＜Inside N.Korea＞ Government Evaluation of 70 Day-Battle Leads to Nervous Officials - Punishment of Poor Achievement and Secret Drinking,

The recent the Worker`s that ended May 9 caused strain and exhaustion for North Koreans. Some officials may now face severe punishment and ideological criticism at the Saenghwal Chonghwa (a meeting during which participants are required to criticize each other’s shortcomings). Ordinary citizens are also reported to be concerned about possible repercussions following the Congress. ASIAPRESS spoke to one of our reporting partners in North Korea regarding the fallout. (Kang Ji-won)

A political study meeting in a local town. Attendees at this meeting discussed loyalty to Kim Jong-un. Taken in summer of 2013, ASIA PRESS.

Reporting partner ‘A’, in northern North Korea reported: “Participants at the Worker`s are now expected to take part in government organized ‘evaluation meetings of the 70-day battle’, along with an ‘ideological struggle’ for Party officials. Subsequently, officials are nervous at the possibility that they are facing demotion or dismissal.”

The productivity enhancement movement, officially referred to as “70-day battle”, started on February 24, before what was the first Worker’s Party Congress in 36 years. All workplaces - factories, farms, and power plants - were mobilized in order to achieve the tasks set by the government.. Workers were required to work long hours and were sometimes forced to sleep in the workplace.
Related article: ＜Inside North Korea＞Strict Separation of Attendees for Worker`s Party Congress 　Cell phone prohibited to keep itinerary confidential

The ’70-day battle’ ended on May 2 and was immediately followed by a special state vigilance period. The government evaluation of the mobilization period has not yet started. It will be held when participants return to their home provinces from Pyongyang.

*Harsh punishment for official’s drinking and having a birthday party...