May Day call follows ‘Masikryeong speed’ to build ski resort, ‘Huichon speed’ under Kim Jong-il and ‘Chollima speed’ under Kim Jong-sung. Daily NK reports

To mark International Worker’s Day, state periodical the Rodong Sinmun has called for labourers across North Korea to take on “Chosun speed” and “safeguard the socialist system under Kim Jong-un".

“Chosun speed" follows on the heels of “Masikryeong speed,” an ideological tactic adopted by Kim Jong-un to yield maximum results during last year’s construction of the Masikryeong ski resort.

“All must firmly stand together beside the loving Comrade Kim Jong-un and adhere to Chosun speed,” the article said, before entreating, “Let us bring about brilliant achievements in the new century of Juche.”

A former high-ranking North Korean now living in the South explained to 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.”

“Chollima speed” first emerged in the 1950s in a bid to encourage workers to achieve rapid economic growth. Kim Jong-il later followed with “Huichon speed,” coined during the construction of the Huichon power station in Jagang province.

“Mobilisation isn’t on a voluntary basis, so the regime is now seeking to coerce people by promising a ‘strong and prosperous Chosun (Korea)’. However, those who know full well the harmful effects of such a policy are likely to consider it just another burden,” the defector said.