North Korean leader Kim Jong Un promised to "transform" North Korea by launching new projects in at least 20 regions of the country. According to the State Information Agency KMTA, these plans include the construction of medical institutions, entertainment complexes, and industrial enterprises.
The AFP agency, in turn, noted that the announced changes could cover more than a third of the country's territory. That is, we are talking not only about minor repairs in one or two areas, but also about large-scale reconstruction and infrastructure renewal.
Construction started in Hwanghae-Namdo
It is reported that Kim Jong Un officially launched a construction project in Hwanghae-Namdo province, located in southwestern North Korea. According to him, "almost a third of cities and districts throughout the country will change."
The footage released by state media shows the politician digging the ground with a number of officials, while the crowd around him applauds and waves North Korean flags. From the point of view of official propaganda, these images are also perceived as a signal that "we have started working."
There are also important movements in party life
KMTA previously announced at a meeting of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea on January 28, that delegates to the IX Congress of the party had been elected. According to AFP, the congress is expected to be held for the first time in five years, but the exact date has not yet been officially announced.
This situation means that a new stage may begin in the party system against the backdrop of Kim Jong Un's "upcoming plans." Usually, at such congresses, major political and economic directions and priority tasks are redefined.
"Socialist fairy tale" claims and real problems
North Korean officials have frequently made statements about turning the country into a "socialist fairy tale." For example, in September 2022, the party stated that it aims to make radical, fundamental changes in rural areas through two new laws.
However, it is no secret that against the backdrop of these promises, economic difficulties continue in the DPRK. The impact of international sanctions, in particular, restrictions imposed due to nuclear and missile programs, as well as natural disasters, is added to the problems.
What can be expected?
The main question is: will the announced construction projects really bring significant relief to people's lives, or will this remain one of the next big slogans? If healthcare, jobs, and urban infrastructure are truly upgraded, people can feel the "change" Kim said in their daily lives. However, the pace at which these projects will be implemented under the conditions of continued economic pressure and external restrictions is a separate issue.
In short, the DPRK once again brought big plans to the stage. Now everything is not on paper, but on the ground - in the pace of construction, results, and real changes in people's lives.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
