Saturday | 24th January 2026
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed a vice premier over problems linked to a factory modernization project, an apparent bid to tighten discipline within the ruling elite and force officials to show tangible results ahead of a major political gathering.
The firing comes as North Korea prepares for a ruling Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years and one of the country’s most important propaganda events. The congress is expected to serve as a platform for Kim to review past policy achievements, set new political and economic priorities and reshuffle senior officials to reinforce loyalty and performance.
State media said Tuesday that Kim blamed Yang Sung Ho, a vice premier overseeing the machine-building industry, for creating what he called “unnecessary man-made confusion” during efforts to modernize the Ryongsong Machine Complex, a major industrial facility in the northeastern part of the country.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim made the remarks during a speech Monday marking the completion of the first phase of the plant’s modernization. He said the project had resulted in “not a small amount of economic loss” because of what he described as the irresponsibility and incompetence of officials involved.
Kim added that he had already criticized Yang over similar issues at a party meeting in December and had monitored his conduct closely since then, but concluded that Yang showed no sense of responsibility for the setbacks.
“To speak figuratively in simpler words, he was like a goat yoked to pull an ox cart,” Kim said, according to KCNA. “We should see this as an incidental mistake in our practice of personnel appointment. Could we expect a goat to pull a cart for an ox?”
The unusually blunt metaphor underscores Kim’s long-standing habit of publicly rebuking and dismissing officials to signal authority and discipline. Analysts say such actions are meant not only to assign blame but also to instill fear and urgency among senior cadres.
By making an example of Yang, Kim likely aimed to “create extreme tensions among senior officials” and push them to deliver visible achievements ahead of the party congress, said Kwak Gil Sup, head of the One Korea Center, a website specializing in North Korea affairs.
Other experts, however, argue that the problems at the factory reflect deeper, structural issues rather than the failings of a single official.
Moon Seong Mook, an analyst at the Seoul-based Korea Research Institute for National Strategy, said North Korea’s chronic economic difficulties stem largely from its prioritization of nuclear and missile programs over civilian industry.
“Kim Jong Un has gone all-in on nuclear and missile programs, but he’s mismanaged the economy,” Moon said. “He’s just passing the blame for his own failures to a subordinate.”
North Korea’s economy was hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic due to prolonged border closures and trade disruptions. South Korea’s central bank has estimated that the North’s economy grew 3.7% in 2024, but many observers caution that sustained or rapid growth remains unlikely.
They cite the country’s excessive focus on weapons development, an inefficient and highly centralized economic system, and the continued impact of international sanctions as major obstacles.
Kwak added that whatever modest economic gains North Korea has achieved have disproportionately benefited the ruling elite and the weapons sector, rather than ordinary citizens, exacerbating internal inequality.
The upcoming Workers’ Party congress is expected to open later in January or February, according to South Korea’s intelligence service. Observers anticipate that economic policy and military development will dominate the agenda.
Kwak said Kim is likely to use the meeting to further strengthen cooperation with Russia, China and other friendly nations in hopes of achieving gradual economic improvements amid ongoing isolation from the West.
Analysts are also watching closely for any signals about a possible revival of diplomacy with the United States. Some say U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing in April could raise the chances of renewed talks between Washington and Pyongyang.
Moon said Kim would probably use the congress to formalize his stated strategy of simultaneously advancing both nuclear and conventional weapons programs, reinforcing a long-held policy even as economic pressures continue to mount.
