February resonates with the song of longing throughout the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, as the nation commemorates the birth anniversary of the great leader Kim Jong Il. With hearts full of reverence and respect, the people recall his lifelong dedication to the prosperity of the country and the happiness of the people.
Kim Jong Il devoted his entire life to safeguarding national dignity, defending the people’s independence, and ensuring the success of socialist construction. His leadership shone brightest in times of hardship, guiding the nation through adversity with resolute determination and unwavering commitment.
Steadfast Leadership in Times of Hardship
The 1990s posed immense challenges for the DPRK, as hostile forces intensified their attempts to strangle the nation with sanctions and blockade. In the wake of national mourning, following the passing of President Kim Il Sung, enemies sought to exploit the situation. Yet, amidst these adversities, Kim Jong Il stood firm, ensuring the survival and strength of the nation through an unyielding commitment to military power.
Understanding that military might was the key to safeguarding national sovereignty, Kim Jong Il prioritized the development of the country’s defense capabilities. He personally visited frontline posts and military units, strengthening the army’s resolve. His on-site guidance through battle positions, trenches, and fortifications—from the heights of Oseong Mountain to the frontlines of the motherland—embodied his iron will to protect the nation at all costs.
Foreign media outlets acknowledged his exceptional leadership, noting how the DPRK, despite its size and external pressures, emerged as a military power capable of defending itself. It was through his bold decisions and unwavering determination that the country solidified its national defense and ensured its survival against all odds.
The great leader Kim Jong Il providing on-site guidance in the agricultural sector – September 2004
A Life of Tireless Dedication to the People
Beyond military strength, Kim Jong Il devoted himself to improving the lives of the people. His philosophy of leadership was rooted in a deep love for the nation and its citizens. For him, the people’s demands were paramount, and he worked tirelessly to fulfill their needs.
In countless moments of his leadership, he spoke of time as the most precious resource, lamenting that even if he could stretch a single second into an hour, it would still not be enough to serve the people as much as he wished. With this conviction, he spent his life in constant motion, visiting factories, construction sites, and agricultural fields to personally guide socialist development and enhance the people’s well-being.
In September 2011, despite his own failing health, Kim Jong Il visited the Pyongyang August 3 Consumer Goods Factory. He meticulously examined every aspect of production, from the machinery to the final products, ensuring that goods met the highest standards to improve the daily lives of the people. His belief was clear: raising the people’s living standards was not just a goal—it was the mission of the Party and the state.
On the same day, he also visited the Kumseong Foodstuff Factory and the construction sites in Mansudae, personally ensuring that each project met the demands of socialist progress. Despite exhaustion, he pressed on, understanding that his relentless efforts would pave the way for a stronger, more prosperous nation.
The Everlasting Impact of His Work
Kim Jong Il’s leadership was not merely about words—it was about action. His tireless dedication took him across 1,674,610 kilometers of the nation’s territory, a distance equal to traveling around the Earth nearly 17 times. Every visit, every inspection, and every moment spent with the people left an indelible mark on the nation’s development.
His efforts bore fruit in the form of remarkable achievements: the successful launch of satellites showcasing national scientific prowess, the construction of monumental structures reflecting the country’s progress, and the advancement of industry, agriculture, and defense. Each milestone was a testament to his vision and the foundation he laid for the future.
A Legacy Carried Forward
Great history is carried forward by great successors. Today, under the exceptional leadership of Comrade Kim Jong Un, the immortal achievements of Kim Jong Il continue to shine. The ideals he upheld, the sacrifices he made, and the legacy he left behind serve as the guiding light in the ongoing march toward a prosperous and powerful socialist nation.
The people of the DPRK hold unwavering confidence that under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, the country will fulfill the aspirations of Kim Jong Il, rising as a nation admired by the world, a beacon of strength and self-reliance.
As February unfolds, the Korean people sing in unison – not just songs of longing, but songs of pride, determination, and unwavering commitment to the path charted by their great leader, Kim Jong Il.
