Kim Jong Un Fires Vice Premier and Publicly Rebukes Government Officials

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Fires Senior Official and Condemns Party Members for Delays in Government Projects

State media reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed Vice Premier Yang Sung-ho during a ceremony at the Ryongsong Machine Complex, citing “incompetence” among party members. The event took place ahead of the upcoming Ninth Party Congress, which is expected to outline major policy goals for the country.

According to KCNA, Kim considered Yang unfit for heavy duties and referred to him as an “unfit candidate”. Yang was a former machinery industry minister who had been promoted to vice premier in charge of the machinery sector. His replacement has not been announced.

During the visit to the industrial machinery complex on Monday, Kim criticized officials responsible for delays in the modernization project, stating that they were due to “irresponsible, rude and incompetent economic guidance”. He also warned party members who had become accustomed to “defeatism, irresponsibility and passiveness”.

The public rebuke appears aimed at tightening discipline among officials ahead of the Party Congress. This move follows recent changes in top military officials tasked with guarding Kim, which were reported last week.

Experts note that such public dismissals are rare and may be used by Kim as a “shock tactic” to warn party officials. The Ninth Party Congress is expected to take place soon, marking an important milestone for the country’s policy goals.

Source: Al Jazeera