Opening of the Workers' Party Plenary Meeting Presided Over by Kim Jong Un, Focus on 'Nuclear-Related Message' (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The 5th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, attended by Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, began on the 8th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 9th, the Korean Central News Agency reported that an expanded meeting of the 5th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party was convened the previous day.

The agency stated that the meeting, chaired by General Secretary Kim, was attended by Politburo Standing Committee members Kim Tok-hun, Jo Yong-won, Choe Ryong-hae, Pak Jong-chon, Ri Pyong-chol, as well as members and alternate members of the Politburo and members and alternate members of the Central Committee.

At the meeting, the executive body was formed with members of the Politburo of the Central Committee.

The agency also reported that working-level officials of the Central Committee departments, leading officials of provincial and central organs, and heads of city, county, important factories, and enterprises were observing the meeting.

Usually, only alternate members of the Central Committee attend the plenary meeting, but the number of participants greatly increased as it was held in the form of an expanded meeting.

This appears to be to emphasize the role of lower-level cadres, which is important for COVID-19 prevention and economic recovery, while also broadening the attendance to tighten discipline.

The agenda items submitted at the plenary meeting were unanimously approved.

The agency reported, "With the high political enthusiasm of all participants who deeply recognize the significant responsibilities they bear in the historic struggle for the prosperous development of our great country and the welfare of the people, the expanded plenary meeting entered into agenda discussions."

Accordingly, the meeting is expected to continue for more than two days.

While COVID-19 response, livelihood economy, and strengthening national defense are expected to be key agenda items, no specific details were conveyed in the North Korean media report on that day.

This meeting draws attention as it is the first held since the inauguration of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and coincides with speculation that North Korea's 7th nuclear test is imminent. It is highly likely that General Secretary Kim will deliver messages related to inter-Korean and foreign policies and the nuclear test.

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