The Longest Plenary Meeting Since Kim Jong Un's Rise to Power... Likely to Replace the New Year's Address

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] North Korea is holding the longest plenary meeting since Kim Jong-un's rise to power, continuing discussions on the national policy direction for the new year. The decision document from this meeting is expected to be announced on January 1 of next year and is likely to replace the New Year's address along with General Secretary Kim Jong-un's speech.

The Workers' Party organ, Rodong Sinmun, reported on the 31st that the 4th day of the 4th plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party was held on the 30th, and the draft decision document was finally reviewed.

The newspaper stated, "At the meeting, constructive opinions to supplement the draft decision document were compiled by consolidating sectoral subcommittee research and consultation meetings, and the draft was finally reviewed," adding, "The plenary meeting continues."

Previously, on the first day of the meeting, General Secretary Kim reported on the party and state's work direction for the coming year; on the second day, rural issues were discussed; and on the third day, budget discussions took place.

With the draft decision document reviewed on the fourth day, it is expected that the final day of the meeting will adopt a decision document summarizing the discussions so far on domestic, foreign, defense, and economic matters.

The final results of the plenary meeting are expected to be announced on January 1 of next year, after the new year. The announcement of the decision document and General Secretary Kim's speech will likely replace the New Year's address.

Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies said, "On the fifth day of the meeting, organizational matters that do not require subcommittee discussion will be handled as agenda items, followed by the adoption of the decision document, marking the end of the plenary meeting," and added, "General Secretary Kim is expected to pay respects at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun at midnight and start the new year by announcing the decision document that will replace the New Year's address, signaling the beginning of a new 10-year rule."

The plenary meeting lasting five days is the longest since Kim Jong-un took power, exceeding by one day the previous 4-day 2nd plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee held last February.