Ahead of the 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, which North Korea has slated for late this month, the country has moved to build momentum with various commemorative events and on-site mobilizations. In Pyongyang, an exhibition marking the party congress opened, and professional organizations are encouraging full-fledged farming preparations by sending agricultural machinery to rural areas.
Korean Central News Agency said on the 12th that the "National Book and Art Exhibition Commemorating the 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea" opened the previous day at the Korean Art Museum.
At the opening ceremony, Culture Minister Seung Jeong-gyu described the exhibition as a political and cultural event that highlights the struggle process and achievements carried out under the party's leadership, and said it "will serve as an opportunity for party members and residents to strengthen their resolve toward the new goals the party congress will present."
The exhibition hall is said to display more than 10,000 titles, including literature and arts books and science and technology publications introduced as covering the party's line, policies and achievements. Artworks such as paintings, sculptures, crafts and calligraphy that capture residents' daily lives and the spirit of the times also filled the space.
The agency also reported that a small tractor prepared by the Union of Agricultural Workers was delivered on the 11th to Manjin Farm in Ongjin County, South Hwanghae Province. Earlier, other professional organizations, including the Women's League and the General Federation of Trade Unions, had sent tractors and cultivators to Haean Farm in Changyon County, Sinpung Farm in Chongdan County, and Ryongang Farm in Kaepung District, underscoring their resolve to expand agricultural production in the new year.