Kim Jong-un Wants to Accelerate War Preparations in North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has put forth a combative task to ‘accelerate the completion of war preparations’ at the second day of the 9th plenary session of the 8th Workers’ Party, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on the 28th. The KCNA reported that Chairman Kim made a ‘directive conclusion on the direction of struggle for 2024’ as it conveyed the news of the second day of the plenary session./Yonhap News

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered the completion of war preparations through the end-of-year plenary meeting. It is expected that he will maintain a hostile tone towards South Korea and the U.S. while strengthening ties with China and Russia next year.

According to the KCNA on the 28th, Chairman Kim, while discussing the conclusion on the direction of struggle for 2024 on the second day of the 9th plenary session of the 8th Workers’ Party, said, “Expand and actively utilize the favorable situation and phase won by a strong struggle over the past three years.” The content related to the ‘combative task’ suggested by Chairman Kim was not disclosed.

In his conclusion, Chairman Kim “clarified our party’s independent principle to boldly unfold anti-imperialist joint action and joint struggle on an international scale by expanding and developing strategic cooperation relationships with anti-imperialist countries,” the KCNA reported. This is interpreted as meaning that he will strengthen strategic solidarity with ‘anti-U.S.’ countries, including Russia, in the context of the new Cold War structure of the international community, such as the war in Ukraine.

The KCNA also conveyed that Chairman Kim “clarified the direction of business in the external and inter-Korean business sectors,” indicating that the principles and plans for North-South and North-U.S. relations next year were discussed at the meeting.

Chairman Kim mentioned the key tasks that need to be strongly promoted in the heavy industry sectors such as metal, chemical, electric power, coal, and machinery, and in light industry and construction sectors next year, emphasizing the responsibility and role of the cabinet.

He also specified the construction of rural households, stabilization of agricultural production, and improved living conditions for Pyongyang citizens. He also laid out directions to expand and develop foreign economic projects, hinting at the possibility of accelerating North Korea’s economic opening next year.

By. Young Hoon Park