Overview
- Kim dismissed Vice Premier Yang Sung-ho on the spot during the Jan. 19 inauguration of the first-stage modernization at the Ryongsong Machine Complex in South Hamgyong Province, according to KCNA.
- State media said the project suffered delays, unnecessary confusion, and notable economic losses, with Kim condemning irresponsibility and calling out buck-passing and self-protectionism by Cabinet officials.
- Kim ordered a group of experts to conduct an overall review after roughly 60 problems were reported and he set new tasks for the next stage of the complex’s modernization.
- Yang, a former machinery industry minister overseeing the machinery sector as vice premier, also serves as an alternate member of the Workers' Party Politburo.
- Yonhap characterized the rare public reprimand as likely intended to tighten discipline among economic officials before the ruling party’s upcoming ninth congress, where policy direction and personnel changes are expected.