To mark International Worker’s Day, state periodical the Rodong Sinmun has called for laborers across North Korea to
take on “Chosun Speed” and “safeguard the socialist
system under Kim Jong Eun.”
“Chosun Speed” follows on the heels of “Masikryeong Speed,” an ideological tactic adopted by Kim Jong Eun to yield maximum results during last year’s construction of
the Masikryeong Ski Resort.
“All must firmly stand together beside the loving Comrade
Kim Jong Eun and adhere to Chosun Speed,” the article said, before entreating, “Let us bring about brilliant achievements in the new century of Juche.”
A former high-ranking North Korean now living in the South
explained to Daily NK, “Now that the project that gave rise to ‘Masikryeong
Speed’ has been completed, it seems they can no longer continue to rely on the phrase. They need to create a slogan
that will continue on, just like Kim Il Sung had with ‘Chollima Speed.’”
“Chollima Speed” first emerged in the 1950s in a bid to encourage workers to achieve rapid economic growth. Kim Jong Il later
followed with “Huichon Speed,” coined during the construction of the Huichon
Power Station in Jagang Province.
“Mobilization isn’t on a voluntary basis, so the regime is now
seeking to coerce people by promising a ‘strong and prosperous Chosun.’ However, those
who know full well the harmful effects of such a policy are likely to consider it just another burden,” the defector concluded.
