DPRK top leader inspects steel plant

PYONGYANG, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), had praised a steel plant he inspected in the country's north, the official KCNA news agency said on Saturday.

The top leader was very satisfied with the Songjin Steel Complex in North Hamgyong province. It had set up a steel production system relying on the DPRK's domestic ore and coal.

"This is a historic event of special mention in the development of metallurgical industry," Kim said.

The report did not disclose the date of Kim's visit.