Kim Dismisses Vice Premier Yang During Ryongsong Ceremony Kim removed Vice Premier Yang Sung‑ho on the spot while inaugurating the first‑stage modernization of the Ryongsong Machine Complex in South Hamgyong Province. Yang, a former machinery minister and alternate Politburo member, oversaw the machinery sector as vice premier. The leader condemned Yang for “unnecessary man‑made confusion” and “irresponsible” conduct that caused economic loss [1][2][3][4].

Project Losses and 60 Problems Cited as Grounds Kim asserted the Ryongsong project suffered “not a small amount of economic loss” and identified roughly 60 implementation problems attributed to shoddy work and officials protecting themselves. A review group of experts will conduct an overall assessment of the project’s failures. The dismissal is presented as direct accountability for those shortcomings [1][2].

Discipline Push Ahead of Upcoming Party Congress The rare public reprimand is framed as tightening discipline among senior economic officials before the forthcoming party congress, which some reports label the ninth congress while others reference the eighth [1][2][3][4]. Observers note the move signals a shift toward stricter oversight and potential reshuffling of personnel as the regime prepares new economic objectives. The timing underscores the leadership’s intent to demonstrate control ahead of the party’s policy‑setting session.

Ryongsong Complex Central to Modernization and Economic Context The Ryongsong Machine Complex supplies critical equipment to mines and other factories, making its modernization a flagship of the state’s machine‑building upgrade. The first stage of the project was declared complete during the ceremony. North Korea’s economy reportedly grew about 3.7 % in 2024, though analysts doubt rapid growth given sanctions, weapons spending, and pandemic setbacks [1][2].