Analysis North Korean party daily calls national defense “number one” priorityA Rodong Sinmun article emphasizing defense capabilities appears to signal yet another shift The authoritative party daily Rodong Sinmun on September 26 published a “special article [ronsol],” explicitly stating that strengthening defense capabilities is the most important task facing the nation. This theme was masked under a seemingly prosaic title, “National Affairs Stand Above Household Affairs,” and the predominant theme of giving priority to the greater good rather than one’s well-being. North Korea uses “special articles” to indoctrinate the domestic populace on key ideological and political issues. The party daily reinforced the importance of this September 26 special article by publishing it on the top left-hand corner © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. |