▲ 3rd Conference of Company Commanders of Korean People's Army underway
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has guided a large-scale military event, tightening internal discipline and underscoring his resolve to bolster the military's combat capabilities.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported today, October 24, that Kim guided the 3rd Conference of Company Commanders of the Korean People's Army (KPA) held in Pyongyang on Thursday and Friday (October 22–23).
KCNA reported that Kim delivered a speech titled "Building a Powerful Army in the New Era and the Duties of Company Commanders," presenting "militant tasks and ways to be firmly held as keys in the work to strengthen companies, which are the cells of building a powerful army."
According to the agency, Kim said in his address, "The general direction of strengthening companies is to completely renew the combat capability and appearance of companies to match the status and might of an elite revolutionary armed force," ordering that "companies across the entire military must without exception be purified ideological-spiritually, strongly turn elite in terms of military technology, and be forged into a flawless, perfect combat force in regularized military appearance."
Kim went on to emphasize, "The basic spirit of the 3rd Conference of Company Commanders is to build the strongest military by fostering the strongest companies and to accelerate our style of military revolution."
Kim urged company commanders to "fully solidify the ideological eliteness of companies and steadily improve company management and soldiers' lives amid iron discipline," emphasizing ideological armament and the establishment of discipline.
While rumors of Kim's death had recently circulated on overseas social media, North Korea aired footage on Korean Central Television on October 20 showing his visit to an exhibition hall in the light industry sector, followed by the public disclosure on this day of him guiding the large-scale military event.
The conference was attended by Pak Jong Chon, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea; Kim Song Gi, minister of National Defence; Yu Kwang U, first vice director of the KPA General Political Bureau; and Ri Yong Gil, chief of the KPA General Staff, along with company commanders and commanders of various military and political organs.
Kim's decision to directly guide the conference of commanders who lead companies—the KPA's "basic combat units" and soldiers' "bases of daily life"—is seen as aimed at tightening internal discipline while emphasizing the importance of enhancing combat power.
Regarding the significance of holding the conference, KCNA explained that it redoubled momentum in "the struggle to create elite combat ranks and multi-service, all-round companies capable of independently and smoothly carrying out any combat mission."
Following Kim's address, the conference proceeded with a report by Defense Minister Kim Song Gi, the viewing of a video showcasing company commanders' real-world combat experiences, and a ceremony conferring party and state commendations on exemplary company commanders.
Previous instances of the "Conference of Company Commanders" reported by North Korean state media occurred in November 1991 and February 1999.
Similarly named gatherings, such as the "Conference of Company Commanders and Company Political Instructors," have been held more frequently, including the 5th conference in March 2019.
(Photo: KCNA, Yonhap News)
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