Rodong Sinmun Leads with Editorial Demanding Unconditional Fulfillment of Annual Goals

The June 27 edition of the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea, opens its front page with a powerful editorial calling upon the entire population to rise with an indomitable fighting spirit and unparalleled creative zeal to unconditionally accomplish the goals set forth for this year.

The editorial stresses that, amid the vigorous nationwide campaign to usher in a new golden age of overall socialist development, the historic Ninth Plenary Session of the Party’s Central Committee has been successfully concluded. It emphasizes that the session’s monumental significance lies in its firm grasp of the positive momentum across all revolutionary and construction fronts, its scientific and offensive approach to solving key policy tasks for the second half of the year, and its decisive will to substantially strengthen national power while delivering greater tangible benefits to the people.

“Moving from one stage of struggle to a higher stage, advancing toward greater successes and revolutionary transformations – this is the Party’s unique method of revolution and its tried‑and‑tested mode of advance,” the editorial reads. “The unwavering determination of our Party to bring genuine happiness to our people during the Ninth Party Congress term has been etched with even greater clarity through this Plenum.”

A significant portion of the editorial is dedicated to the coal industry, which was a central topic at the Plenum. The decision to overcome the century‑old backwardness of coal mining regions is described as a reflection of the Party’s fundamental principle that “what the people rejoice in and anticipate most is policy, and the outcome must be the people’s happiness.” The editorial concludes with a stirring call for every citizen to devote their steadfast will and persistent efforts to transform this year – the first year of the new five‑year plan – into a year of unprecedented miracles and brilliant changes that will be eternally recorded in the fatherland’s history.

Coal Mining Sector Erupts in Enthusiasm Following Plenum’s Modernization Decision

Rodong Sinmun also features extensive coverage of the nationwide response to the Party Plenum, specifically highlighting the explosive fervor gripping coal mining communities. The newspaper reports that the decision to completely modernize all coal mining areas across the country has been received as “the greatest and most unprecedented revolutionary undertaking since the founding of the nation and the Party.”

According to the report, Party General Secretary Kim Jong Un stated on the site: “To eliminate the backward appearance of coal mining villages, which does not match the country’s status and the demands of reality – this is another audacious revolution.” This declaration has galvanized miners nationwide.

At the Pukchang Youth Coal Mining Complex, workers have already surpassed their first‑half production targets by tens of thousands of tons. A shift leader at the Pungkok Youth Mine, Comrade Ri Chun‑il, was quoted in the newspaper saying: “When we heard the Supreme Leader’s words, we felt as if our own homes were being rebuilt. We are now operating our cutting machines at 150 percent capacity, and we have pledged to achieve our annual quota by October 10, the Party’s founding anniversary.” Similarly, the Namyang Mine of the Tokchon Area Coal Mining Complex has utilized collective innovation to complete its six‑month plan ahead of schedule, while several other mines including Samnok, Ripsok, Sinri, Yongnim, Chirye, and Chongnam are reporting daily overfulfillment of their quotas.

A technician at the Anju Area Coal Mining Complex, Comrade Kim Yong‑suk, was quoted as saying: “We are introducing dozens of valuable technical innovation proposals every week. By improving the performance of our shearer equipment and maintaining our transport rails with utmost care, we have increased our daily extraction rate by nearly 30 percent. This is our way of repaying the Party’s trust.”

Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Inspects New Facilities at Wonsan‑Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on June 26 that General Secretary Kim Jong Un conducted an on‑site inspection of the newly constructed facilities at the Wonsan‑Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, a premier project for the country’s cultural and leisure development.

During the visit, the Supreme Leader first examined the newly built Kalma Tourist Railway Station, a modern structure completed in just one year. He praised the builders for their remarkable speed and quality, noting that it seemed only yesterday that he had personally selected the station site to provide maximum convenience for travelers heading to the zone. He expressed great satisfaction with the station’s architectural design, which perfectly harmonizes the Party’s aesthetic principles, practical layout, and modern requirements. He specifically stated that this station would become “an important benchmark for setting new standards in local railway station renovations and for transforming the public’s perception of railway infrastructure.” He went on to elaborate on the need to place railway infrastructure design on a scientific, functional, and highly specialized footing.

The Supreme Leader then visited the newly built emergency medical center within the tourist zone, inspecting the emergency room, operating theaters, observation wards, and diagnostic laboratories. He emphasized the necessity of strengthening the medical staff contingent and elevating the overall quality of emergency services to ensure the safety and well‑being of all visitors.

