• Kim Jong Un has dismissed Vice Premier Yang Sung Ho for economic incompetence.
• The dismissal occurred during the opening of the Ryongsong Machine Complex.
• This public rebuke aims to tighten discipline among officials ahead of the Party Congress.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has fired Vice Premier Yang Sung Ho, publicly criticizing the economic policies and performance of officials responsible for the nation’s industrial projects, according to Channel News Asia and Le Monde.

During the inauguration of a modernization project at the Ryongsong Machine Complex, Kim condemned economic guidance officials for their "irresponsible, rude and incompetent" performance, which hindered project progression. He stated, "Owing to the irresponsible... economic guidance officials, the first-stage modernization project of the Ryongsong Machine Complex encountered difficulties," as reported by Al Jazeera and Le Monde.

Yang's dismissal was described as a rare public act of accountability, as Kim declared the vice premier was "unfit to be entrusted with heavy duties." He characterized the appointment of Yang as akin to "hitching a cart to a goat," emphasizing the need for capable leadership in managing national projects effectively, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

The North Korean leadership is currently preparing for its Ninth Party Congress, where major policy decisions are expected to be discussed. Analysts suggest that Kim's public criticism serves as a warning to party officials to improve efficiency and accountability in governance ahead of the crucial meeting, as noted by Channel News Asia and Le Monde.