North Korea Emphasizes 'Loyal Vanguard' Role at Youth League Congress

North Korea has held the 11th Congress of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League in Pyongyang. The congress took place from April 28-30, emphasizing the role of young people as a 'loyal vanguard' for defending the regime. The congress assessed the importance of refining the Youth League into a loyal vanguard of the Workers' Party of Korea and an organization of patriotic youth.

As a result of the congress, Baek Eun-cheol was elected as the new chairman, and amendments to the charter and elections for central leading bodies were conducted. While Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un did not attend, high-ranking Workers' Party officials including Kim Jae-ryong, Ri Il-hwan, and Ju Chang-il were present.

The Socialist Patriotic Youth League was launched in January 1946 as the 'North Korean Democratic Youth League' and is open to members aged 14 to 30. This organization is referred to as the Workers' Party of Korea's 'combat reserve force,' with an estimated membership of around 5 million. North Korean authorities have shown an intention to strengthen regime solidarity through youth organizations.