Pyongyang, January 30, 2026: A grand ceremony was held in Unnyul County to mark the start of the 2026 regional development policy-oriented construction campaign in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The event highlighted the Workers’ Party of Korea’s (WPK) commitment to accelerating regional transformation, improving public welfare, and advancing industrial and cultural development nationwide.
The ceremony was attended by Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the WPK and President of the State Affairs of the DPRK, along with leading officials of the Party, government, and armed forces, commanders of the Korean People’s Army (KPA), and local officials and citizens of South Hwanghae Province.
Kim Jong Un delivered a keynote address emphasizing that 2026 marks the third year of implementing the WPK’s regional development policy, with projects including modern light industrial factories, advanced health facilities, and leisure complexes planned in 20 cities and counties, representing nearly one-third of the nation. He underscored that these projects aim to fundamentally improve living standards, strengthen regional industry, and enhance the material and cultural life of the people.
The DPRK leader highlighted the role of the People’s Army as the vanguard of regional development, urging soldier-builders to demonstrate loyalty, creativity, and dedication in implementing the Party’s revolutionary policies. He called on commanding officers to foster ideological and spiritual development among troops to ensure their unwavering commitment to the Party and the nation’s progress.
At the ceremony, Kim Jong Un personally dug the first spadeful of earth and pressed the detonator, signaling the official start of the projects. A letter of pledge from the 124th regiment of the KPA was read aloud, expressing unwavering dedication to the Party’s mission and the goal of transforming the nation’s regions. The ceremony concluded with patriotic chants from the soldier-builders, reaffirming their commitment to the Party’s vision.
In his speech, Kim Jong Un reiterated that the WPK will continue to tap all potentialities for regional development, employing innovative and scientific methods to ensure the completion of annual construction plans. He emphasized that Unnyul County will see the creation of modern factories, public health facilities, and welfare services, setting the stage for broader regional transformation and prosperity.
The groundbreaking event underscores the DPRK leadership’s focus on comprehensive regional development, the mobilization of the People’s Army for economic and social progress, and the Party’s drive to achieve national rejuvenation and improved living standards for the people.
