This week, North Korea reported several domestic developments, including leader Kim Jong-un's inspection of tactical weapons production and the groundbreaking for a memorial to soldiers killed in Ukraine. State media also criticized Japan's defense budget and highlighted rural achievements ahead of a key party congress. Kim sent messages of support to Russia's Putin and congratulations to Laos' leader.
On January 4, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected the production of tactical guided weapons at a major munitions factory, instructing officials to expand capacity by 2.5 times, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). That day, Pyongyang fired multiple ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, as confirmed by South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Seoul urged North Korea to cease provocations, while the U.S. expressed awareness of the launches and reaffirmed its defense commitment to allies. North Korea strongly denounced the U.S. capture of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.
On January 6, Kim visited the construction site of the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats for Overseas Military Operations in Pyongyang, where he dug the first shovelful of earth for tree planting and hailed the soldiers' sacrifices in Russia's war against Ukraine as an "eternal cornerstone" for Pyongyang. The Rodong Sinmun accused Japan of plotting reinvasion through its record 9.04 trillion yen ($57.7 billion) defense budget, aimed at enhancing strike-back and coastal defenses. South Korea's security adviser noted that President Lee and China's Xi Jinping shared views on the importance of resuming talks with North Korea during their meeting. An official suggested Kim's daughter Ju-ae's prominent appearances promote socialist family imagery.
On January 7, the Rodong Sinmun praised achievements in the "rural revolution" as an "immortal journey" over the past five years, ahead of the ninth party congress early this year. January 8, believed to be Kim's birthday, passed without mention in state media, which instead focused on party congress preparations. The Rodong Sinmun urged officials to heighten discipline and loyalty, stating, "Officials need to honorably face the party congress with proud achievements from their devoted service to the people." A party magazine from March last year stressed the importance of designating the leader's successor, fueling speculation about Ju-ae amid her recent public appearances.
On January 9, Kim pledged "permanent" support for Russian President Vladimir Putin's policies in a letter, saying, "I will unconditionally respect and unconditionally support all your policies and decisions and I have a willingness to be always with you for the sake of you and your Russia." He also congratulated Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith on his reelection as ruling party chief. These moves come as Pyongyang and Moscow deepen military ties.
