This inspection was an opportunity to verify the implementation of directives and evaluate performance through on-site checks.
At one time, this place was publicly criticized as being "worse than a fish tank."
It was a location openly rebuked in public.
A few years later, Kim Jong Un visited the same place once again.
This time, instead of scolding, he offered praise,
and the scene was released in photographs.
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"Isn't this the place I scolded before?" The spa revisited
Onpo Workers' Recreation Center, Kyongsong County, Hamgyongbuk Province. Korean Central News Agency Yonhap News.
원본보기 아이콘Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, attended the completion ceremony of the Onpo Workers' Recreation Center in Kyongsong County, North Hamgyong Province. This is North Korea's largest hot spring resort facility, built at Onpo Hot Springs, which is designated as a natural monument.
Onpo Workers' Recreation Center, Kyongsong County, Hamgyongbuk Province. Korean Central News Agency Yonhap News
원본보기 아이콘In July 2018, Chairman Kim visited this location and strongly criticized the state of facility management and operations. At that time, he described it as "uncultured and unsanitary," ordering a complete renovation, after which remodeling was carried out for several years. This visit was an opportunity for him to personally check the results.
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Wearing a coat even inside the bath... an inspection to the very end
In the released photos, Chairman Kim is seen touring various parts of the resort dressed in a black coat and dress shoes. He even entered the steaming hot spring bath while still wearing his coat to inspect the facilities, and he also checked the women's section of the bathhouse.
Inside the bath, women in swimsuits were seen conversing with Chairman Kim. Male officials accompanying him were also shown entering the hot spring without shirts, and among them was reportedly the senior official O Su Yong, who is in his 80s.
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"It was disappointing back then"... this time, it's all praise
After touring the resort, Chairman Kim commented, "Each section has been arranged practically and harmoniously, and the architectural elements have been designed to blend naturally with the environment."
He recalled his 2018 visit, saying, "I remember when it was operated poorly, displaying only the signboard as a historic building reflecting the Party's leadership achievements." He added, "Now, seeing it newly renovated as a service base for the people, I feel a sense of pride for having accomplished another meaningful task."
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"Open next month"-instructions with timing calculated
North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un attended the completion ceremony of the Onpo Workers' Recreation Center in Kyongsong County, North Hamgyong Province on the 20th. Photo by Korean Central News Agency, Yonhap News.
원본보기 아이콘Chairman Kim instructed officials to complete equipment test runs and preparations, and to open the resort next month. As the possibility of the 9th Workers' Party Congress being held around the same time is being discussed, this move is interpreted as an effort to highlight achievements before or after the Party Congress. The Workers' Party's propaganda department also emphasized the renovation of the Onpo Workers' Recreation Center as a result of Chairman Kim's on-site guidance, stating, "Since the 2018 visit, the Onpo area has fundamentally changed."
It is interpreted as part of a governance approach aimed at maintaining tension and discipline within the bureaucratic society.
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Reporter Seo Jiyeong zo2zo2zo2@asiae.co.kr
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Edit Hur Eunmi eungmimon@asiae.co.kr
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