In a significant administrative shakeup, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has removed Vice Premier Yang Sung Ho from his position overseeing the nation’s machine-building sector. The dismissal was announced through state media on Tuesday, signaling intensified efforts to enforce discipline among high-ranking officials preceding an imminent Workers’ Party congress that will establish new economic directives.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) detailed that Kim publicly criticized Yang during a ceremony marking the completion of modernization efforts at the Ryongsong Machine Complex. The leader attributed ‘unnecessary man-made confusion’ and substantial economic losses to Yang’s alleged incompetence and irresponsible leadership. Kim emphasized that these failures resulted in significant wastage of financial resources and workforce, ultimately placing additional strain on the munitions industry.
According to KCNA’s account, Kim had previously reprimanded Yang during a December party meeting and maintained close observation of his performance. The leader concluded that Yang demonstrated ‘no sense of responsibility whatsoever,’ leading to his formal dismissal. This action continues Kim’s established pattern of publicly rebuking or removing senior officials to address economic challenges and reinforce administrative accountability.
The timing of this dismissal is particularly noteworthy as North Korea prepares for its first party congress in five years, scheduled for late January or February according to South Korean intelligence sources. This political gathering is expected to set new economic objectives amid ongoing difficulties, including persistent international sanctions and resource allocation priorities that favor weapons development over civilian economic needs.
Despite South Korea’s central bank reporting 3.7% economic growth for North Korea in 2024, many analysts remain skeptical about the country’s capacity for sustained economic improvement given its highly centralized economic system and continued focus on military programs.