Mr. Kim Jong Un directed the construction of a special road, mobilizing 100,000 young people to participate.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter attend the groundbreaking ceremony for a new housing project in Sopo district, Pyongyang - Photo: KCNA

North Korean state news agency KCNA reported that leader Kim Jong Un attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a construction project in Pyongyang's Sopo district on February 25.

In 2021, the North Korean leader announced an ambitious plan to build 50,000 new homes in Pyongyang by 2025.

Mr Kim said the housing project faced “unprecedented challenges”. The new housing project would serve as “another proud page in the history of the youth movement” and a symbol of the socialist revolution, as well as the country’s “political struggle”.

He mobilized some 100,000 young volunteers to join the plan. This young workforce was called the dolgyeokdae, or youth brigade.

In Sopo district, Mr. Kim aims to create “a special street” with about 4,100 houses.

"The unique architecture of this road will demonstrate the status and rapid development of our country," Mr. Kim said at the event, flanked by his young daughter who has frequently appeared with him recently.

“It will demonstrate to the world how our movement and struggle is growing and expanding strongly, even in the face of the most arduous difficulties and challenges,” Kim added.

Last year, North Korean media reported that the country had completed its first 10,000 apartments, including an 80-story skyscraper.

South Korean media have recently warned of a worsening food crisis in North Korea. Mr. Kim's country is isolated due to sanctions related to its nuclear weapons program and affected by a COVID-19 lockdown.

Pyongyang has not confirmed any food shortages, but the ruling party has scheduled a meeting in late February to discuss agricultural development strategies, calling it a “very important and urgent task.”

According to Tuoi Tre