Editor’s Note: The following article is based on a speech delivered by the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, at the meeting celebrating the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
Today, as we mark the 80th anniversary of our Party, we are celebrating this historic holiday with a grand meeting and looking back once again upon the sacred 80 years. This is an expression of a sublime and sincere tribute our generation pays to the great Party-founding generation who brought about an epochal change in shaping the destiny of our country and people.
In the midst of the struggle to faithfully carry forward and develop the original ideals and spirit of the Party, a dignified and powerful socialist state—faithful to the dreams and ideals of the people—has been built on this land. Great miracles and changes have been made decade after decade and century after century to the admiration of the world. This is the history of modern Korea under the leadership of the Party, which spans 80 years.
First of all, availing myself of this meaningful opportunity, I express my warm gratitude to the delegates who have come to this glorious place with the proud fruits of their patriotic enthusiasm and strenuous labor. I extend sincere congratulations and encouragement to all Party members, citizens, and service personnel who are sending best wishes to this meeting from all parts of the country.
My warm congratulations go to the congratulatory groups of Koreans in Japan, the General Federation of Koreans in China, the International Social Federation of Koreans, and to the delegates of other overseas organizations visiting their homeland. I also extend these greetings to all overseas compatriots.
Also present at today’s meeting are the heads of party and government, as well as figures of several countries and delegates from international democratic organizations visiting Pyongyang with feelings of support and friendship toward our Party and the Korean people. I welcome you, dear friends, who are celebrating this holiday with us and deepening the bonds of friendship, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to you.
The 80th anniversary of the WPK is a glorious milestone thanks to the immortal achievements it has made over the long years for the country and the people and for the times and history.
The founding of our Party did not simply mean the birth of a political organization; it was a political event that signaled the emergence on the stage of history of a new-type revolutionary party that would verify the righteousness of socialism and demonstrate its unique superiority and might.
From the early days of building democracy, which coincided with its founding, to this day, the WPK has remained faithful to its role as the engine of the revolution and the guiding force of state administration. In this course, it has performed truly remarkable historic feats.
By successfully leading multiple stages of social transformation under the banner of the Juche idea, the Party has built a genuine people’s country with absolute prestige and national strength—a country that comprehensively embodies socialist ideals. It has also rendered a significant contribution to the international cause of independence and justice.
The past 80 years were complicated and arduous, yet worthwhile and glorious. Those years witnessed a hard-fought war to repel armed invasion, the rebuilding of the country from ruins, and social revolutions accompanied by class struggle and internal purification within the Party.
Following the establishment of the socialist system, our Party stood at the forefront of confrontation between socialism and imperialism. Given the geopolitical position of our country, the Party had to adopt a resolute approach to defending socialism and to strengthen the nation’s self-reliant defense capabilities. Amid persistent economic sanctions and external pressure, it proactively pushed forward with major construction and development projects.
Particularly, during the global political upheavals of the 1990s, it defended our ideology and social system. Entering the new century, in the face of growing nuclear war threats from the United States, it led the people to advance socialist construction while simultaneously building up nuclear defenses.
Historically, there has been no country that has faced such immense challenges—defending itself against external pressure while developing its economy and maintaining sovereignty. Maintaining political power and defending the social system itself was a miracle, yet our Party cleared an untrodden path and achieved epochal transformations.
In every period, it has advanced along the unchangeable path of socialism, propelling the cause of building an independent and powerful state. The remarkable transformations in politics, the military, the economy, and culture testify to the accuracy and vitality of our Party’s ideology and leadership.
For its achievements, the WPK has earned the prestige of being a revolutionary party of seasoned leadership and a genuine people’s party that serves the people faithfully.
To ensure unity of ideology and organization, the Party made this a key principle of its leadership. After its founding, it worked to establish ideological and leadership unity—an essential task for preserving its revolutionary character.
Throughout the country’s history—from nation building and war recovery to socialist development—the Party has prioritized the Juche orientation in ideology and striven to strengthen its ranks and organizational efficiency. Even amid external upheavals, it preserved ideological purity and organizational integrity, leading the country with high efficiency and seasoned leadership.
The Party has always explored new methods to inspire the people’s revolutionary zeal and creativity, uniting them under one banner. Through people-centered leadership, it has overcome challenges and achieved progress on the strength of collective effort and patriotism.
By upholding the spirit of serving the people, the Party has maintained their unwavering trust and strengthened the foundation of socialism. It has also contributed to global independence and justice by standing firmly against imperialism.
Our Party and government continue to respond firmly to external pressure, upholding principles of independence and strengthening the nation’s position as a bulwark for peace and justice.
The key to the Party’s success lies in its unity with the people. The history of working for and with the people is the source of all victories and achievements. The 80-year history of our Party can only be understood as the history of the people themselves.
From its founding, the Party raised the red flag representing the will to build a genuine people’s world. The Party’s success has always reflected the people’s wisdom, strength, and determination.
The great Korean people—workers, farmers, and intellectuals—have been the driving force behind every achievement. Today, they stand before the world as a powerful nation that knows no obstacle too great to overcome.
Our Party’s 80-year journey, walking alongside the people and sharing their aspirations, is a testament to the truth that the Party’s greatness comes from the greatness of its people.
I extend my deepest gratitude to our people, who have always supported and trusted the Party, dedicating their efforts and wisdom to the socialist cause over these 80 years.
As I face the people at this significant moment, I feel their boundless trust and expectations. Thanks to this trust, our Party is confident in its mission and certain of victory.
With continued effort, we can build a more prosperous and beautiful nation—a socialist paradise supported by our people and guided by unity of purpose.
The glorious 80-year history of our Party inspires us to strive harder for a greater future. Let us advance with courage and confidence toward a new era of victory and prosperity for our socialist cause.
Concluding my speech, I extend my heartfelt wishes for peace, happiness, and harmony to all families of our beloved country.
Long live the great Workers’ Party of Korea and the great Korean people!
