【Internal Affairs】
On May 5-10, the North Korean media reported
that Kim Jong Un gave field guidance at the strike drill of defense
units of the Korean People’s Army on the eastern front (May 5), the
Kumyagang Power Station No. 2 (May 5), and the strike drill of defense
units of the Korean People’s Army on the western front (May 10).
On May 6, the North Korean media emphasized the rejection of
dependence on foreign forces and the revolutionary spirit of self-reliance.
On May 6, the North Korean media reported that the North is engaged
in the second-stage project to spruce up Samjiyeon, Yanggang Province.
On May 7, the North Korean media underscored that the history of
Korean revolution is the history of self-reliance.
On May 7, the North Korean media reported that the North is laying
power lines between Hyesan and Samjiyeon.
On May 7, the North Korean media reported that a medical science
forum on diabetes was held in Pyeongyang.
On May 9, the North Korean media reported on the progress in the
construction of the hot spring tourist area in Yangdeok, South
Pyeongan Province.
On May 10, the North Korean media reported that the workers should
step up their efforts to achieve the five-year strategic goals in the
leading economic fields and the primary industries.
【Inter-Korean Affairs】
On May 6, the North Korean media
emphasized that the South should become the “party directly involved,”
instead of a “mediator or facilitator.”
On May 8, the North Korean media reported that a spokesperson for
the DPRK’s delegation to the inter-Korean general-level military
talks, in a Q&A session with KCNA reporters, condemned the ROK
Ministry of National Defense’s response to the North’s strike drill.
【Foreign Affairs】
On May 5-8, the North Korean media reported
that a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Q&A
sessions with KCNA reporters, expressed support and solidarity for the
struggle of the Venezuelan people (May 5) and said that the strike
drill is part of routine military exercises (May 8).
On May 7, the North Korean media denounced the comments about the
importance of the ROK-US alliance and increased cooperation in
imposition of sanctions on the North by US senators visiting South Korea.
On May 8, the North Korean media argued that the US is to blame for
the deadlock in the negotiations.
On May 9, the North Korean media blasted the USFK’s THAAD deployment exercise.
On May 9, the North Korean media emphasized that the North is ready
for all possible situations depending on the US’s attitude, implying a
“nuclear-to-nuclear showdown.”
On May 10, the North Korean media reported that DPRK Central Court
President Kang Yun Sok and Lao People’s Supreme Court President
Khamphanh Sitthidampha held talks and signed a memorandum of
understanding (MOU).
