Kim Jong Un dismissed a deputy prime minister responsible for economic policy, accusing him of incompetence, in a rare public criticism of officials.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un dismissed a senior official, Deputy Prime Minister Yang Sung-ho, responsible for economic policy, during an inauguration ceremony for a modernization project at the Ryongsong Machine Complex. Kim deemed Yang "inappropriate" for important tasks, comparing him to a "goat" that cannot pull a cart. His criticisms extended to other party members, whom he accused of delays in the modernization project and an attitude of defeatism and passivity. This public reprimand of officials, considered rare, occurs ahead of the Workers' Party Congress, which will set major policy objectives for the country. Additionally, last week, North Korea replaced top military officials responsible for Kim's security, amid concerns over assassination. This move suggests a use of public accountability as an intimidation tactic to strengthen discipline among party officials.