Kim Jong Un Pushes Major Rural Development Amid Economic Hardships

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is focusing on enhancing rural health, science, and education facilities. This move is part of his 'Regional Development 20×10 Policy,' which aims to develop modern factories in remote counties over the next decade. However, resource limitations due to prioritizing military programs create feasibility concerns.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has directed the development of health, science, and education facilities in rural areas, along with factories, amid economic difficulties and poor living conditions, state media KCNA reported on Monday.

On Saturday, Kim convened a high-level meeting as the ruling Workers' Party seeks to implement a 'new important decision' to accelerate rural development under his 'Regional Development 20×10 Policy.' This initiative aims to establish modernized factories in at least 20 remote counties annually for the next decade. The North Korean leader has been pushing to modernize the farming sector and rural communities because the nation's economy heavily relies on agriculture but faces persistent food shortages due to sanctions and natural disasters.

According to KCNA, Kim emphasized the urgency of constructing health, science, and grain management facilities in cities and counties to boost regional development. 'Building light industry factories in local areas alone is not enough to provide sustained and improved material and cultural life,' KCNA quoted him as saying. Kim ordered the prioritization of modern health facilities despite challenges, expressing his desire to build hospitals that significantly enhance regional health conditions and the wellbeing of local residents.

A new military unit has been launched, and troops have been mobilized nationwide to support this construction initiative, but South Korean officials and experts have questioned its feasibility due to resource constraints, given North Korea's long-standing prioritization of its military programs.

(With inputs from agencies.)