North Korea Sends Young Volunteers to Dangerous Jobs Under the Guise of Voluntary Participation

North Korea has started assigning young people to challenging worksites such as coal mines and farms to implement the decisions made during the Party plenary meeting.

Rodong Sinmun reported on Monday that “a ceremony to celebrate young people advancing into difficult and arduous sectors was held on Sunday in Pyongsong City, South Pyongan Province.”

According to the report, “The event was attended by Jang Gi Cheol, Secretary of the South Pyongan Province Party Committee, youth alliance officials, and youth students. Volunteer certificates were presented to the participants, and there were congratulatory speeches and discussions.”

The article noted that approximately 80 young people, including dozens from Kaechon City, Deokchon City, Bukchang County, and Mundok County, have volunteered for coal mines and other challenging sites.

The newspaper also reported that youth from regions such as Sookcheon, Seongcheon, and Eunsan have volunteered to work at military raw material supply bases. Young people from Daedong County, Soonchun City, and Maengsan County have applied for highway maintenance and management positions.

Every year, at the beginning of the year, North Korea begins assigning youth to harsh environments under the guise of voluntary participation. Starting with South Pyongan Province, such volunteer ceremonies are expected to expand nationwide in the coming weeks.