Kim Jong-un Admits Economic Failure... Expectations for Conciliatory Message Toward South Korea

Opening of the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea... New Economic Development Plan Announced
Warm Greetings to All Overseas Koreans Without Mention of Hydrogen Bomb
Demand for Friendly Foreign Relations Amid Economic Crisis and COVID-19 Challenges

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

The 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, which opened in Pyongyang on the 5th, is expected to signal changes in the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, acknowledged economic failures but clearly stated that economic development will remain the nation's top priority. In his opening speech, Kim focused on internal issues such as the economy, COVID-19, and flood recovery, without directly mentioning policies toward South Korea or the United States.

He particularly admitted economic failures and announced a new economic development plan. Although Kim had candidly acknowledged underperformance in economic achievements during last year's Party plenary meetings and Political Bureau meetings, this time he expressed a greater sense of self-reproach, saying that "almost all sectors have fallen tremendously short."

Kim stated, "We must boldly acknowledge the defects that, if left unattended, become greater obstacles and hindrances, and firmly establish measures to ensure such evils are never repeated," adding, "This Party Congress was convened based on such courage and conviction."

Professor Im Eul-chul of the Far East Institute at Gyeongnam National University commented on Kim's opening speech, saying, "The greatest challenge is the economic crisis," and emphasized the need to pay attention to the contents of the newly proposed five-year economic plan. He predicted, "This Party Congress is expected to focus on presenting lines, strategies, and tactical policies that can achieve groundbreaking results in economic construction and improving people's livelihoods."

In the 7th Congress opening speech in 2016, Kim mentioned the achievements of the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite and the first hydrogen bomb test, but this time there was no message that could be interpreted as an external threat. Instead, Kim sent a conciliatory gesture, saying, "I take this glorious podium to send warm greetings to overseas compatriot organizations including the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) and all overseas compatriots."

Additionally, the Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim's report on the summary of work had begun, stating, "It will raise important issues concerning the main lines of struggle and strategic and tactical policies for the revolutionary advance of socialist construction, the cause of national reunification, the advancement of foreign relations, and the strengthening and development of Party work," suggesting that policies toward South Korea and the United States may be announced during the Congress.

Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies interpreted this as "an indication that new messages regarding South Korea, including new unification plans, and external messages including North Korea-U.S. relations will be presented at the 8th Party Congress."

The Ministry of Unification stated, "We will continue to closely monitor the developments of North Korea's 8th Party Congress," and expressed hope that "this Congress will serve as an opportunity to contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula and the development of inter-Korean relations."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Congress was attended by 250 members of the Party Central Leadership, 4,750 delegates elected from various organizations, and 2,000 observers. Predictions that the scale of the Congress would be reduced due to the impact of COVID-19 were proven wrong. The number of attendees exceeded those of the 7th Congress, which had 3,667 delegates and 1,387 observers.

Professor Yang evaluated this as "an expression of confidence in COVID-19 prevention." Indeed, photos released by North Korean media on the day show that Kim and the attendees were not wearing masks at all. The meeting hall was fully packed without any social distancing between seats.

Kim Yo-jong, the younger sister of Kim Jong-un and the Party's First Deputy Director, was also spotted sitting in the front row of the presidium directly behind Kim, revealing her changed political status over recent years. It is expected that through her role in this Congress, Kim Yo-jong will solidify her position as North Korea's second-in-command.

The 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea opened in Pyongyang on the 5th, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 6th. In the photo of the presidium, Kim Yo-jong, the First Deputy Director (blue circle), can also be seen.