N. Korea to workers on May Day: Work faster

PYONGYANG, North Korea, May 1 (UPI) -- Marking International Worker’s Day, May 1, the North Korean state publication Rodong Sinmun urged citizens to work at “Chosun speed” to “safeguard the socialist system under Kim Jong-un.”

The slogan, meant to inspire achievement in a hurry, comes after “Masikryeong speed” was encouraged as an ideological tactic during construction of North Korea’s Masikryeong ski resort last year, and “Chollima speed,” referring to a mythical winged horse.

“All must stand together beside the loving Comrade Kim Jong-un and adhere to Chosun speed. Let us bring about brilliant achievements in the new century of Juche.” The reference is to a concept promoted by former North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung in the 1950s -- that the country’s masses are in charge of its destiny.

An unidentified former North Korean military officer, now living in South Korea, explained to the online newspaper Daily NK: “Now that the project that gave rise to Masikryeong speed has been completed, it seems they can no longer continue to rely on the phrase. They need to create a slogan that will continue on, just like Kim Il-Sung had with Chollima speed.”