SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed a vice premier responsible for the country’s machine-building industry, according to state media reports from Tuesday. This decision appears to be part of Kim’s strategy to enhance discipline among senior officials as the ruling Workers’ Party prepares for an upcoming congress to set new economic and state objectives.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim criticized Yang Sung Ho, the vice premier in question, for creating “unnecessary man-made confusion” during a speech that marked the completion of a modernization project at the Ryongsong Machine Complex in northeast North Korea on Monday. Kim expressed that the project had incurred “not a small amount of economic loss” due to the actions of “irresponsible and incompetent officials.” He pointed out that significant funds and labor had been wasted, thereby placing additional burdens on the munitions industry sector.
During a party meeting in December, Kim had already voiced his concerns regarding Yang’s performance and closely monitored his actions. However, he discovered that Yang demonstrated no sense of responsibility for the issues identified. Consequently, Kim formally announced Yang’s dismissal with the statement, “As of today, I declare you dismissed, comrade vice premier.”
This move is in line with Kim’s recent efforts to combat what he describes as defeatism, irresponsibility, and passiveness in various economic sectors. Kim has a history of publicly rebuking or firing senior officials as a way to reinforce discipline and attribute blame for the economic struggles and policy failures that have challenged the country.
The North Korean economy, which has faced significant setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, is projected to grow by 3.7% in 2024, according to South Korea’s central bank. Nevertheless, many analysts suggest that North Korea will find it difficult to achieve substantial, rapid economic growth. This is largely due to its allocation of limited resources towards weapons programs and the persistent inefficiencies within its highly centralized economy, compounded by ongoing international sanctions.
The upcoming party congress, the first of its kind in five years, is anticipated to commence later in January or February, as indicated by South Korea’s intelligence services. This event is expected to focus on revising economic strategies and addressing the critical challenges North Korea faces.
Overall, Kim Jong Un's dismissal of Yang Sung Ho reflects his ongoing commitment to enforce accountability among officials and to pursue reforms aimed at revitalizing North Korea’s economy amidst ongoing difficulties.
