Pyongyang officials have been instructed to lead upcoming rural support mobilizations as North Korea prepares for rice-planting season.
The Pyongyang Party Committee’s Propaganda and Agitation Department held a lecture on April 26 targeting city-level officials, titled “Let’s Revolutionarily Improve the Work Style and Methods of Officials Who Are the Vanguard in Implementing Party Policy.”
The meeting criticized some Pyongyang officials for becoming lax in discipline and neglecting their duties, warning that such behavior seriously undermines party leadership. Speakers emphasized that when officials compromise on principles or overlook problems, unhealthy trends spread throughout the ranks, ultimately sabotaging policy implementation.
Referencing the principled revolutionary spirit of previous generations of officials, the meeting stressed that absolute loyalty to the party and revolution is today’s revolutionary requirement for all officials.
The lecture particularly emphasized Pyongyang’s role in nationwide rural support efforts scheduled for May, stating that the capital must set an example for the rest of the country. “The core message was that officials should take the lead in the upcoming spring rice-planting mobilization,” a source in the city told Daily NK.
North Korea’s emphasis on agricultural mobilization comes amid ongoing food security challenges in the country. The regime typically mobilizes urban residents, including students and office workers, to support rural areas during critical planting and harvesting seasons to boost agricultural output. These mass mobilizations have become increasingly important as the country continues to face international sanctions and economic difficulties.
Speakers insisted that only when officials energetically lead rural support efforts can this year’s grain production targets be achieved. Officials were instructed to create revolutionary enthusiasm for rural support and establish innovative work methods at every workplace.
The meeting also outlined propaganda plans for the rice-planting period, directing propaganda units to deploy broadcast vehicles to work sites and properly prepare for various promotional activities, including propaganda team performances.
“The meeting concluded with an appeal for all officials to always prioritize the party’s voice and demands while steadfastly maintaining their initial revolutionary commitment,” the source said, adding that the lecture generated new tension and revolutionary enthusiasm among Pyongyang officials.
