The government analyzed on Tuesday that North Korea’s decision not to disclose the content of Kim Jong Un’s speech or discussions from the Workers’ Party plenary meeting, which reviewed the first half of the year, was likely due to the fluid international situation.
A South Korean Ministry of Unification official, meeting with reporters that day, stated regarding the expanded 12th plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee, held from June 21 to 23, that there were no messages about South Korea or foreign affairs. Further noting that the discussions on the first half of the year’s activities only covered areas like scenery, economy, culture, science, education, and national defense, with no mention of diplomacy.
The official speculated that diplomatic discussions likely occurred during the three-day meeting, explaining that North Korea’s non-disclosure was probably due to the unresolved North Korea policy between South Korea and the U.S., as well as the fluid international situation, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Iran conflict.
He added that it’s necessary to pay attention to messages that may come out on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the party’s founding (October 10) and the 9th Party Congress.
The official also noted that while the Central Committee positively evaluated the first half year’s achievements without mentioning specifics, this was likely an attempt to quickly cover up the flaws and errors related to the submarine incident and to focus on the two major upcoming events: the 80th anniversary of the party’s founding in October and the subsequent 9th Party Congress.
North Korea announced decisions related to convening the 9th Party Congress and discussed practical measures, but did not disclose the schedule unusually.
There were also personnel changes at this plenary meeting. The official analyzed that Ri Hi Yong was promoted from secretary to a member of the Standing Committee, while Ri Pyong Chol was demoted from a member of the Standing Committee to a regular member. Ri Il Hwan, who has been absent from public view since January, was not identified at this meeting either.