Kim Jong Un "Economic Goals Severely Missed"... Opening of North Korea's 8th Party Congress

Acknowledging Failure of Five-Year Economic Development Strategy in Opening Speech
"Must Recognize Flaws and Establish Measures to Prevent Recurrence"
"A Stepping Stone for National Power Strengthening and Revolutionary Improvement of People's Living Standards"

On the 6th, the Korean Central News Agency reported that the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party opened in Pyongyang on the 5th.

The 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea opened on the 5th in Pyongyang. Through his opening speech, Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, acknowledged the 'economic failure' and bowed his head.

North Korea's state media, the Korean Central News Agency, reported on the 6th that "the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea opened on January 5, 2021, in Pyongyang, the revolutionary capital," and that Chairman Kim delivered the opening address and the report summarizing the work of the Party Central Committee.

The agency stated, "In accordance with the demands of the era, which has ushered in a new high tide and a majestic period of upheaval, the 8th Party Congress was convened to comprehensively and strictly summarize the work of the Party Central Committee, to clearly reaffirm the correct direction and tasks for the struggle to achieve greater victories in the socialist cause, and to prepare practical improvement measures."

Chairman Kim expressed the difficulties both domestically and internationally while acknowledging the economic failure.

He said, "The five-year strategy for national economic development ended last year, but the goals set were significantly missed in almost all sectors," adding, "Various challenges that obstruct and hinder our efforts and progress in the continuous struggle to achieve new victories in socialist construction persist both externally and internally."

At the same time, Chairman Kim appealed to "strengthen our own strength and Juche capabilities in every possible way" to overcome the current crisis.

He emphasized, "The causes of defects must be sought not objectively but subjectively," and "We must boldly acknowledge defects that, if left unattended, become greater obstacles and hindrances, and establish resolute measures to ensure such evils are never repeated."

He added, "I am confident that the Party Congress will become a stepping stone and a historic milestone that will bring about a breakthrough in strengthening and developing the Party, carrying out the socialist cause, enhancing national power, and improving the people's living standards."

At the Congress, agendas such as ▲ the summary of the Party Central Committee's work ▲ the summary of the Party Central Inspection Commission's work ▲ amendments to the Party Charter ▲ and elections of the Party Central leadership organs were approved, with Chairman Kim delivering the report summarizing the work of the 7th Party Central Committee.

The executive body of the Congress included Kim Jong Un and others such as Choe Ryong Hae, Ri Pyong Chol, Kim Tok Hun, Pak Pong Ju, Pak Jong Chon, Kim Jae Ryong, Ri Il Hwan, Choe Hwi, Pak Tae Dok, Kim Yong Chol, Choe Pu Il, Kim Su Gil, Tae Hyong Chol, O Su Yong, Kim Hyong Jun, Huh Chol Man, Pak Myong Sun, Jo Yong Won, Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Gwan, Jong Kyong Taek, Kim Il Chol, Im Chol Ung, Ri Ryong Nam, Kim Yong Hwan, Pak Jong Nam, Yang Seung Ho, Ri Ju O, Tong Jong Ho, Ko In Ho, Kim Hyong Sik, Choe Sang Gun, O Il Jong, Kim Yong Su, Ri Sang Won, Ri Yong Gil, Kim Myong Gil, and Kang Yun Sok.

The Congress was attended by 250 members of the Party Central leadership organs, 4,750 representatives elected from various organizations, and 2,000 observers.

On the 6th, the Korean Central News Agency reported that the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party opened in Pyongyang on the 5th.

The Workers' Party Congress is North Korea's official highest decision-making body. In North Korea's Workers' Party leadership system, the 'steering wheel' for all state governance, including national line, strategy, and policy formulation, is determined through the Party Congress.

During the Congress, which will continue for the next two to three days, Chairman Kim is expected to present the external policies toward the U.S. and South Korea for the next five years, as well as a new five-year national economic development plan through his work summary report. Additionally, leadership personnel changes, including reorganization of the Workers' Party and generational shifts that will lead the Kim Jong Un regime for the next five years, are anticipated.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.