Kim Jong Un Celebrates Housing Triumph Ahead of Key Party Congress

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has celebrated a significant milestone with the completion of 10,000 new houses in the capital city of Pyongyang. This development comes as preparations are underway for the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party, the country's most significant political assembly. Kim has been actively touring construction sites, underscoring the progress made in recent months.

On Monday, Kim presided over the completion ceremony of the new housing units in Hwasong District, a key achievement stemming from the goals set during the Eighth Congress five years ago, which ambitiously planned the construction of 50,000 new homes in the metropolitan area. "The transformational achievements accomplished during the Eighth period will set a grander goal of restoration and creation for the Ninth Congress," Kim declared, according to the KCNA.

In anticipation of the upcoming Congress, representatives and attendees arrived in Pyongyang. Historically, Congress sessions have commenced three to four days after delegates arrive, noted Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul. The Ninth Congress will review past performances, establish new policy goals, and potentially lead to leadership changes.