North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Pledges to Improve Living Standards at Party Congress Opening

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to prioritize improving the living standards of the people while inaugurating the ninth congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.

Key policy goals concerning defense, diplomacy, and the economy are set at this rare congress, which is held once every five years.

According to the state news agency Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), in his opening address, Kim mentioned facing the historic and urgent task of economic construction and raising the standard of living for the people, calling for continuous and active struggle.

Pyongyang, which has prioritized nuclear weapons and military strength for decades, has been grappling with food shortages and economic difficulties. Since coming to power in 2011, Kim has emphasized strengthening the economy while maintaining military capability. He also claimed that the country has passed through the most difficult period of the last five years and is now entering a new phase of optimism and confidence.

However, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported that the congress is expected to last several days and will be closely watched for potential signals regarding North Korea's nuclear program and its stance toward Seoul-Washington relations. Kim did not mention relations with South Korea or the United States in his opening speech.