North Korea is fostering a festive atmosphere by organizing various cultural events in anticipation of the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party, slated for later this month.
On Thursday, the party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on its third page that the National Book and Art Exhibition Commemorating the 9th Party Congress had opened the previous day at the Korean Art Museum. In his opening address, Culture Minister Sung Jong-kyu emphasized that this party congress would serve as a meaningful occasion to heighten the political awareness and revolutionary fervor of party members and citizens nationwide.
The front page featured an article titled, The New Era Local Development Policy is a Revolutionary Strategy Embodying Our Party’s Unique Nation-Building Vision. The newspaper showcased construction achievements since the 8th Party Congress, including rural housing projects, boasting that these efforts have enabled local residents to enjoy improved cultural living conditions.
The second page reported that Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, had sent a floral basket to General Secretary Kim Jong Un to mark the 84th birthday of Chairman Kim Jong Il (February 16). According to the newspaper, the card attached to the bouquet read that sincerely wishing for the health of the esteemed Comrade Kim.
On the fourth page, news broke that a group of youth and students from across the country had ascended Mount Paektu he previous day. The newspaper reported that they sang songs like “Let’s Go to Mount Paektu,” reaffirming their commitment to uphold Kim’s ideology and leadership.
The fifth page featured an article titled, Let’s Invest in Cultivating Healthcare Professionals. The newspaper emphasized that advanced medical facilities are emerging nationwide amid the current health revolution, urging local medical personnel to actively acquire clinical skills through assignments at central hospitals, including Pyongyang General Hospital, and provincial medical centers.
The sixth page carried an article headlined, The Growing Unemployment Crisis: A Malignant Tumor of Capitalism. The newspaper pointed out the recent surge in unemployment rates in the U.S. and European countries, noting that this has fueled social unrest, exacerbated by far-right movements targeting immigrants.