Kim Jong Un Showcases New Hotels With Daughter, Touting Economic Progress Ahead of Party Congress

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, attended the opening of new hotels in a showcase tourist zone, a move seen as an effort to highlight economic achievements before a critical ruling party congress scheduled for early next year.

A Modern Façade in Samjiyon

According to state media KCNA on Tuesday, five new hotels opened over the weekend in the Samjiyon tourist zone, located in the country's northeast near the border with China. Photographs released by the state agency showed Kim and his teenage daughter touring the upmarket facilities on Saturday, December 20.

Kim was quoted as saying the hotels were "clear proof of the rising status of our people and the development potential of our country," according to the KCNA report.

The Politics of Progress

This event is the latest in a string of public appearances by Kim at new facility openings. Just last week, he attended inauguration ceremonies for three different regional factories, signaling a heavy focus on domestic development.

The publicity push comes as North Korea prepares for its first party congress in five years, which is expected in early 2026. The congress is set to unveil a new five-year development plan, and state media outlets like Rodong Sinmun have been urging the public to complete major projects ahead of the gathering. Meanwhile, some analysts view the continued presence of Kim Ju Ae as a deliberate step to solidify her position as the country's likely next leader.