Praising “Phenomenal Changes” and Achievements in 2025
During the celebrations, Kim Jong-un delivered a speech in which he lauded what he described as the North Korean people’s efforts and accomplishments over the past year. According to KCNA, Kim credited the population with achieving “successes and phenomenal changes” in 2025, despite what the regime frequently characterizes as external pressure, sanctions, and hostile policies from the United States and its allies.
Although KCNA did not provide detailed metrics or examples of these achievements, such language is typical of North Korean rhetoric, which emphasizes self-reliance, resilience, and ideological steadfastness. In recent years, the leadership has increasingly framed economic hardship as a test of revolutionary spirit rather than a failure of governance.
Kim’s speech also underscored the importance of unity, a recurring theme that takes on added weight in the context of upcoming political milestones. By praising the collective efforts of the people, Kim reinforced the narrative that national success is inseparable from loyalty to the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and its leadership.
