North Korea convened a three-day expanded plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea from Friday to Sunday, presided over by General Secretary Kim Jong Un, to review national progress during the first half of the year. Although Kim reportedly delivered a speech, state media did not disclose its contents or make any reference to foreign policy.
According to the Rodong Sinmun, the meeting was convened to evaluate the execution of key party and state policies, reaffirm the strategic direction for the remainder of the year, and address issues arising from the expansion and deepening of short- and long-term economic plans.
The session included briefings on progress in politics, the economy, culture, science, education, and national defense, as well as assessments of party activity across different organizational levels. The Central Committee was said to have assessed these results positively.
The paper also reported that the meeting reviewed and approved adjustments to various policy tasks in light of what was described as an unprecedented scale of national development efforts and evolving external conditions. It noted that the party aimed to promote progress while drawing lessons and practical solutions. While it is likely that foreign policy was also addressed, no specific measures or positions were made public.
Discussions also included plans to speed up the revitalization and modernization of core industrial sectors. Attendees agreed to convene the 9th Party Congress and reviewed implementation measures to ensure its success.
Additionally, the plenary session addressed organizational matters. The 25th Political Bureau meeting of the 8th Central Committee was convened to review and finalize a draft resolution based on feedback gathered during the plenary session. The Political Bureau of the 8th Central Committee reviewed the draft decision, which was supplemented with opinions from the council, and finalized the decision.