NK Railway Project

[Anchor Lead]

North Korea has boasted that the construction of a railway in Samjiyon-gun County, where Baekdusan Mountain is located, is almost complete. The North has been publicizing Samjiyon as the hometown of its former leader Kim Jong-il. Here's why.

[Pkg]

A train enters on a newly built railway track. Members of the North Korean army's shock troop brigade enthusiastically wave red flags.

[Soundbite] Rim Jin-sok (Railway Official) : "Today we have finished the construction of the railway between Hyesan and Samjiyon. Not only the shock troop brigade but the entire division was elated."

Kim Jong-un visited Samjiyon-gun County back in 2013 along with his aides prior to executing his uncle, Jang Song-thaek. Two years later, he designated the county as a special tourism zone and launched a massive development project, which included the construction of a new railway. Last year, the North Korean leader erected a new statue of Kim Jong-il in the area and visited it again. Kim has been investing vigorously in the development of Samjiyon-gun County despite the tough sanctions against the North.

[Soundbite] Cho Bong-hyun (IBK Economic Research Inst.) : "The North Korean economy is developing as planned even in the face of sanctions. The regime seeks to send a message to its public that it can solve economic difficulties despite the sanctions."

After several suspensions, the Samjiyon development project is almost complete. The regime will likely publicize the project extensively at the upcoming event late this year to further idolize its leader and solidify his power.