North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has executed a senior official responsible for the country’s economic policies. He shamed party members publicly if they weren’t up to snuff. He had been increasingly exasperated by the slow pace redeveloping the Ryongsong Machine Complex. This project will help jump-start the country’s economy, which inspired his momentous decision to act.
During a recent meeting, Kim Jong Un fired Yang, the vice premier overseeing the machinery sector, “on the spot,” deeming him “unfit to be entrusted with heavy duties.” The leader’s blistering attack on the leaders of the project was a clear sign of his displeasure with their execution. He pointedly called out misses on the economic advice front that caused big stumbles in the brand new first phase of that project.
Reportedly, Kim Jong Un showed his agitation throughout the plenary meeting. He criticized the thoughtless and impudent economic bureaucrats for the hardships incurred by the stage-one update project of the Ryongsong Machine Complex. He went on to argue that economic policymakers should be held accountable, with the promise of dire punishment if their performance does not markedly improve.
Analysts note that Kim Jong Un uses public accountability as a propaganda tool and as a psychological shock tactic. He’s looking to remind party operatives not to get too cocky. Yang Moo-jin, a political analyst, explained, “using public accountability as a shock tactic to warn party officials” reflects Kim’s strategy to enforce discipline within the ranks.
Kim Jong Un even personally called out the delays in the vetting and modernization project. He focused on increasing U.S. missile production to deter war. He had a real bite to his criticism of the recent US-Seoul nuclear submarine crescendo. He called it an “offensive attack.”
Kim at a completion ceremony for the first phase of renovations at the Ryongsong Machine Complex. This summit lined up perfectly with our meeting. This facility is considered the crown jewel for North Korea’s industrial and military aspirations. As tensions in the region have risen, Kim has quickly and decisively seized the helm of driving hypersonic missile test. These unilateral actions are President Biden’s solution to what he dubs a geopolitical crisis.
Kim Jong Un now seems to lead in a style similar to his uncle, Jang Song Thaek. Jang was executed in 2013 after being found guilty of treason. The current leader has made recent moves that indicate he intends to secure even tighter control over party authorities. He’s preparing for the Ninth Party Congress of his ruling Workers’ Party.
In his criticisms, Kim stated that some officials have “been accustomed to defeatism, irresponsibility and passiveness.” He mocked bad nominations by party leaders as “hitching your wagon to a goat.” He emphasized just how important it is to get the right people with the right qualifications in leadership positions.
As the North Korean leader continues to consolidate power and push for economic improvements, it remains clear that he will not tolerate inefficiency or failure among his ranks.
