North Korea Keeps 8th Party Congress Date Undisclosed... Kim Jong Un Emphasizes Loyalty and Epidemic Prevention

On the occasion of the New Year, North Korean residents laid flowers at the Mansudae Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il statues in Pyongyang, the Korean Central News Agency reported on the 1st.

On the 4th, which was widely anticipated as the likely date for the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, North Korea had not disclosed whether the congress would be held by the morning of that day. However, signs of actively fostering an internal atmosphere were still observed.

The Workers' Party's official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, did not provide specific reports regarding the date of the party congress on that day. In a page 4 article titled "Tighten the Shoelaces of the Heart Even More," it only hinted at the imminent holding of the 8th Congress by stating "at the point ahead of the 8th Congress." Instead, it devoted considerable space to urging vigilance in the "emergency anti-epidemic battle" against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and repeatedly emphasizing loyalty to Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea.

In a front-page article titled "A Fiery Oath of Faith Overflowing Throughout the Country," the newspaper stated, "It is the unwavering will of tens of millions of people to make this meaningful year, when the 8th Congress of the Party is held under the leadership of the Marshal, a victorious year to be recorded in the annals of the homeland." On page 2, in an article titled "With Indomitable Spirit, Vigorously Forward Toward New Victories!," it referenced a handwritten letter sent by Chairman Kim to all residents, saying, "Our people will once again unleash the invincible spirit, forged and strengthened a thousand and one times, to proudly demonstrate the dignity and grandeur of the homeland to the whole world."

Additionally, thorough preparedness against COVID-19 was urged. The newspaper stated, "All members must be maximally vigilant and strive to cope with the global health crisis," adding, "Especially during commuting hours and when using public transportation, wearing masks, hand sanitizing, and maintaining social distancing must be strictly ensured without fail, so that not even the slightest gap that could hinder emergency anti-epidemic efforts appears, and constant vigilance must be maintained."

North Korea announced on December 29th at a Politburo meeting that it planned to hold the party congress "in early January (between January 1 and 10)." The Ministry of Unification projected, "Considering the emergency anti-epidemic situation, this congress will likely proceed over 3 to 4 days." Taking into account Chairman Kim's birthday (January 8), it is expected that the congress will be held around the 4th or 5th. The government is closely monitoring developments and paying particular attention to the agenda and messages of the congress. The Ministry of Unification stated that special attention should be given to whether the 8th Congress will include ▲ the elevation and strengthening of Chairman Kim Jong Un's status, ▲ the presentation of a new five-year economic development plan under the principle of self-reliance, and ▲ the issuance of inter-Korean dialogue proposals or other messages directed toward South Korea.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.