Rohdong Shinmun: Kim Il-sung Even Worked On Day Before His Death

Following the recent June 23 Rohdong Shinmun’s article that reported North Korean leader Kim Il-sung worked even on the day before his death, there has been keen interest in its background.

On July 13, the Asahi Shimbun delivered a detailed report of the contents of the Rohdong Shinmun’s article by quoting the Radio Press, the organization that monitors broadcasts from North Korea in Japan. According to the paper, from dawn of July 7 1994, a day before his death, Kim was busy writing out the proceedings of an economy-related conference on the previous day in document, and started another task after finishing his report.

On that day, Kim was worried about damage to crops after the heavy rain warning and tried to visit a reservoir. After an aide sensed Kim’s fatigued state and reported that “Comrade Kim Jong-il took prevention measures for flood damages,” he returned to his work seemingly relieved.

Around 4 p.m. he made a call to his aide again asking, “Have you reported the documents concerning power plant facilities to comrade Kim Jong-il?” and continued his work.

For dinner, he only took a few spoonfuls of food and finished his meal in less than five minutes.

As concerned aides asked him to eat more, Kim stated, “If I stop working I will be giving more burdens to comrade Kim Jong-il” and worked nonstop.

On the background as to why the Rohdong Shinmun reported this article, the Asahi Shimbun analyzed that it is was to advertise that National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong-il, Kim’s successor, is working hard right around the time of Kim’s 10 year anniversary since his death.

In this article, there seems to be a movement to reject the controversy concerning the circumstances of Kim’s death because it also featured a quote from Chairman Kim stating, “He passed away in his office.” regarding Kim’s death.

Hun-Joo Cho hanscho@donga.com