By Micah Jonah, January 20, 2026
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed a senior government official, strongly criticized party members over delays in key industrial projects, in a rare public show of displeasure with top officials in the tightly controlled state.
State media, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported on Tuesday that Kim removed Vice Premier Yang Sung ho during an inspection and inauguration ceremony of the first phase of the modernization project at the Ryongsong Machine Complex.
Kim was quoted as saying the vice premier was “unfit to be entrusted with heavy duties”, blaming him for poor performance in supervising the machinery sector, which is central to North Korea’s industrial plans.
In unusually blunt language, Kim described the appointment as a serious error, saying it was like “hitching a cart to a goat”, adding that it is an ox, not a goat, that should pull a cart. The remarks were widely seen as a sharp warning to other senior officials.
Yang, who previously served as machinery industry minister before his promotion to vice premier, is also an alternate member of the ruling Workers Party leadership council. His replacement has not yet been announced.
The dismissal comes ahead of the Ninth Congress of the Workers Party, where major economic and political strategies are expected to be outlined for the coming years.
During the same visit, Kim criticised several officials for what he described as irresponsible and passive attitudes that led to setbacks in the modernisation of the industrial complex.
KCNA quoted him as saying that the delays were caused by “rude and incompetent economic guidance officials” who failed to properly manage the project.
He also warned that some policymakers lack the capacity to lead the broader task of restructuring and upgrading the country’s industrial base with modern technology.
Observers believe the public rebuke is intended to tighten discipline and enforce loyalty as the country prepares for the important party meeting, sending a clear message that underperformance will not be tolerated.
South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency described the move as rare, noting that North Korean leaders typically avoid public criticism of senior officials unless serious political signals are being sent.
Last week, Yonhap also reported that North Korea had replaced top security officials responsible for Kim’s personal protection, a move analysts linked to internal security concerns and efforts to consolidate control.
Experts say Kim’s leadership style increasingly relies on public accountability as a shock method to pressure officials into meeting targets, especially as the country faces economic challenges and international sanctions.
While dramatic, the latest dismissal reflects Kim’s ongoing efforts to enforce discipline within the ruling elite and accelerate industrial performance in line with state objectives.
