North Korea continues to emphasize its core self-reliance policy after concluding the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party. Officials highlight this approach as an unwavering principle guiding national development.
Editorial Stresses Foundational Ideologies
The Rodong Sinmun published an editorial on January 1 titled “The Great Workers’ Party of Korea’s Unchanging Ideology: With the People as Heaven, Single-Minded Unity, Self-Reliance.” Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un underscored these principles during the 9th enlarged plenary meeting of the Central Committee.
The statement notes that previous eight periods focused on “with the people as heaven” (以民爲天), single-minded unity, and self-reliance. It calls for maintaining this ideology unchanged throughout the ninth period to ensure steady progress.
Defining ‘With the People as Heaven’
This concept represents the leadership’s fundamental principle, treating the people with utmost sincerity and value. The editorial asserts, “Even amid intense enemy provocations, the people discern truth through their own eyes. New creations and a new culture must emerge to meet the demands of the era.”
Single-Minded Unity Amid Challenges
Over the past five years of sanctions, residents have benefited from government care, achieving political advances and full realization of social ownership. The editorial states, “Such developments in policy and social ownership reflect the people’s deep conviction in the leadership.”
Self-Reliance as Strategic Imperative
Social ownership and self-reliance remain inseparably linked. While government support strengthens foundations, internalizing self-reliance ideology proves essential. The editorial declares, “Self-reliance is not a mere temporary response to difficulties but a grand strategic direction to comprehensively bolster national power. It forms the root of social ownership, with no room for alteration.”
At the 8th Party Congress in 2021, North Korea adopted a five-year state economic development plan, reinforcing self-reliance and self-sufficiency. This resolve carried forward into the 9th enlarged plenary meeting held around January 25.
