Kim Jong-un Visits The Construction Of A New City On The North Korea-China Border After For More Than A Month Disappearing From Public
JAKARTA - North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un visited a new city under construction near the border with China and a sacred mountain revered by his family, state media reported on Tuesday, in his first public appearance in more than a month.
The northern mountain town of Samjiyon is being transformed into a massive economic hub, dubbed a "socialist utopia" by officials, equipped with new apartments, hotels, ski resorts and commercial, cultural and medical facilities.
The thriving city is near Mount Paektu, the sacred mountain where Kim Jong-un's family claims its roots, and he has made several visits since 2018, with the official KCNA news agency touting it as a "symbol of modern civilization," citing Reuters, November 16.
KCNA said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's latest trip was designed to inspect the third and final phase of construction, which is due to be completed by the end of this year after delays caused by international sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic.
The KCNA did not provide a date for Kim's visit, however, but it was the first public activity report by the leader in 35 days, since he gave a speech at a defense exhibition, his longest absence since 2014.
The absence of the young North Korean leader, who has been closed to state media, has often fueled speculation about his health or whereabouts. South Korea's intelligence agency said late last month Kim had no health problems.
"He said Samjiyon has turned into an example of a modern mountain city under socialism and rural development standards thanks to the persistent struggle of the workers despite the unfavorable northern environment," the KCNA said.
Kim said building a new city provides experience in construction, design, and technology that will drive economic growth for other regions.
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The city is one of the biggest initiatives Pyongyang has launched as part of Kim Jong-un's push for an "independent" economy, as the country faces international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs.
Nearly two years after closing the border to prevent COVID-19, North Korea recently resumed rail deliveries with China, the latest sign they could reopen the border soon.