North Korea is intensifying its efforts to educate and control its cadres (officials) in order to boost sector-specific achievements ahead of the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
On Thursday, the party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published an editorial titled, Let’s Proudly Welcome the Party Congress with Glorious Achievements of Dedicated Service to the People. The editorial emphasized that the party expects its officials to proactively seek out and perform tasks that the people anticipate and appreciate.
The article further clarified that being a party official is not about honor or authority, but rather a position of service. It stressed that officials are entrusted with greater responsibilities and hardships for the benefit of the people. The editorial also cautioned against prioritizing personal calculations over the needs of the people, noting that trust is not earned through isolated acts of service.
The newspaper underscored the importance of education and control for officials. It urged party organizations to ensure that officials constantly recognize that their comfort comes at the expense of the people’s suffering, and only through their own sacrifices can the people enjoy a better quality of life.
In a special feature titled, Marching Vigorously Towards the Glorious 9th Party Congress, the newspaper indicated the imminent approach of the congress, stating that it is just around the corner.
The article described a nationwide fervor, comparing the country’s atmosphere to boiling lava. It reported that workers, party members, and laborers across all sectors have embarked on the new year with renewed determination, united in their goal to welcome the 9th Party Congress with commendable achievements.
Another article in the newspaper reported that the Cabinet, along with key economic sectors including metals, fertilizers, electricity, and mining, has ramped up organizational efforts to accelerate a total national mobilization.
As the anticipated 9th Party Congress approaches, likely to be held in early 2023, North Korea is redoubling its efforts to strengthen ideological commitment among officials and citizens while pushing for tangible results across various sectors. However, specific details about the congress remain undisclosed. The National Intelligence Service previously reported during a closed-door parliamentary briefing in November that the congress is expected to take place around February, possibly in conjunction with a military parade. Experts predict the event will occur sometime between January and February.