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North Korea Amplifies Propaganda, Leadership Shifts, and Tourism Projects Ahead of Party Congress

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Propaganda Campaign Intensifies as Youth League Celebrates Milestone North Korean state media displayed banners in the Central Class Education House labeling South Korea the “No. 1 hostile country,” accusing Seoul of a “confrontational frenzy” to topple the North and citing South Korea’s constitutional claim over the peninsula [1][2]. The displays coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League, the regime’s largest youth organization, and were highlighted by KCNA photographs [2]. Rodong Sinmun also ran a front‑page “people‑first” piece, reinforcing the ideological push as the party congress approaches [1].

Kim Jong‑un Sends New Year Greeting to Xi While Deepening Moscow Ties State media reported that Kim transmitted a New Year message to Chinese President Xi Jinping, referring to Xi only by his title and omitting personal details [1]. The restrained wording underscored continuity in high‑level diplomacy and signaled Pyongyang’s intent to broaden strategic relations with both Beijing and Moscow [1]. This diplomatic outreach occurred alongside domestic propaganda efforts, illustrating a dual focus on external alliances and internal cohesion.

Vice Premier Yang Sung‑ho Dismissed During Modernization Ceremony Kim removed Vice Premier Yang Sung‑ho “on the spot” at the inauguration of the first‑stage modernization project at the Ryongsong Machine Complex, citing irresponsibility in modernizing the plant [1]. The firing, timed just weeks before the party congress, highlights the leadership’s demand for rapid industrial upgrades and accountability [1]. Observers note the move reflects broader attempts to streamline the bureaucracy ahead of the upcoming political gathering.

Tourism Infrastructure Expanded With Hot Spring Resort and Coastal Park Kim attended the opening of the remodeled Onpho Working People’s Holiday Camp, North Korea’s largest hot‑spring resort in North Hamgyong Province, praising it as a “wonderful holiday camp” [1]. The same week, officials completed the Yombunjin Coastal Park Area on the east coast, continuing a tourism drive that followed last year’s Kalma beach resort launch [1]. These projects aim to boost domestic leisure options and project a modern image domestically and internationally.

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Timeline

Dec 21, 2025 – South Korea’s Unification Ministry publicly rejects a newspaper claim that it has proposed a constitutional amendment to recognise North Korea as a separate nation, calling the report “groundless and false” and stressing that the constitution still defines the entire Korean Peninsula as South Korean territory[5].

Jan 10, 2026 – Kim Jong‑un’s sister describes Seoul’s recent “no‑provocation pledge” as “a wise choice,” signalling a cautious, measured reception of South Korean policy moves amid ongoing inter‑Korean tension[4].

Jan 13, 2026 – The same sister later dismisses any hope of improved inter‑Korean ties, calling outreach to Seoul “a wishful dream,” and demands an official apology from the South for a recent drone incursion, underscoring a hard‑line posture toward diplomacy[3].

Jan 19, 2026 – North Korean state media displays banners at the Central Class Education House that declare South Korea the “No. 1 hostile country” and accuse Seoul of a “confrontational frenzy” to topple the North, reinforcing Pyongyang’s long‑standing narrative of external threat[2].

Jan 23, 2026 – Ahead of a key party congress, Kim Jong‑un dismisses Vice Premier Yang Sung‑ho “on the spot” for “irresponsibility” in modernising the Ryongsong Machine Complex, inaugurates the remodeled Onpho hot‑spring resort, praising it as a “wonderful holiday camp,” and celebrates the completion of the Yombunjin Coastal Park, while also sending a New Year greeting to China’s Xi Jinping, illustrating a blend of internal consolidation, tourism promotion, and diplomatic signaling[1].

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