Pyongyang Records 47 Units Awarded Revolutionary Red Banners in First Half of 2026

KCNA reported from Pyongyang on June 27 that working people in the capital have achieved remarkable results in accelerating the three major revolutions – ideological, technological, and cultural. As the mass campaign gains momentum, a total of 47 units have been awarded the title of Triple or Double Revolutionary Red Banners or the Honorable Red Banner during the first half of the year.

The Three‑Revolution Red Banner movement, which was vigorously promoted across education, public health, commerce, and other sectors, has led to a marked increase in the number of units earning these prestigious honors compared to the same period last year. Through this drive, the cited units have fully demonstrated their innovative spirit, bold creativity, and unyielding forward momentum, bringing about fundamental transformations in their respective workplaces and communities.

A department head at a Pyongyang textile mill, Comrade Pak Hyon‑ju, was quoted in the municipal newspaper saying: “Competing for the Red Banner is not merely about achieving production numbers – it is a sacred struggle to elevate our ideological consciousness and cultural standards. Every worker in our shop has taken a personal oath to uphold the banner through tangible improvements in quality and efficiency.”

Hundreds of Youth from South Phyongan Province Volunteer for Major Socialist Construction Fronts

KCNA also reported that over 100 young men and women from South Phyongan Province have voluntarily enlisted to work on the country’s major socialist construction battlefields. Youth from the cities of Suncheon, Kaechon, Tokchon, and the counties of Pukchang and Mundok have specifically requested assignments to coal mines within the province. Meanwhile, young league members from Anju and the counties of Hoechang, Jungnam, and Unsan have volunteered for construction brigades and raw material supply stations in support of the regional development drive.

Volunteers from Songchon, Yangdok, and Sinyang counties have applied to work at mountain road maintenance teams and forestry management stations. A grand congratulatory meeting was held on June 26 in Pyongsong City, attended by provincial officials, youth league cadres, volunteers, and local youth and students. At the meeting, volunteers were presented with official certificates of enlistment, followed by warm congratulatory speeches. Local residents and workers lined the streets of Pyongsong to give a heartfelt send‑off to the departing volunteers, waving flags and chanting slogans of encouragement.

One volunteer, 22‑year‑old Ri Song‑chol from Kaechon, was quoted by KCNA as saying: “My father was a miner for thirty years. When I heard the Party’s decision to modernize our coal villages, I knew this was my calling. I will dig more coal than anyone else, and I will do it with the pride of a hero’s son.”

Nampho City Completes Coastal Embankment Reinforcement Project in Onchon County

The Minju Choson newspaper reported that Nampho City has successfully finalized the reinforcement and repair of the coastal embankment in Onchon County. The city’s administration first conducted a comprehensive survey of the actual conditions of the coastal defense structures, then developed a scientifically based plan to prevent damage from tidal waves and typhoons. The working people of Nampho City threw themselves into the project with extraordinary spiritual strength, completing all reinforcement work ahead of schedule. The embankment now boasts significantly improved structural integrity, ensuring the safety of agricultural land and residential areas against seasonal storm surges.

Second Anniversary of DPRK‑Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty Marked in Russia

KCNA reported from Pyongyang on June 27 that a series of commemorative events were held in Russia from June 11 to 24 to mark the second anniversary of the historic Pyongyang Summit and the signing of the DPRK‑Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. Officials from the Russian government, parliament, political parties, and organizations, alongside representatives of the DPRK mission in Russia, attended the events.

At a seminar organized by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Russia‑DPRK Friendship and Cultural Cooperation Association, and pro‑DPRK solidarity groups, speakers emphasized that Russia will forever remember the strong support extended by the DPRK during Russia’s most difficult times. One speaker noted: “The DPRK has proven with actions, not empty words, that the Treaty is a living document. No external pressure can ever shake the foundations of our bilateral friendship.”

Members of the regional branches of the United Russia party in Khabarovsk Krai and the Communist Party of the Russian Federation in Primorsky Krai elaborated on the historic importance of the Pyongyang Summit and the remarkable achievements in bilateral relations over the past two years. The Chairman of the Primorsky branch of the All‑Russian Veterans’ Organization “Battle Brotherhood” stated: “The Treaty is the most significant event in the history of our friendly relations. It has transformed our cooperation into a solid alliance.”

