SEOUL, January 01 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un used his New Year speech to emphasize domestic cohesion and praise soldiers deployed to Russia, avoiding any direct message toward South Korea or the United States.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim delivered the remarks late Wednesday at a large celebration held at Pyongyang’s May Day Stadium. He said North Korea’s drive for “comprehensive socialist development” had successfully passed its first stage, crediting both central and provincial regions for propelling nationwide progress.
Kim devoted a significant portion of the speech to the Korean People’s Army, commending troops who endured “heavy hardships” and achieved “remarkable results” on what he described as front lines of construction and change. He said their “noble sacrifices” would be remembered “for generations,” in an apparent reference to forces dispatched to support Russia.
He also highlighted workers, agricultural laborers and the women’s national football team, which won last year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, describing them as key contributors to the country’s direction over the past year.
Calling on the public to remain faithful to socialism and “people-first” principles, Kim urged citizens to strengthen unity ahead of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Ninth Congress, which is expected to outline major policy directions for the next five years.
KCNA said Kim’s speech contained no references to the United States or South Korea, signaling a focus on tightening internal discipline rather than foreign policy messaging.
Kim attended the event with his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and their daughter, Ju Ae, who sat beside him during the performance.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
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