Summary of domestic news in North Korea this week

NK weekly-domestic news

Summary of domestic news in North Korea this week

SEOUL, Jan. 30 (Yonhap) -- The following is a summary of domestic news in North Korea this week.

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N. Korea's Kim inspects sculptures, artwork honoring soldiers killed in Ukraine war

SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected sculptures and artwork being created for a memorial museum commemorating the country's soldiers killed in Russia's war against Ukraine, saying they will convey the soldiers' "legendary feats and glorious life."

Kim visited the Mansudae Art Studio in Pyongyang the previous day and inspected a number of sculptures and artwork that will be erected at the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats at the Overseas Military Operations, including a tower and decorative engravings for an outer wall, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

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N. Korea's Kim congratulates Vietnamese leader on reelection: KCNA

SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has congratulated Vietnam's leader To Lam on his reelection as head of the ruling party, expressing confidence that bilateral cooperation will develop in all fields, the North's state media reported Monday.

Kim delivered the message Friday, the same day the 68-year-old Lam was reelected as head of state for a five-year term at the ruling party's central committee, extending his top leadership position, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

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(LEAD) N. Korea test-fires large-caliber multiple rocket launcher with Kim in attendance

SEOUL -- North Korea has test-fired an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS) to assess its effectiveness, overseen by leader Kim Jong-un, state media said Wednesday.

Tuesday's test of four MRLS rockets employing new technology hit a target in waters 358.5 kilometers away from the point of launch, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

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New Iranian ambassador to N. Korea takes office after presenting credentials

SEOUL -- Iran's new ambassador to North Korea has taken office after presenting his letter of credence, the North's state media reported Thursday.

Choe Ryong-hae, chairman of the standing committee of North Korea's parliament, received the credentials of new Iranian Ambassador Abbas Talebifar, sent by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the previous day, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

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N. Korea assesses last year's agricultural output as 'proud outcome' ahead of party congress

SEOUL -- North Korea has held a Cabinet meeting to assess last year's agricultural output and resolve to meet this year's production target, the North's main newspaper said Thursday, as the country is preparing for a key party congress.

The 2025 agriculture assessment meeting was held virtually from Tuesday to Wednesday and overseen by Premier Pak Thae-song, party secretary Jo Yong-won and Vice Premier Ri Chol-man, who also serves as chair of the agricultural committee, according to the Rodong Sinmun.

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N. Korean ruling party's central committee elects delegates to upcoming congress

SEOUL -- The central committee of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) has elected its delegates for the party's upcoming congress, state media reported Friday, signaling that the key event is near.

The party held a conference of the headquarters of the party's Central Committee on Wednesday and elected delegates to be sent to the ninth party congress, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

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N. Korea's Kim attends ceremony for this year's 1st regional development project

SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a construction project, the first this year under his regional development drive, saying his policy will transform one-third of the country, state media said Friday.

Kim attended the ceremony the previous day to mark the start of a regional development construction project in Unnyul County in South Hwanghae Province, and dug the first spadeful of earth, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, announcing the first regional construction campaign for 2026.

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