North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the completion ceremony for the third stage of Pyongyang’s Hwasong District redevelopment on April 15, timed to coincide with the birth anniversary of the late nation founder Kim Il-sung—North Korea’s most important holiday, known as the Day of the Sun.
According to the Norht’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the ceremony marked the delivery of 10,000 new apartment units in one of the city’s flagship “new town” developments. The event was attended by senior officials including Premier Pak Thae-song, Workers’ Party Secretary Kim Tok-hun, government officials, builders, and local residents.
“I’m sorry that it’s taken this long to provide such modern housing,” Kim was quoted as saying. “Seeing the people’s joy today strengthens my resolve to take on even more for their sake.”
The Hwasong redevelopment is part of a broader initiative announced at the Eighth Workers’ Party Congress in January 2021, in which North Korea pledged to build 50,000 new homes in Pyongyang over five years. The Songhwa Street development was completed in 2022, followed by the first and second stages of Hwasong in 2023 and 2024. With the third stage now finished, the plan remains on schedule.
Kim has taken a personal interest in the project, frequently visiting the construction sites. This latest appearance marks his fourth visit to the third stage alone, following the groundbreaking ceremony last year and site inspections in March and April.
Observers say the decision to hold the ceremony on the Day of the Sun was a calculated move to strengthen internal unity and boost public morale.
KCNA previously reported in March that Kim had ordered the project to be completed in time for a grand ceremony in honor of the holiday, calling it “the most significant and auspicious occasion for the nation.”
