North Korea Holds Plenary Meeting Led by Kim Jong Un...Decides on Direction for Responding to International Situation (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] North Korea held a Workers' Party plenary meeting chaired by General Secretary Kim Jong-un to discuss food shortages and COVID-19 response measures. Although there were no messages related to the U.S. or South Korea, discussions on the direction of responding to the international situation were mentioned.

The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 16th, "The 3rd plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party was held on June 15," and "Comrade Kim Jong-un presided over the plenary meeting."

At the meeting, General Secretary Kim mentioned the food shortage and urged the preparation of countermeasures. He said, "Due to various difficulties and obstacles currently facing us, a series of deviations have arisen in the process of carrying out national plans and policy tasks," and "Due to last year's typhoon damage, the grain production plan was not met, and the food situation of the people is becoming tense."

Regarding COVID-19, he stated, "the prolonged emergency quarantine situation," and proposed "that economic guidance organizations meticulously organize economic activities under the unfavorable conditions of emergency quarantine."

He also mentioned "principled issues that should be taken as guidelines in aggressively and effectively advancing the struggle against anti-socialist and non-socialist elements, on which the future of our socialist society and the fate of the people depend."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although there was no mention of the U.S. or South Korea during the meeting, the plenary agenda included "analysis of the current international situation and the direction of our party's response," indicating that related discussions are expected to continue.

The news agency explained the background of the meeting, stating, "This plenary meeting was convened to conduct a mid-term summary of the major policy implementations of the party and state in 2021, establish solutions to urgent issues in economic affairs and people's lives, and strongly and accurately promote national major projects in accordance with the created situation," and added, "The plenary meeting continues."