Kim Jong Un Enters Women's Bath in Coat... The Reason Behind His Shower of Praise: "It Was Worthwhile"

Visited Hot Spring Resort Once Criticized as "Filthy," Now Praises Remodeling
"Satisfied to See the Renovation"

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un revisited a hot spring resort he had previously harshly criticized for its past operations, this time praising the results of its remodeling. By commending the unit that thoroughly implemented his improvement orders, Kim appears to be maintaining a sense of tension and discipline within the bureaucracy.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un attended the completion ceremony of the Onpo Workers' Recreation Center in Kyongsong County, North Hamgyong Province, on the 20th, where he sharply criticized past operational practices, and praised the remodeling achievements. Photo by Korean Central News Agency Yonhap News

On January 21, the Korean Central News Agency reported that Chairman Kim attended the completion ceremony of the Onpo Workers' Recreation Center in Kyongsong County, North Hamgyong Province, the previous day. The Onpo Workers' Recreation Center is North Korea's largest hot spring resort, built at the Onpo Hot Springs, which have been designated as a natural monument. In July 2018, Chairman Kim visited the site and ordered that it be remodeled into a "comprehensive cultural and recreational base and a treatment service base," prompting the renovation.

Inspection of the Women's Bath... Octogenarian Party Official Enters the Bath to Demonstrate Loyalty

In the photos released that day, Chairman Kim is seen touring various parts of the facility dressed in a black coat and shoes. He even entered a steaming bath while still wearing his coat and inspected the women's bath as well. Some images show women in swimsuits conversing with Chairman Kim inside the bath. Notably, accompanying male officials were seen entering the bath shirtless alongside Kim, drawing attention. Among them was reportedly O Su Yong, an octogenarian senior official. The scene of elderly senior officials removing their clothes and joining Kim in the hot spring bath demonstrates that displays of loyalty to the supreme leader have become routine among North Korea's power elite.

After touring the resort, Chairman Kim gave a positive assessment, stating, "Each section has been arranged practically and harmoniously, and all architectural elements have been designed to blend naturally with the surrounding environment." He specifically recalled, "I remember when I visited this place a few years ago, despite having a signboard claiming it was a historic building reflecting the Party's leadership achievements, every section and element of the resort was uncultured, and its operation was unsanitary. I severely criticized the situation at that time." He continued, "Now, seeing the resort rebuilt as an excellent service base for the people, I feel a sense of pride in having accomplished another meaningful task."

After touring the facility, Chairman Kim instructed to open the resort in February. Photo by Korean Central News Agency Yonhap News

Ri Il Hwan, Secretary for Propaganda of the Workers' Party, also stated at the completion ceremony, "The transformation of the Onpo area began on that day in July 2018 when the Marshal (Kim Jong Un) visited this place," emphasizing that at the time, Chairman Kim "gave a stern warning about the outdated and gloomy facilities of the resort and the attitudes and work style of the officials reflected in the service environment."

In the Past: "Squalid," "Worse Than a Fish Tank," Harsh Criticism

During his 2018 on-site guidance, Chairman Kim had harshly criticized the resort's operational state, saying, "It's worse than a fish tank," "Truly squalid," and "If you manage and operate it so deplorably, you will ruin the achievements of the Leader (Kim Il Sung) and the General (Kim Jong Il) and commit a crime."

During this inspection, Chairman Kim instructed officials at the Onpo Workers' Recreation Center to complete operational preparations, including trial runs of the equipment, and to open the resort next month. With the 9th Workers' Party Congress expected to be held next month, it is interpreted that the opening is being timed to coincide with the Party Congress in order to maximize publicity for the achievement.