North Korea continues to promote what it calls the Gangwon Spirit following the completion of the Hwayang People’s Power Plant, framing the project as a legacy effort meant for future generations and urging nationwide adoption of the same mindset.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published a front-page editorial on Monday titled “Let’s Learn from the Gangwon Spirit Nationwide to Achieve Self-Reliant Prosperity.” The article asserted that the essence of the Gangwon Spirit lies in the unconditional implementation of party policies and the understanding that no one else will carry out the task of enforcing them; individuals must forge their own path to survival.
Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party, attended the inauguration ceremony of the Hwayang People’s Power Plant on Thursday, the sixth hydroelectric power plant in Gangwon Province. During the event, he praised the province’s pioneering spirit and resilience and reportedly shouted, “Long live the Gangwon Spirit.“
The newspaper declared that the power plants in Gangwon Province will be remembered by history as projects for the Future, for the Next Generations. It emphasized that transforming and reshaping nature is a patriotic endeavor with long-lasting benefits for future generations.
The article urged officials and workers to persist in implementing policy tasks in their respective sectors and units, just as the creators of the Gangwon Spirit did. It stressed that they should push through to completion, even when faced with numerous obstacles, and that the execution of every party’s policy must be flawless.
Moreover, the newspaper emphasized that no external force will bring development to a region or unit. It underscored the necessity of strengthening internal capabilities and potential to achieve solid and sustainable growth.
Since the inauguration of the Hwayang People’s Power Plant, the newspaper has been consistently publishing articles promoting the Gangwon Spirit. On Saturday, it emphasized the belief in and will for self-reliance and self-strengthening. The following day, it reported on residents’ pledges to uphold this spirit.
This campaign appears to be linked to the Local Development 20×10 Policy, a key initiative promoted by General Secretary Kim since last year to encourage regional achievements. It is anticipated that North Korea will continue to reflect on the Gangwon Spirit and use it to foster unity and drive accomplishments in the lead-up to the 9th Party Congress early next year.