Kim Jong-un Returns to Hot Spring Resort He Criticized as 'Shabby' 8 Years Ago, Says He Feels 'Pride'

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the completion ceremony of the Onpo Workers' Resort, a hot spring facility in Kyongsong County, North Hamgyong Province, praising the remodeling results. This is the same facility where Kim had personally ordered renovations eight years ago after criticizing its poor maintenance during an on-site inspection.

The day before (January 19), Kim dismissed the Cabinet Premier on-site. Analysts interpret his lavish praise for the remodeling project—carried out under his own directive—as an effort to maximize economic and livelihood achievements ahead of the Party Congress expected next month.

The Korean Central News Agency reported on January 21 that Kim attended the Onpo Workers' Resort completion ceremony the previous day (January 20). Kim evaluated that "each section has been practically and harmoniously arranged, and all architectural elements have been designed to blend with the surrounding natural environment."

He also stated, "I remember when I came here a few years ago and severely criticized the situation where, despite hanging a sign saying this was a historic building bearing the Party's leadership achievements, all sections and elements of the resort were uncultured and operations were unhygienic." He emphasized, "Seeing the resort rebuilt today as an excellent recreational service base for the people, I feel pride in having accomplished another meaningful task."

Ri Il-hwan, Secretary for Propaganda of the Workers' Party, also said at the completion ceremony, "The new transformation of the Onpo area began from that day in July 2018 when the Marshal (Kim Jong-un) visited this place." He added that at the time, Kim "sounded a stern warning about the ideological viewpoint and work attitude of officials reflected in the resort's old and dim facilities and service environment."

During his 2018 on-site inspection, Kim had strongly criticized the facility's operations, saying it was "worse than a fish tank" and "really shabby." Kim instructed Onpo Workers' Resort officials to complete operational preparations including equipment test runs and open the resort next month.