Kim Jong Un says 5-year economic plan failed 'tremendously'

Kim Jong Un admitted Wednesday that his five-year economic plan failed "Tremendously" on nearly every front, state media reported.

The North Korean leader made the comments at a rare days-long Workers' Party gathering, which was last hosted in 2016 when he first set forth the plan.

"The strategy was due last year but it tremendously fell short of goals on almost every sector," Kim said in opening remarks to the congress, according to KCNA. He was accompanied by his top aides, including his sister and senior party official Kim Yo Jong, nominal head of state Choe Ryong Hae and Premier Kim Tok Hun.

At the last meeting, Kim called for boosting North Korea's economic growth and expanding domestic sources of energy, including nuclear power.

This year's meeting is expected to last a few days and Kim is expected to announce leadership changes, potentially involving his sister - who was rumored to be in control as questions swirled over Kim's health over the summer.

Despite his admitted failures, Kim noted the "Miraculous victory" achieved in recent years - a reference to military advances of ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US and his historic meetings with President Trump.

"They had resolutely overcome difficulties in the face of an unprecedentedly prolonged, unparalleled global health crisis," said Kim.

https://nypost.com/2021/01/06/kim-jong-un-says-5-year-economic-plan-failed-tremendously/