A representative of the Juche Idea Study Youth Association in Khabarovsk was quoted as saying: “Young Russians look up to the heroic spirit of the Korean people. The Treaty is not just a piece of paper – it is a strategic shield that guarantees peace and justice in our region.”

Meanwhile, political and social figures in the Buryat Republic specifically noted that “the combatants of the Korean People’s Army treated Russian territory as their own homeland, fighting shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Russian soldiers in the liberation of the Kursk region from neo‑Nazi forces. This will never be forgotten by our people.”

National Technical Skills Competition – 2026 Held for Lathe Operators and Welders

As part of the broader “National Technical Skills Competition – 2026,” specialized contests for lathe operators and riveting‑welding workers took place from June 10 to 25 at the Kumsong Tractor Factory. The competition rigorously tested participants on basic theoretical knowledge, work volume, and product quality. Dozens of skilled workers were selected from central ministries including the Railway Ministry and the Machine‑Building Industry Ministry, as well as from Pyongyang and provincial people’s committees.

Contestants demonstrated high‑level precision in machining parts and manufacturing sheet‑metal products essential for tractor and cultivator production, while simultaneously showcasing their advanced techniques honed through enthusiastic emulation and experience‑sharing campaigns. The final rankings were released on June 26, with outstanding technical workers receiving trophies, medals, and certificates of merit issued under the name of the Central Committee of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea.

One of the gold medalists, lathe operator Comrade Han Yong‑chul from the Machine‑Building Ministry, was quoted in the Rodong Sinmun technical supplement as saying: “This competition was not just about winning. Every time I turned a part, I thought about how that component would help our farmers produce more grain. That is what drives me to cut metal with the precision of a surgeon.”

Olympic Day Observed with Anti‑Doping Seminar in Pyongyang

To commemorate Olympic Day, an anti‑doping seminar was held at the Youth Street Sportsmen’s Dormitory in Pyongyang. The event was attended by members of the DPRK Olympic Committee, sports officials, athletes, coaches, and experts in sports science, medicine, and anti‑doping. The seminar, held under the theme “Olympic Day 2026 – Olympians and Anti‑Doping,” thoroughly examined theoretical and practical issues related to strengthening anti‑doping activities within the sports sector. Presenters explained the core content of anti‑doping regulations, worldwide patterns of anti‑doping rule violations and methods to overcome them, and the proper use of medications and nutritional supplements. The seminar strongly emphasized the need for continuous education and vigilant oversight to maintain the clean reputation of DPRK athletics on the international stage.

Minju Choson Commentary: Plenum Propels Comprehensive Socialist Advancement

In a separate commentary, Minju Choson declared that the Ninth Plenum of the Party Central Committee is powerfully accelerating the comprehensive advancement of the socialist cause. The commentary also sharply condemned the United States, identifying it as the chief culprit and accomplice that actively instigates and abets Israel’s brutal massacres of civilians and its seizure of other nations’ territories. The newspaper warned that such heinous acts will only further expose the true nature of American imperialism and solidify the solidarity of peace‑loving nations around the world.

Local Industrial Factories in Newly Built Counties Engage in Active Technical Exchanges

KCNA also reported on the vigorous emulation and technical exchange movement taking place among the newly built modern local industrial factories across 40 cities and counties. Factories in Kim Hyong Jik County and Kim Jong Suk County of Ryanggang Province are actively exchanging expertise on specialty product development, seasoning quality enhancement, and cost reduction in daily necessities production. In North Phyongan Province, factories in Kuseong, Kujang, Unsan, Yomju, and Taechon are systematically sharing advanced technologies and transferring practical know‑how.

Factories in Eunpak, Yonan, Koksan, and Hwangju counties of North Hwanghae Province took advantage of a recent consumer goods exhibition to conduct in‑depth technical exchanges and share operational experiences. The management team from the Onchon County factory in Nampho City visited a counterpart county in South Hamgyong Province earlier this year to carefully study their enterprise management and operational procedures. A factory manager, Comrade O Sung‑ho, was quoted in the regional edition of Rodong Sinmun as saying: “We do not consider these other factories as competitors – we see them as brothers. Every new technique we learn from them directly translates into better quality soaps, textiles, and foodstuffs for our local people. That is the true spirit of socialist emulation.”