Kim Jong-un sacks minister, brands him a ‘goat yoked to an ox cart’
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reportedly dismissed a vice-premier, Yang Sung-ho, citing “unnecessary man-made confusion” and significant economic losses stemming from a factory modernization project. The reprimand and subsequent firing of Yang, who oversaw the machine-building industry, occurred during a speech marking the completion of the first phase of modernization at the Ryongsong Machine Complex.
Kim Jong-un characterized the situation by likening the vice-premier to “a goat yoked to pull an ox cart,” emphasizing a perceived lack of responsibility and incompetence among officials. This public denouncement and dismissal of subordinates is a recognized leadership tactic employed by Kim, likely intended to instill a sense of urgency and pressure senior officials to deliver results ahead of the upcoming Workers’ Party congress.
The ruling Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years, is a significant event for North Korea, serving as a platform to review past initiatives, set future economic and political objectives, and reorganize official appointments. Scheduled to convene in January or February, the congress is anticipated to be a major propaganda event.
Experts suggest that while individual officials may be scapegoated, the underlying issues plaguing projects like the Ryongsong Machine Complex are more deeply rooted in North Korea’s fundamental economic structure. These include the diversion of scarce resources towards weapons development programs, particularly nuclear and missile initiatives, which experts argue Kim Jong-un has prioritized at the expense of economic mismanagement. The nation’s economy has faced considerable challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While some reports indicate modest economic growth in the past year, observers note that the focus on weapons, an inefficient centralized economy, and international sanctions hinder substantial and rapid development.
The benefits of any economic growth are believed to disproportionately accrue to the ruling elite and the weapons sector, rather than the general populace, thereby widening existing inequalities.
Looking ahead, the congress is expected to see Kim solidify cooperative policies with allies like Russia and China to foster gradual economic progress. Additionally, international observers will be closely watching for any indications of renewed diplomatic engagement with the United States, especially in light of potential diplomatic shifts influenced by events like Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing. It is also anticipated that Kim will formally reiterate his dual strategy of advancing both nuclear and conventional weapons programs during the congress.
– Sarah JenkinsRT (Jenkins.S@theseouljournal.com)
