North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is reportedly shifting blame for recent flood damage to provincial officials, amid fears that public discontent could weaken his leadership, according to South Korea’s unification ministry.
What Happened: North Korea’s main newspaper, The Rodong Sinmun, stated that Kim has urged the nation to view disaster prevention as a serious political ideology issue, rather than merely a fight against nature, The Korea Times reported on Tuesday.
In late July, heavy rainfall caused extensive flooding along the Amnok River in North Pyongan, Jagang, and Ryanggang provinces. Some South Korean media outlets have reported that the death toll and number of missing persons could exceed 1,000.
The unification ministry, responsible for inter-Korean affairs, suggests that North Korea is shifting the blame for the flood damage to officials, due to fears that the recent floods could undermine Kim’s leadership.
“This could mean that North Korea’s flood damage is very significant and people’s discontent remains high,” an anonymous ministry official told reporters.
Why It Matters: This recent development comes after a series of events that have been shaping North Korea’s political landscape. Earlier in February 2023, there was growing speculation about Kim preparing his young daughter to become his successor.
In May, North Korea administered loyalty oaths to its citizens on Kim’s birthday, marking a shift in the country's political landscape.
In August, Kim met flood victims from the provinces of North Phyongan, Jagang, and Ryanggang in the capital city of Pyongyang. This meeting followed the devastating floods caused by heavy rainfall in late July. The Workers' Party of Korea, has taken a significant step to provide state-backed care and benefits to the flood victims.
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This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Pooja Rajkumari
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