Kim Jong Un calls for the strengthening of the North Korean army and its rapid transformation into an elite force

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the strengthening of the army and the rapid, simultaneous transformation of all units into an elite military force. The message was delivered at the 3rd Conference of Company Commanders of the North Korean army, held on Thursday and Friday amid heightened tensions with South Korea.

According to state-run KCNA, Kim Jong Un said that the strength of the North Korean army would multiply “in an unprecedented way” if its units were ideologically consolidated, reached elite military and technical standards, and strictly observed discipline.

Thousands of military personnel attended the meeting, the first at the national level since the 9th Congress of the Party, held in February. Defense Minister Kim Song Gi praised the army’s role over the past seven years but acknowledged the existence of problems that must be overcome.

The meeting took place after two mines exploded in the Demilitarized Zone on September 21, injuring three South Korean soldiers. Seoul attributes the explosions to North Korean mines, an accusation rejected by Pyongyang. North Korea also announced the reinstallation of propaganda loudspeakers at the border.