North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Warns: ‘Be Prepared for Anything in 2024’

North Korean Leader Calls for Military Preparedness in His New Year Message
Discussion of Security Environment and Urgency

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called on military commanders to be fully prepared militarily.

On January 1, the Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim met with major commanders, including the commander of the Korean People’s Army joint command, at the headquarters of the Party Central Committee on December 31, 2022. During the meeting, Kim praised the struggle and achievements of 2023 and encouraged the commanders. Kim mentioned the security environment and said, “Such a situation suggests the urgency of sharpening our sword for the safety and peace of our country and perfecting the routine military readiness of the army.” He also emphasized, “The responsibility of military commanders is heavy,” and suggested that a military conflict could occur at any time due to the reckless provocations of the enemies.

Kim stated, “As our revolution continues to march forward, the desperate attempts of the U.S. imperialists and South Korean puppets to stop us will only become more disgusting.” He demanded, “Our army must hold a firm confrontational consciousness and an ironclad enemy view and ruthlessly crush any provocation by the enemies.” He further stated that in the event of a military confrontation against their republic, leading to any disturbances, it would be imperative to mobilize all their most potent means and capabilities to deliver a devastating strike and completely eradicate the opposition.

Kim’s Presence at the New Year’s Performance
Appearance of Kim’s Family and Key Figures

The Korean Central News Agency also reported that Kim held a banquet on the same day to encourage the Central Committee members in his capacity as the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party. In his congratulatory speech, he said, “This year, like never before, our hard work and dedication have turned into gratifying achievements and noticeable changes.” He self-praised, “We have filled 2023 with significant events that open a new transformative phase in advancing the revolution.” He also encouraged, “There is still a lot of work ahead of us,” and “Let’s deeply reflect on our shortcomings in always meeting the expectations of the people, keep this in mind, and strive to make 2024 a year of greater effort for our great country and people.”

Kim also personally attended the New Year’s celebration performance on the same day. The news agency reported that the performance occurred at the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, and Kim appeared in the audience with his “respected wife and daughter.” The North Korean media shows his daughter, Ju Ae, and wife, Ri Sol Ju, were in attendance. In the photos, Ju Ae sits directly to Kim’s right, with Ri Sol Ju slightly farther away. Prime Minister Kim Tok Hun, Party Secretary Jo Yong Won, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly Choe Ryong Hae, and Vice Chairman of the Party Central Military Commission Ri Pyong Chol also appeared.

By. Heung Soon Kim