Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Kim Jong Un sacks vice premier over incompetence
Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, fired his vice premier, Yang Sung Ho, during a speech at the opening of a new industrial machinery complex.
Kim criticized officials for being irresponsible and incompetent.
This is a rare public dismissal, as Kim usually scolds officials privately.
North Korea has been struggling with its economy and food shortages.
The country is also preparing for an important party meeting where economic and military policies will be discussed.
Kim wants to improve the economy and make it more modern.
Kim Jong Un fired Vice Premier Yang Sung Ho for alleged incompetence during a public speech.
Kim criticized officials for defeatism, irresponsibility, and passiveness.
The dismissal is rare, as public accountability is not common in North Korea.
North Korea struggles with a state-managed economy and chronic food shortages.
The country is preparing for its first party congress in five years, focusing on economic and military policies.
- Who
- Kim Jong Un and Vice Premier Yang Sung Ho
- What
- Dismissal of Vice Premier and public criticism of officials
- When
- Monday (speech), Tuesday (report)
- Where
- Hamgyong Province, North Korea
- Why
- Alleged incompetence, irresponsibility, and passiveness
- Who
- Kim Jong Un, Vice Premier Yang Sung Ho
- What
- Dismissal of Vice Premier, public criticism of officials
- When
- Monday (speech), Tuesday (report)
- Where
- Hamgyong Province, North Korea
- Why
- Alleged incompetence, irresponsibility, and passiveness
- Economic Impact
- North Korea struggles with state-managed economy and food shortages
- Public Accountability
- Rare public dismissal, used as a warning to officials
- Upcoming Event
- First party congress in five years, focusing on economic and military policies
