Why Did North Korea's Kim Visit Security Ministries on Their Founding Anniversary?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has visited key security and judicial ministries on their 80th founding anniversaries, underscoring their crucial role in preserving the nation's socialist framework. This visit highlights Kim's emphasis on loyalty and vigilance among security personnel, revealing the regime's commitment to social control.
Key Takeaways
- Kim Jong-un highlights the importance of security ministries in North Korea.
- The visits mark the 80th founding anniversaries of key state bodies.
- Emphasis on loyalty and patriotism among security personnel.
- The regime appears focused on reinforcing social control.
- Kim's visit is the first to these ministries since 2012.
Seoul, Nov 19 (NationPress) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently visited security ministries and judicial bodies to commemorate their 80th founding anniversaries, highlighting their vital role in safeguarding the North's socialist system, as reported by state media on Wednesday.
Kim made congratulatory visits to the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of State Security, the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office the day prior, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
During his visit to the state security ministry, Kim was welcomed by Minister Ri Chang-dae and other senior officials, where he extended “warm military greetings” to service personnel for their dedication to “the road of patriotism and loyalty” in support of the party and the state, as per KCNA.
He acknowledged that it was due to the “feats and brilliant merits” of security officers that the ruling party has achieved numerous legendary transformations and victories over hostile forces. He expressed confidence that the service members would continue to uphold their responsibilities and duties in the future.
The state security ministry functions as an intelligence agency in North Korea, holding significant authority in monitoring and identifying dissidents through its extensive surveillance networks. Wednesday's KCNA report characterized the ministry as a “political defender” of the ruling party.
This visit marks the first time Kim has been to the ministry since 2012, a year after he assumed leadership. Accompanying him were party secretary Jo Yong-won, party director Kim Hyong-sik, and Kang Yun-sok, vice chairman of the parliamentary standing committee.
In 2009, Kim also visited the state security ministry while he was still the heir to his father, the late Kim Jong-il, as noted on a stone monument at the ministry captured in released photos. The inscription mentioned that Kim had made several visits to the ministry, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
During his visit to the public security ministry, Kim reiterated its mission to “guarantee by law and arms the activities of the (ruling) party and the government who devote all their energies to defending the Korean-style socialist system and promoting the people's wellbeing.”
In separate visits to the Supreme Court and the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office, the North Korean leader also expressed hope that officials would strengthen the socialist legal system by thoroughly applying the party’s principles, according to KCNA.
The consecutive congratulatory visits to security and judicial bodies, tasked with social surveillance and law enforcement, seem to indicate the regime's intent to reinforce its control over society.
Point of View
It is essential to present an unbiased perspective on the recent visits by Kim Jong-un to various security ministries. While these visits underline the regime's focus on maintaining social order and loyalty, they also reflect the ongoing political dynamics within North Korea. It is crucial to observe how these actions resonate with both the internal populace and the international community.
NationPress
19/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of Kim Jong-un's visit?
Kim Jong-un visited security and judicial ministries to celebrate their 80th founding anniversaries and to emphasize their role in defending North Korea's socialist system.
Which ministries did Kim Jong-un visit?
Kim visited the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of State Security, the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office.
What message did Kim convey during his visits?
He expressed gratitude for the loyalty and patriotism of security personnel and reaffirmed the importance of their role in safeguarding the state.
Is this the first time Kim has visited these ministries?
No, this is the first visit since 2012, although he also visited the state security ministry in 2009.
What implications do these visits have for North Korea's governance?
The visits signal a potential tightening of social control and an emphasis on the loyalty of security forces within the regime.
