Kim Jong Un fires vice premier and rebukes officials

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un fired Vice Premier Yang Sung-ho for incompetence during an industrial project inauguration, criticising officials for delays and lack of discipline ahead of the Ninth Party Congress. Kim condemned party members for being defeatist and irresponsible, warning that current economic policymakers are unable to lead industry readjustments. The public rebuke, rare but reminiscent of past cases, aims to tighten discipline and serve as a warning to party officials, with recent reports of top military officials being replaced amid assassination concerns.

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