North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared that he will learn from Singapore’s economic development, an article on the front page of the country’s primary state newspaper said Tuesday morning.
The front page of the June 12 Rodong Sinmun contains a short story and over a dozen photos detailing Kim’s night stroll through downtown Singapore late Monday night, which took place less than twelve hours before the article appeared on the newspaper’s website.
According to the article, Kim Jong Un “went up to the roof of the Marina Bay Sands and looked out upon the downtown night view, and heard about their clean and beautiful buildings.”
Kim then reportedly said that going forward, he “plans to learn much from [Singapore] and their amazing knowledge and experience.”
Kim Jong Un was also quoted saying that he “got to know Singapore’s economic power and development as well as their amazing rise” through the tour of the city.
The statement of willingness to learn from the successful economic rise of Singapore is placed directly above 14 pictures of the city’s skyline, including a standalone postcard-esque shot of the Marina Bay Sands hotel and the downtown skyline.
Kim is also shown walking down a corridor surrounded by a crowd of people holding up their phones trying to snap his photo.
Kim Jong Un surrounded by dozens of bodyguards and onlookers during his surprise night-time stroll through downtown Singapore on June 11 | Photo: KCTV
Pointing out that the Rodong Sinmun goes simultaneously out to the international and domestic audience, NK Pro analyst Fyodor Tertitskiy says that the article will send “quite a positive message because the North Korean leadership at least state they are prepared to learn from foreign nations’ experience and that they are focused on achieving economic prosperity.”
Videos of Kim’s surprise night-time tour taken by journalists and passersby show Kim accompanied by a large entourage, which included dozens of security guards.
The article said that Kim was accompanied by his sister Kim Yo Jong, first vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), vice-chairman of the WPK Central Committee Ri Su Yong, and others.
However, pictures show him primarily walking alongside Singaporean foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan and education minister Ong Ye Kung.
Kim Jong Un is set to meet President Donald Trump for their much-anticipated summit at 0900 local time at the Capella Hotel in Singapore this morning.
The front page of the June 12 Rodong Sinmun shows photos of Kim Jong Un’s night-time tour of Singapore’s downtown taken just hours before | Photo: Rodong Sinmun
Featured Image: KCTV
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared that he will learn from Singapore’s economic development, an article on the front page of the country’s primary state newspaper said Tuesday morning.
The front page of the June 12 Rodong Sinmun contains a short story and over a dozen photos detailing Kim's night stroll through downtown Singapore late Monday night, which took place less than twelve hours before the article appeared on the newspaper’s website.
