In a speech broadcast on state television during a high-level Workers’ Party meeting this week, Kim acknowledged the country is enduring a “severe and prolonged period of difficulty,” but framed the crisis as a test of ideological strength and national resilience.
“We must turn adversity into strength by relying on our own efforts,” Kim declared. “Let us resolutely uphold the path of Juche [self-reliance] and protect our sovereignty and dignity with unwavering determination.”
The address comes amid worsening food shortages, a collapse in trade, and increased signs of unrest within the population. Independent analysts and intelligence sources report that parts of the country are facing near-famine conditions, with prices of basic staples such as rice and corn at historic highs.
Despite these challenges, Kim’s remarks offered no indication of willingness to engage with international aid efforts or to make concessions on nuclear development in exchange for sanctions relief. Instead, the regime appears to be doubling down on its traditional strategy of internal mobilization and ideological discipline.
“Kim’s speech is consistent with the regime’s survival model: isolate, control, and compel loyalty through hardship,” said Dr. Cho Hae-ryung, a political scientist at Yonsei University. “But it also reflects real pressure. The regime is running out of options.”
Observers noted that Kim’s tone was unusually sober compared to past addresses, and included direct references to “unexpected difficulties” and “the need for unity at every level of society.” However, no new economic reforms or policy shifts were announced.
The theme of self-reliance has long been central to North Korea’s national identity, but critics argue it has become increasingly disconnected from reality as the country’s infrastructure crumbles and the black market becomes the dominant source of goods.
“The leadership promotes self-reliance while quietly relying on illicit trade, foreign cryptocurrency theft, and the jangmadang markets to keep the system afloat,” said Sung Ji-won, an analyst at the Sejong Institute.
China, North Korea’s main trading partner and political backer, has resumed limited shipments of aid and goods across the border, but Beijing remains cautious, wary of triggering further instability or violating international sanctions too overtly.
Meanwhile, UN agencies continue to call for humanitarian access to vulnerable regions of North Korea, warning that time is running out to prevent a full-scale food crisis.
In the absence of reforms or external relief, Kim’s appeal to “self-reliance” may offer little more than symbolic reassurance. For millions of North Koreans facing empty shelves, power outages, and ration cuts, slogans alone are unlikely to fill stomachs or warm homes.