In a dramatic move, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has fired his vice premier and publicly reprimanded other senior officials, signaling a major shakeup within the country’s leadership.
The dismissal of the vice premier, who has not been named, comes just weeks ahead of a key ruling party meeting, where Kim is expected to consolidate his power and chart the nation’s future course. According to state media reports, Kim condemned “incompetent” party members for delays in key government projects, underscoring his growing impatience with bureaucratic inefficiency.
The public rebuke, delivered during a meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, marks a rare instance of Kim openly criticising high-ranking officials, a sign of the increasing pressure he faces to deliver tangible results for the North Korean people.
“This was a stark reminder that Kim Jong Un demands absolute loyalty and results from his top lieutenants,” said NK News analyst Michael Madden. “He’s not afraid to make examples of those he deems underperforming, even at the highest levels of government.”
The latest purge follows a series of personnel changes in recent months, including the removal of the country’s defence minister and the elevation of a younger generation of technocrats. Analysts say the shakeup reflects Kim’s efforts to consolidate power and streamline decision-making as North Korea grapples with a stagnant economy, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and international sanctions over its nuclear programme.
“Kim is clearly trying to put his stamp on the government and party apparatus ahead of this crucial meeting,” said Chatham House researcher Sungmin Cho. “He wants to ensure he has a team in place that can deliver on his priorities, whether that’s economic development or nuclear deterrence.”
The upcoming party congress, the first of its kind since 2016, is expected to provide further insight into Kim’s vision for the country’s future. Observers will be closely watching for any shifts in North Korea’s domestic and foreign policy, as well as potential changes to the country’s leadership structure.
“This is a pivotal moment for Kim Jong Un,” added Madden. “He’s facing mounting challenges on multiple fronts, and these personnel moves suggest he’s willing to take bold action to assert his authority and get things done. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the regime.”
