Kim Jong Un's claims of progress at the 9th Party Congress are scrutinized by experts who reveal significant disparities between the official narrative and the lived experiences of North Korean citizens.
The 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, held until the 25th in Pyongyang, saw North Korea's leadership boasting about substantial advancements in areas such as housing, agriculture, and healthcare. However, Director Lee Sang-yong of the web-based media 'Daily NK AND' has pointed out stark differences between the regime's claims and the actual conditions on the ground. He emphasized that while Kim Jong Un was praised for his 'construction revolution', the achievements often come at a significant cost to the ordinary citizens involved in the projects.
For example, the construction of 50,000 housing units has been touted as a visible change in Pyongyang, yet many residents have been burdened by the demands of these developments. In many cases, they were mobilized to provide labor and funds without being able to move into the new homes themselves. Furthermore, the distribution of these new homes appears to favor the privileged classes, with lucrative locales along rivers often reserved for high-ranking officials, leaving ordinary citizens largely unbenefited and further exacerbating social inequalities within the city.
As investigative reports and testimonies from defectors accumulate, they paint a picture that starkly contrasts with the North Korean government's portrayal of the nation as a 'paradise on earth.' This ongoing series aims to shed light on both the positive narratives pushed by the government and the grim realities faced by the citizens, particularly in the context of increasing economic burdens and social disparities exacerbated by the regime's policies.
