean delegation led by Premier Pak Thae-song. It reported that Pak and Chinese Premier Li Qiang reviewed an honor guard during a welcoming ceremony at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, highlighting continued high-level exchanges between North Korea and China.
Page three focused on increased coal production at the Chonsong Youth Coal Mine, reporting that one mining brigade completed its first-half production target eight days ahead of schedule and produced approximately 10,000 additional metric tons of coal during the first six months of the year. The newspaper praised the miners as patriotic workers fulfilling the expectations of the party leadership.
Page four highlighted railway modernization efforts, reporting that railway authorities have replaced concrete railroad ties along hundreds of kilometers of track this year as part of a nationwide productivity campaign aimed at strengthening rail infrastructure and increasing freight transportation capacity.
On page five, Rodong Sinmun showcased the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, featuring visitors enjoying beaches, water parks, hotels, shopping areas, and recreational facilities. Quoting a local official, the newspaper said tens of thousands of visitors have already arrived since this year’s beach season began and that hundreds of thousands have visited the resort since last year.
The newspaper’s final page continued North Korea’s longstanding anti-U.S. messaging by highlighting events commemorating alleged atrocities committed by U.S. forces during the Korean War. It reported on gatherings held at the Sinchon Museum of American War Atrocities and other venues, where participants pledged to seek “revenge many times over” against what the newspaper called U.S. aggressors.
The article also urged younger generations to inherit what it described as the wartime grievances of earlier generations, arguing that anti-imperialist and anti-U.S. ideology should become even stronger as time passes.