North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Inspects Nearly Completed Kangdong Hospital, Plans Nationwide Expansion

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently inspected the nearly completed Kangdong County Hospital near Pyongyang, emphasizing the importance of protecting citizens' health as a top state priority and calling for a healthcare revolution. He instructed the responsible installation of medical equipment by November and highlighted the need to modernize public health by building new hospitals in 20 cities and counties annually. Kim criticized outdated medical training and urged regional construction units to adopt exemplary practices from the hospital's construction to accelerate nationwide public health modernization. This inspection marked Kim's first public appearance following U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to South Korea, during which Kim did not respond to Trump's repeated meeting proposals. Additionally, Kim noted that the ruling party will discuss measures to improve military capabilities at an upcoming plenary meeting. These developments underscore Kim's dual focus on enhancing healthcare infrastructure and military strength amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.