By Associated PressSEOUL: North Korea on Thursday urged its 1.2 million troops to unite behind leader Kim Jong-un and defend him with their lives, as the country celebrated the 10th anniversary of Kim’s ascension to supreme commander of the military. North Korea has previously issued similar propaganda-heavy statements urging people to rally behind Kim in times of difficulties. Some experts say Kim has been grappling with the toughest moment of his 10-year rule due to the coronavirus pandemic, U.N. sanctions and his own mismanagement. Observers say North Korea will likely disclose Kim’s stances on relations with Washington and Seoul, the deadlocked nuclear diplomacy and the economic hardships at the end of the plenary meeting expected later this week. Kim’s supreme commander post at the Korean People’s Army was the first top job he was given after his father Kim Jong-il’s death in 2011.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 30, 2021 06:24 UTC