"Even in Harsh Trials" Kim Jong-un's Reason for Building an Ice Cream Factory in Pyongyang

North Korea's Changed Food Policy
Beyond Filling Stomachs to Considering Preferences

North Korea's Korean Central News Agency reported on the 27th that a modern Daeseongsan Ice Cream Factory has been completed and started operations at the foot of Daeseongsan in Pyongyang. This factory will produce not only ice cream but also various health drinks. / Korean Central News Agency [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Under the directive of Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, an ice cream factory has been established in Pyongyang. This highlights a distinctive feature that sets it apart from past policies, as it not only addresses the food shortage issue by filling stomachs but also takes residents' preferences into some consideration.

Korean Central News Agency reported on the 27th that "a modern ice cream production base, serving as a standard in the food industry sector, has been constructed at a prime location on the foothills of Daesongsan." It is expected that the factory will produce not only ice cream but also various beverages in the future.

Daesongsan is known as a representative recreational area connected to downtown Pyongyang by subway, featuring various amusement facilities, an artificial lake, a swimming pool, and a zoo. The completion ceremony held the previous day was attended by Jeon Hyun-cheol, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and officials from Kyunghung Trading Bureau.

Jeon Hyun-cheol, Director of the Party Economic Policy Office and Deputy Premier of the Cabinet, stated in his completion speech, "No matter how severe the trials are, the work to improve the people's welfare cannot be delayed even for a moment," adding, "The construction of the factory was adopted as a national priority by the decision of the Party Central Committee plenary meeting."

He further explained, "Comrade Kim Jong-un personally initiated the construction of the factory to provide better ice cream to our people and children, selecting the site, overseeing the design and construction capabilities, organizing construction and landscaping, and providing detailed guidance on all issues arising during the construction."

On the afternoon of September 18, 2018, citizens are seen enjoying ice cream and relaxing in downtown Pyongyang.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

He particularly noted that thanks to a 'special measure' taken by General Secretary Kim Jong-un amid the prolonged COVID-19 situation, the construction was completed in a short period, urging factory officials and others to devote utmost care to the products and thoroughly ensure taste, quality, and hygiene safety.

Photos released by Korean Central News Agency on the same day show slogans on the factory's exterior walls such as "Everything for the improvement of people's lives," "Self-reliance and prosperity," and "Self-reliance and strength." Recently, North Korea has been focusing all efforts on solving residents' food problems amid prolonged sanctions and poor agricultural yields. A notable feature is the recognition of the desire to satisfy diverse preferences, not just to fill stomachs.

For example, the new documentary film "The People's Parent" highlighted the supreme leader's dedication by revealing a batch of documents reporting on Kim Jong-un supplying residents with spaghetti, champagne, cheese, and dog meat dishes on the hottest days of summer.

Also, earlier this month, right after directing the largest military exercise since coming to power, Kim Jong-un personally cut the ribbon at the completion of the Yeonpo Greenhouse Farm in Hamju County, South Hamgyong Province. At that time, Kim emphasized, "It has become possible to normally supply fresh vegetables to the people throughout the year."