North Korean leader Kim Jong-un led a major ceremony in Pyongyang on April 15, 2025. He marked the completion of 10,000 new apartments in a recently developed area of the capital. The event coincided with the 113th birth anniversary of Kim Il-sung, North Korea’s national founder.
The celebration took place in the Hwasong district, located in northeastern Pyongyang. Officials completed the third-stage section of the area’s housing development. This project is part of the Kim Jong-un housing project launched in 2021.
That five-year plan aims to build 10,000 housing units in Pyongyang every year. In 2022, workers finished the first batch of homes in the Songhwa district. Over 20,000 more apartments followed in Hwasong’s first and second stages during 2023 and 2024.
Now, with the third-stage complete, the total number of new homes has reached 40,000. Kim expects the fourth and final stage to resolve major housing problems in the capital. The Kim Jong-un housing project remains central to his push to improve living standards.
Kim addressed the crowd during Tuesday’s ceremony. He apologized for the delay in delivering modern apartments to the people. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to doing more for citizens in the years ahead.
Kim personally cut the ribbon at the ceremony. He met workers and elderly residents who will move into the new buildings. Top officials, including Premier Pak Thae-song, also attended the event.
This marked Kim’s fourth visit to the Hwasong third-stage site. He previously attended its groundbreaking and made two additional visits in March and April 2025.
He deliberately timed the event to align with Kim Il-sung’s birthday. This national holiday carries deep meaning in North Korea. It helped boost morale and reinforce support for the Kim Jong-un housing project.
Alongside housing, Kim also promotes the “Regional Development 20X10 Policy” to uplift rural living conditions. Together, these initiatives aim to modernize North Korea’s domestic infrastructure and strengthen loyalty to his leadership.
