This undated picture released from the DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Aug 31, 2021 shows leader Kim Jong-un (center) meeting with young people who volunteered to work at difficult and challenging sectors. (STR / AFP / KCNA VIA KNS)

SEOUL - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong-un met with young people who had volunteered to work in difficult and challenging sectors and praised them, the country's state media reported on Tuesday.

Calling them admirable heroes, Kim lauded the young people for volunteering to work at the most difficult and challenging posts and said he fully supports them, KCNA said. The report did not further elaborate on their roles.

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In May, state media said that orphans, conscripted soldiers, and students are volunteering to perform manual labour in the DPRK, including in coal mines, farms, and large construction projects.

"It is the best pride, asset and motive power for the development for a Party making revolution to have its reliable successors, reserves and promising main force," Kim said according to the KCNA, referring to the ruling Workers' Party.