The 1990s was a period of grim trials for the DPRK. The difficulties it faced at the time, which is recorded in history as the periods of the Arduous March and forced march, were enormous.

When the whole country was grief-stricken over the death of President Kim Il Sung, the father of the nation, severe natural disasters successively hit it, accompanied by food shortage and economic difficulties.

Availing themselves of this opportunity, the imperialist allied forces rushed in group and tightened the encirclement ring to isolate and stifle the DPRK. With the fall of socialism in East European countries in succession, they trumpeted about the “collapse” of socialist Korea. The whole world was deeply concerned about the situation in it.

But all their expectations were overturned.

Chairman Kim Jong Il foiled the anti-DPRK moves of the imperialists, safeguarded the socialist system of the country and firmly defended the destiny of the country and nation by administering the original Songun politics.

On the morning of New Year’s Day in 1995 the whole nation greeted in bitter tears of sorrow, he visited the Dwarf Pine Post of the Korean People’s Army immediately after paying homage to President Kim Il Sung.

He scientifically analyzed the changed internal and external situations, and drew a firm conclusion that sovereignty and peace are guaranteed by arms. And he administered the original Songun politics with the People’s Army as the core and main force.

He always found himself on the long journey of Songun revolutionary leadership until the last moment of his life, visiting the KPA units including frontline army posts at Chol Pass and on Mt Osong, Mt Taedok and Cho Island. Under his guidance, the KPA was built up as the invincible revolutionary ranks and an elite force, which was better prepared politically, ideologically and in military technique, frustrating the imperialists' sanctions, pressure and blockade moves against the DPRK.

The DPRK also achieved remarkable successes in economic construction on the basis of its strong military muscle.

By taking their cue from the fighting spirit of the KPA service personnel, who were making a breakthrough in economic construction under the slogan “Let us take upon ourselves both national defence and socialist construction!”, the flames of a new great revolutionary upsurge were kindled in all sectors and a solid springboard for building a powerful socialist country was provided in all fields including politics, the economy and culture on the strength of the great army-people unity.

The Arduous March and forced march our people had to experience in the late 20th century do not remain a mere recollection of past history.

Today the Korean people are victoriously advancing the socialist cause with indomitable spirit and will under the leadership of the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un despite any trying ordeals. Along with all the successes made on the way, Chairman Kim Jong Il’s exploits for Songun revolutionary leadership will go down in history.