North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to eradicate “evil” elements within his government and praised North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in the war against Ukraine, state media reported on Friday (Dec 12). His remarks came as Pyongyang concluded a three-day plenary meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party’s central committee — a key gathering that set the stage for North Korea’s first party congress in five years, expected to convene next month.
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim used the closing session on Thursday to issue a sweeping call for stronger discipline, ideological loyalty, and renewed momentum across the country’s political apparatus. He sharply criticised what he described as “the wrong ideological viewpoint and inactive and irresponsible work attitude” displayed by some officials, urging them to show “greater confidence in and courage for the future of our cause and struggle.”
KCNA said Kim “pointed out the shortcomings and evil practices that must be corrected,” though it did not provide details. Analysts note that such language often signals a coming crackdown on corruption, mismanagement, or wavering loyalty within the bureaucracy — issues Kim has repeatedly flagged as threats to regime stability, particularly under the strain of sanctions, economic hardship, and international isolation.
State media added that the central committee had uncovered several recent “deviations” in discipline, a euphemism commonly used to refer to corruption or political disobedience. These disclosures suggest the party is laying groundwork for purges or structural reforms ahead of next month’s congress, which will likely serve as a platform for Kim to unveil new policy directions or military priorities.
A significant portion of Kim’s speech, however, was devoted to praising North Korean troops deployed to support Russia’s war effort in Ukraine — a rare public acknowledgement of Pyongyang’s role in the conflict. South Korea’s intelligence services estimate that at least 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and thousands more wounded while serving alongside Russian forces in recent months.
Kim lauded their contribution, saying the fighters had “demonstrated to the world the prestige of our army and state as the ever-victorious army and genuine protector of international justice.” Analysts believe North Korea has used the deployment to deepen its military and economic ties with Moscow, securing vital energy supplies, food shipments, hard currency, and potentially sensitive military technology in return.
Kim also touted progress in “modernising” the country’s defence capabilities during a year marked by escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula and rapid advancements in missile technology. His comments come just days after North Korea fired multiple rounds from a large-calibre multiple rocket launcher system — weapons that analysts say could strike targets deep inside South Korea with little warning.
The central committee meeting opened on Tuesday, the same day as the artillery launch, underscoring Pyongyang’s strategy of pairing political milestones with military displays to signal strength both domestically and internationally.
The gathering also unfolded amid a tentative attempt at outreach from Seoul. Last week, South Korea’s dovish President Lee Jae Myung said he believed an apology was owed to Pyongyang for an alleged order by his predecessor to send drones and anti-regime propaganda leaflets across the border — incidents that had sharply raised tensions.
So far, North Korea has not officially responded to Lee’s remarks. Analysts say Pyongyang may be waiting for clearer signals of policy change before engaging with Seoul, especially as it prioritises ties with Moscow and Beijing amid shifting regional dynamics.
With the rare party congress approaching, Kim’s latest pledges — to purge corruption, strengthen ideological conformity, and accelerate military modernisation — indicate that Pyongyang is preparing for another year of heightened confrontation abroad and tightened control at home.
