N. Koreans Residents React Positively to Kim Jong-un's China Visit: 'We Now Stand Shoulder-to-Shoulder with Great Powers' - Propaganda Campaign Begins Immediately

When Kim Jong-un attended the 80th anniversary commemoration of victory in the Anti-Japanese War and World Anti-Fascist War at Beijing's Tiananmen on September 3rd, he received VIP treatment from Chinese and Russian leaders. The world likely took note that Russia and North Korea are the countries China values most. But how did ordinary North Korean citizens view Kim Jong-un's China visit? ASIAPRESS launched extensive investigations focusing on the northern regions. Here is our first report. (ISHIMARU Jiro / KANG Ji-won)

◆Organized Study Sessions on Kim Jong-un's Greatness Begin Day After His Return

North Korean state media began extensive coverage of Kim Jong-un's China visit starting September 4, the day after the Beijing event.

A documentary about the China visit aired on Korean Central Television on September 6, the day after his return. According to reporting partner A, who lives in the northern region, special assemblies were organized on September 6 during the regular "Saturday study" sessions to watch the documentary.

"They screened the film during 'Saturday study' sessions at people's units, the women's union, trade unions, workplaces - everywhere. At the women's union, an official came directly from the city party propaganda department and emphasized twice that 'we are no longer a country living under oppression from foreign powers and imperialists.' He gave a speech calling for everyone to 'rise up for the construction of our Joseon.'"

※ People's units: The most basic administrative units, typically comprising 20-30 households per district.
※ Women's union: Officially the "Socialist Women's Union of Korea," primarily made up of housewives not employed outside the home.
※ Trade union: Officially the "General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea," consisting of workplace employees.

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◆'We Now Stand Shoulder-to-Shoulder with Great Powers' - Positive Reactions

How did participants respond?

"People were saying things like the Marshal (Kim Jong-un) is incredible, that our small country now stands confidently shoulder-to-shoulder with great powers, and that he's truly a great leader among great leaders."

When ASIAPRESS asked another reporting partner in North Hamgyong Province, "What did you think after watching the documentary?" they replied, "I think (Kim Jong-un) did well," reflecting a positive view of the China visit.

Kim Jong-un stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping on the Tiananmen rostrum and held meetings with both Russian and Chinese leaders. Despite the heavy propaganda tone of the footage, it appears to have made a strong impression on ordinary North Korean citizens.