North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly dismissed his deputy premier, Yang Song Ho, during an official government event. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the dismissal was carried out immediately. Kim sharply criticized government officials, calling them irresponsible, rude, and incompetent, and accused many of becoming accustomed to defeatism, irresponsibility, and inactivity.

KCNA quoted Kim as saying that Yang was unfit to handle heavy responsibilities and described his appointment as a mistake in the leadership selection process. Yang previously served as minister of machinery industry before being promoted to deputy premier overseeing that sector. South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported that he was also an alternate member of the Workers’ Party leadership council. His successor has not yet been announced.

The public nature of the dismissal and Kim’s strong criticism highlight ongoing dissatisfaction with bureaucratic performance within North Korea’s leadership structure, though no further details were provided on potential replacements or policy changes.