One day in July Juche 86 (1997), Chairman Kim Jong Il met senior officials and gave precious instructions. Then he asked an official about the reason why the production of plastic pencils for pupils of primary schools decreased.

The official said that the equipment was outdated and materials and electricity were not being supplied properly.

The Chairman asked why the official did not report such situation to him.

Before the official had finished saying that it was not so important, the Chairman stressed that this matter was not small but very important.

What matters is the wrong view of officials regarding the pencil issue as a trifling thing, he pointed out, saying that the pencil issue is for education of the younger generation and the education of the younger generation is for the future of the country and the nation.

He said that as he has always mentioned, the children should be regarded as kings and there is no such precious and loving existence as the children, and stressed again that the pencil issue is by no means a small matter.

Consequently, the production of plastic pencils became activated again. -0-