North Korea’s Leader Emphasizes Motherhood’s Sacred Role to Boost Birthrates

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally attended and gave the opening speech at the National Mothers Meeting, which was held for the first time in 11 years. The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 4th that Kim attended the 5th National Mothers Meeting, which opened in Pyongyang on the 3rd. In his opening speech, Kim said, “Whenever I feel tired while undertaking party and national projects, I always think of mothers.” /Yonhap News

North Korean Kim Jong In personally attended and gave the opening speech at the National Mothers Meeting, which was held for the first time in 11 years. The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 4th that Kim attended the 5th National Mothers’ Meeting, which opened in Pyongyang on the 3rd. In his opening speech, Kim said, “Whenever I feel tired while undertaking party and national projects, I always think of mothers.” /Yonhap News

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, has solidified internal social cohesion to overcome the low birth rate problem. North Korean authorities are encouraging multi-child families to have more children with Kim’s direct involvement. A decrease in the economically active population could be a significant blow for North Korea, where labor-intensive industries are central.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, on the 4th, Kim attended the 5th National Mothers’ Meeting held in Pyongyang the day before (3rd).

In his opening speech, Kim conveyed his sentiments, stating, “I pay my respects with the warmest admiration to the mothers who have made tremendous contributions by dedicating their minds and bodies to the growth of their children and the prosperity of their homeland, using this occasion.”

In his remarks, he emphasized the significance of mothers’ roles in society, highlighting their crucial contributions in nurturing children to uphold revolutionary ideals. He also stressed their importance in addressing growing challenges that diverge from socialist principles and fostering familial harmony and societal unity.

Also, Kim highlighted the challenge of fostering a healthy cultural and moral lifestyle, emphasizing the need to instill communist virtues of mutual assistance and leadership. He stressed the importance of making these virtues a prevailing trend while addressing declining birth rates and ensuring proper nurturing and education for children.

Kim mentioned that in moments of fatigue during his party and national endeavors, he draws inspiration from the thought of mothers. He lauded their courage and dedication, stating that these qualities imbue him with an unyielding sense of duty, responsibility, and strength.

Kim specifically commended the spirit and strength of mothers, noting that their influence extends beyond individual families. He acknowledged their role as a source of nourishment for the nation’s future and a critical factor in upholding and advancing the socialist family structure characterized by virtue and affection.

Furthermore, Kim declared that the meeting they were attending was a political celebration, showcasing the legitimacy and splendor of their cause. He emphasized their respect for future generations and mothers, who represent the nation’s future, positioning them at the forefront of their endeavors.

About this, the CIA Factbook published by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency estimated last year that North Korea’s total fertility rate was 1.9, significantly below the world average (2.4). The total fertility rate in North Korea, which was 5.11 in 1960, has been steadily declining since the mid-1990s after the ‘Arduous March’ (a period when hundreds of thousands to millions of people starved to death due to food shortages).

About 10,000 people, including Prime Minister Kim Duk Hoon and party secretaries Ri Il Hwan, Kim Jae Ryong, and Park Tae Sung, attended the 5th meeting on the day, and the agency reported that the meeting had not yet ended.

By. Park Young Hoon