North Korean blame game: what’s behind Kim Jong-un’s public sacking of vice-minister

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un publicly dismissed Vice-Minister Yang Sung-ho during an inspection of the Ryongsong Machine Complex, a major industrial zone in the eastern part of the country. The dismissal, reported by state media on Tuesday, occurred during a tour of the modernization project at the complex. Analysts believe Kim's action signals zero tolerance for mismanagement and aims to reinforce his authority ahead of the upcoming 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea. The move is seen as an attempt to instill discipline and showcase achievements amid economic strain caused by sanctions, pandemic isolation, and military prioritization. Kim's public firing of a senior official, bypassing normal party procedures, is considered rare.

Kim Jong-un dismissed Vice-Premier Yang Sung-ho due to issues with the Ryongsong Machine Complex modernization project. The dismissal, reported by KCNA on Tuesday, comes ahead of a major Workers' Party congress, the first in five years. Kim blamed Yang for "man-made confusion" and economic losses, comparing him unfavorably to a goat pulling an ox cart. Experts suggest the project's problems stem from North Korea's broader economic issues, including resource allocation to weapons programs. This public scolding is seen as a tactic by Kim to pressure officials to improve performance before the upcoming political conference, intended to review past projects and establish new priorities.