[custom_adv] Mr Kim opened the city in a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday with a reported army march from those who helped with the build. [custom_adv] North Korea's number two official Choe Ryong Hae, former prime minister Pak Pong Ju and incumbent Kim Jae Ryong also attended the ceremony. [custom_adv] Construction on the city had been delayed because of a shortage of materials and labour. [custom_adv] State-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) called the project successful, saying it has "turned into an example of a mountainous modern city under socialism". [custom_adv] Mount Paektu is said to play an important part in North Korean culture, can be seen in the country's national emblem and heard in the national anthem. [custom_adv] The rebuilding of Samjiyon Township was considered under the now-completed second stage, with the third and final stage, which kicked off with Monday’s ceremony, encompassing more construction in surrounding areas. [custom_adv] The target completion date for the entirety of the Samjiyon County construction project was repeated in a speech given at the ceremony by first vice-chairman of the State Affairs Commission (SAC) Choe Ryong Hae as the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) 75th foundation day anniversary on October 10, 2020. [custom_adv] Almost three full pages of Tuesday’s party daily Rodong Sinmun were dedicated to the opening festivities, including the ceremony where Choe gave his speech — chaired by Kim Jong Un in front of the statue of his father Kim Jong Il. [custom_adv] Almost three full pages of Tuesday’s party daily Rodong Sinmun were dedicated to the opening festivities, including the ceremony where Choe gave his speech — chaired by Kim Jong Un in front of the statue of his father Kim Jong Il.