Seoul, Jan 20 (NationPress) The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, has relieved a vice premier from his duties due to the official's lack of responsibility in the modernization of a machinery plant, according to state media reports on Tuesday. This marks a rare public dismissal occurring just before a significant party congress.

During an inauguration ceremony for the initial phase of the modernization project at the Ryongsong Machine Complex on Monday, Kim dismissed Vice Premier Yang Sung-ho 'on the spot,' as detailed by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kim pointed out that the project faced challenges and resulted in considerable economic losses, attributing these issues to unnecessary human errors, per the report.

The Ryongsong Machine Complex project was initiated as part of Kim's strategy to enhance the nation’s machine-building sector during the eighth party congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in 2021.

Additionally, Kim accused Yang of attempting to undermine the party with inappropriate comments and actions, declaring him unfit for his role.

Yang, who previously served as the minister of the machinery industry and was later appointed vice premier overseeing the machinery sector, is also an alternate member of the party's Politburo.

This unusual public chastisement of a vice premier seems aimed at enforcing stricter discipline among economic officials ahead of the forthcoming ninth party congress, where the regime is anticipated to present an economic development strategy and implement a personnel reshuffle, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.

Kim stated that the party needed to mobilize a team of experts to conduct a comprehensive review of the project, highlighting that around 60 issues were reported due to its poor execution and criticized Cabinet officials for their tendency to shift blame and protect their positions.

The WPK has made a decisive determination that moving away from traditional reliance on individuals accustomed to defeatism, irresponsibility, and passiveness will serve as a fresh beginning for future innovation and growth, as quoted by the KCNA.

Meanwhile, the North Korean leader set goals for the next phase of modernization for the complex and outlined specific tasks to advance the development of the nation’s machinery industry, according to the KCNA.

The Ryongsong Machine Complex, located in South Hamgyong Province, serves as a crucial machinery plant providing equipment to essential mines and various industrial facilities.