In a decisive move, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed or demoted several high-ranking officials for their “irresponsible” oversight of a major construction project in the country’s north. The ambitious initiative aimed to develop a new town, envisioned as a “socialist utopia” and a “model of highly-civilized mountain city,” has faced significant setbacks due to poor management and construction flaws, as reported by the state media KCNA on Sunday.
A Vision Derailed
Kim Jong Un made the announcement during a visit to Samjiyon, a site in the northern region of North Korea where the new town is being constructed. The project includes the development of new apartments, hotels, a ski resort, and various commercial, cultural, and medical facilities. This initiative is part of Kim’s broader vision to transform the area into a symbol of socialist achievement and progress.
While Kim lauded the builders for their progress, he expressed severe dissatisfaction with the senior officials responsible for overseeing the project. According to KCNA, Kim criticized their lack of oversight, which led to serious deviations, including substandard construction work and significant financial losses.
Accountability and Repercussions
Among those singled out for criticism was Ri Sun Chol, the Minister of State Construction Control, who was appointed in September. Kim described Ri as a “good-for-nothing person” who had not visited the construction site since December. Consequently, Ri has been suspended and is now under formal investigation. Additionally, all members of the construction inspection committee for the project have been suspended, and a ruling Worker’s Party official responsible for the project has been demoted. Kim also announced plans to reassess the roles of the vice premier and other officials involved, emphasizing their neglect of duty.
Kim’s dissatisfaction was particularly evident during his inspection of the newly built hotels for domestic tourists. He harshly criticized the construction quality, describing it as outdated and backward. He asserted that the buildings would need to be remodeled, a task that would disrupt the overall long-term development plan for the city and result in economic losses.
Summary
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed or demoted several senior officials for their mismanagement of a flagship construction project in Samjiyon. The project, intended to create a “socialist utopia,” has been plagued by poor construction and financial losses. Kim’s decisive actions underscore his commitment to accountability and high standards in realizing his vision for the country’s development.
Key Learning Points
| Key Learning Points |
|---|
| Kim Jong Un dismisses senior officials over project mismanagement. |
| The project aimed to develop a “socialist utopia” in Samjiyon. |
| Poor construction and financial losses were major issues. |
| Minister of State Construction Control, Ri Sun Chol, suspended. |
| Entire construction inspection committee also suspended. |
| Kim emphasizes the need for high standards and accountability. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
