North Korea held a three-day plenary meeting of the Workers’ Party of Korea under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, which started on June 21. Although Kim delivered a speech during the meeting, its contents were not disclosed.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Tuesday that the 12th expanded plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea took place from June 21 to 23.
The newspaper stated that this plenary session was convened to evaluate the implementation of major party and state policies for the first half of the year, redefine the focus and direction of work for the second half, and discuss issues arising from the expansion and deepening of short-term and long-term economic development plans.
During the meeting, reports were presented on achievements in various fields, including politics, economy, culture, science, education, and national defense, for the first half of the year, as well as on the work of party organizations at all levels. The Central Committee reportedly gave a positive assessment of these accomplishments.
Kim gave a speech at the meeting. However, the newspaper did not disclose its contents.
According to the newspaper, the meeting reviewed and approved strategic adjustments and timely implementation measures for a series of party and state policy tasks. This was done in response to the unprecedented scale of efforts for national development, the ambitious goals set, and the changing global circumstances that characterize the current era.
While foreign policy was likely discussed, the newspaper did not mention any specific decisions made in this area.
This plenary meeting, the first since U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January and President Lee Jae-myung’s in June, had drawn attention for potential shifts in North Korea’s foreign policy. However, it appears that North Korea has strategically decided to keep its foreign policy matters confidential. Recent international developments, such as the U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities and involvement in the Middle East, may have influenced this decision.
The meeting also addressed decisions regarding the convening of the party’s 9th Congress and practical measures for its successful execution.
Additionally, participants deliberated on issues aimed at significantly accelerating the revitalization and modernization of key sectors of the national economy. They discussed ways to streamline and enhance the efficiency of internal party organizations.
Organizational (personnel) matters were also on the agenda. While the newspaper did not disclose specific personnel changes, a photo suggests that Ri Hi Yong, a party secretary, sat in the front row of the podium, indicating his likely promotion to the party’s Politburo Standing Committee.
The newspaper reported that research and discussions in various fields to establish precise execution measures for the second half of the year took place over two days under the guidance of Politburo members. The 25th Politburo meeting of the 8th Central Committee then reviewed and finalized a draft decision based on the opinions from these discussions.