Kim Jong Un’s Push for Better Training: North Korea’s Conference on Officials Kicks Off

North Korea renewed its emphasis on the selection and training of government officials during its First National Conference of Officials in the Personnel Administration Sector.

The state-run media, Korean Central News Agency, reported that the conference took place in Pyongyang and was attended by senior members of the ruling party, including Central Committee secretaries, department heads, and key officials from provincial, city, and county party committees, as well as representatives from central institutions and the military.

Kim Jong Un reportedly sent a letter to the conference participants, although the letter’s contents and specific details about the meeting’s schedule were not disclosed.

During the conference, Jo Yong Won, the party’s organizational secretary and apparent meeting reporter, outlined the regime’s efforts to overhaul its personnel administration system. He noted that under the “five-point Party-building line” for the new era, the government had established a rigorous process for evaluating, approving, and training officials. Jo praised Kim Jong Un’s leadership, stating that the General Secretary’s “wisdom and tireless efforts” were key to ensuring objectivity, fairness, and accuracy in personnel management.

Photographs released by KCNA showed Jo delivering a speech, signaling his central role in the meeting.

The conference also addressed various issues arising during the cadres’ work process. The report stated, “A series of shortcomings and causes related to outdated mindsets, work attitudes, and professionalism among officials in charge of official work were analyzed and summarized.”

Recently, North Korea has faced chronic economic difficulties and has been consistently focused on tightening the discipline of officials. This trend suggests that the meeting included training for government officials regarding their responsibilities.