North Korean leader Kim Jong Un celebrated a major housing achievement in the capital city as his country prepares for an important political event, according to state media reports released Tuesday.
The completion of 10,000 new residential units in Pyongyang’s Hwasong District represents the fulfillment of an ambitious construction target established half a decade ago. State news agency KCNA reported that this milestone completes the goal of constructing 50,000 new homes throughout the metropolitan region, a target that was established during the Eighth Congress five years prior.
Kim attended Monday’s completion ceremony as North Korea prepares to convene the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party this February. This major political event serves as the nation’s most significant governmental gathering, where officials evaluate past performance, establish future policy objectives, and potentially implement leadership changes.
The North Korean leader has spent recent months visiting various construction locations and highlighting developmental achievements as the country approaches this crucial party meeting.
“Based on the transformational achievements… during the Eighth period, the Ninth Congress of the party will set a grander goal of restoration and creation,” Kim stated, as reported by KCNA.
State media also confirmed that delegates and attendees scheduled to take part in the forthcoming party congress reached Pyongyang on Monday.
According to Hong Min, a researcher with the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, historical patterns suggest the Congress typically commences three to four days following the arrival of representatives in Pyongyang, based on the previous two gatherings held in 2016 and 2021.
