Kim and Trump are set to hold their second summit in Vietnam's Hanoi on Feb. 27-28. The talks are expected to focus on trading denuclearization measures from the North for corresponding economic and other concessions from the US.

Calling for economic development efforts, the North's paper emphasized that lessons should be learned from a success story from an island, called "edo" off the country's west coast where "stunning achievements" have been made.

The "miraculous" successes, such as constructing ships equipped with state-of-the-art technology, a seashell farm built on a tidal flat and a floating dock under development, were attributed to the self-reliance spirit shared by government officials and citizens there.

"There are many areas around us that have better conditions than edo has," the paper said. "Why is edo making such stunning achievements, but some other areas stagnating unable to jump out of the swamp of defeatism.

"This is all about patriotism, conviction and will," it added.

"With the nation-first sprit in mind, let's try to demonstrate our nation's dignity and stature to the world with every single creature."

The emphasis on a nation-first attitude and economic development comes as North Korea is preparing for a summit with the US.

The second summit is likely to focus on concrete denuclearization measures to be taken by North Korea and "corresponding" steps by the US that could include the sanctions relief that Pyongyang has demanded as it pushes for economic development of its impoverished country. (Yonhap)