Kim Jong Un admitted on Wednesday that his five-year economic plan failed “tremendously” on almost every front, state media reported.
The North Korean leader made the comments at a rare days-long Workers Party meeting that last took place in 2016, when he first presented the plan.
“The strategy was scheduled for last year, but it fell tremendously short of goals in almost every sector,” said Kim in the opening speech of the congress, according to KCNA.
He was accompanied by his top advisers, including his sister and senior party official Kim Yo Jong, nominal head of state Choe Ryong Hae and Prime Minister Kim Tok Hun.
At the last meeting, Kim called for an increase in North Korea’s economic growth and expansion of domestic sources of energy, including nuclear. He also highlighted the “byungjin” policy of parallel development of nuclear weapons and the economy.
This year’s meeting is expected to last a few days and Kim is expected to announce leadership changes, potentially involving his sister – who is rumored to be in control, as Kim’s health issues revolved in the summer.
It must also reveal another five-year plan and address the ties between north and south and foreign policy. The congress was attended by 4,750 delegates and 2,000 spectators and took place two weeks before President-elect Joe Biden took office.
KCNA said it will include “strategic and tactical policies” to promote the reunification of the peninsula and external relations.
Despite his admitted failures, Kim noted the “miraculous victory” achieved in recent years – a reference to military advances in ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States and his historic meetings with President Trump.
He also thanked party workers for working to create “stable situations against coronavirus from beginning to end”.
“They resolutely overcame difficulties in the face of an unprecedented and protracted global health crisis,” said Kim.
North Korea has not officially confirmed any cases of coronavirus, but has reported thousands of “suspicious” infections to the World Health Organization.
Nobody wore a mask and there was no social distance between the participants, according to photos taken by KCNA.
The Hermit Kingdom dictator has been working to change his relentless image and become more of a “people man” as his country continues to deteriorate – although experts have said not to accept the law.
In October, during the 75th anniversary of the country’s founding, he was seen crying as he thanked North Korea’s “great people” for fighting the COVID-19 crisis.
With Post Wires