North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Pledges to Improve Livelihoods at Rare Workers' Party Congress

 North Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, opening a rare Workers' Party congress that began on Friday, pledged to improve the living standards of the people and accelerate the nation's economic development. The conference is said to provide an opportunity to present plans for direction and implementation in all sectors of the state in Pyongyang.

Kim said in his speech, "Our party is facing historical tasks that require rapid transformation in all areas of state and social life, while building the economy and improving the living standards of the people." He also emphasized that no delay would be acceptable without active and continuous efforts. 

In recent decades, North Korea prioritized nuclear weapons and military capability, which led to food shortages and economic hardship. However, since taking power in 2011, Kim has focused on strengthening the poor nation's economy and improving the living standards of its citizens.  At the 2021 conference, he made a rare public admission of "mistakes in almost all areas."

Analysts speculate this speech is a strategy to mitigate growing discontent due to food shortages, heavy sanctions, and North Korea's support for the Russia-Ukraine war. Kim stated that the country has overcome the difficulties faced over the past five years and entered a new phase of 'optimism and confidence' in the future. 

Thousands of party officials attended the conference, where only nine party congresses have been held during the decades-long rule of the Kim family. Kim has used the conference to strengthen his personality cult and demonstrate his grip on power. According to Seoul's intelligence service, special attention will be given to his teenage daughter, Ju Ae, as a successor.

In the international context, China and Russia sent friendly messages. Kim's appearances last year with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and Russian President Vladimir Putin signal his high standing in world politics and diplomatic network. Five years ago, Kim declared the United States the 'biggest enemy.' However, efforts to resume high-level diplomatic talks have remained limited so far.

This conference provides a glimpse into the internal policies and international strategic position of the North Korean leadership, clearly signaling Kim Jong Un's priority on stability in power and improving the living standards of the people.