"National Affairs Over Housework"… North Korea Emphasizes 'Kim Jong-un Loyalty' as Economic Crisis Deepens

Economic Hardship Deepens Due to North Korea Sanctions, COVID-19, and Poor Harvest
"If Only There Were Water and Air"... Strengthening Internal Unity Through Propaganda

Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of North Korea. / Korean Central News Agency [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] North Korea emphasized the construction of a prosperous nation and called for unity and dedication centered on Kim Jong-un, the General Secretary of the Workers' Party. This is interpreted as propaganda aimed at strengthening internal cohesion amid worsening economic difficulties caused by prolonged sanctions, COVID-19 lockdowns, and poor agricultural yields.

The Workers' Party organ, Rodong Sinmun, stated in a front-page editorial on the 27th titled "Let Us Become True Patriots of the Era of Our Nation's Supremacy," that "When we firmly establish the perspective of valuing national affairs more than household matters, political and ideological strength will be further reinforced as an absolute power."

It continued, "In the worst adversity over recent years, where others would have fallen a hundred times or more, the clear reality of an invincible powerful force was achieved thanks to our Party's wise leadership, which has earnestly devoted effort to making our revolutionary ranks loyal to the Party Central Committee's ideology and leadership," urging unity centered on General Secretary Kim Jong-un.

As economic difficulties reached a limit this year due to prolonged sanctions, COVID-19 lockdowns, and poor agricultural conditions, North Korea has increasingly emphasized a spirit of mental victory, such as the belief that "we can rise up with just water and air." The editorial published in Rodong Sinmun on this day is also seen as part of propaganda to draw out unity and loyalty among the people amid these hardships.

The newspaper particularly stressed, "When we devote all our strength, wisdom, and passion to the struggle to lighten the heavy burden of the nation, we can turn the harsh period of trial into an opportunity for national power enhancement and achieve remarkable results in building a prosperous and strong nation. This is the iron truth taught by the heroic saga of self-reliance that shines in the history of the Republic."

It also referenced the heroic spirit and fighting stance of the Korean War era, calling it "the fighting spirit of self-reliance that produced tractors and locomotives with bare hands," emphasizing that this spirit must continue as a national ethos (Gukpung).

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