“To speak figuratively in simpler words, he was like a goat yoked to pull an ox cart. North Korea’s economy suffered major setbacks during the Covid-19 pandemic. The party congress is likely to open later in January or February, according to South Korea’s spy service. During the congress, Kim was expected to strengthen a policy of cooperation with Russia, China and other allies to bring out gradual economic developments, Kwak said. Moon said Kim would probably use the congress to formally declare his stated goal of simultaneously advancing nuclear and conventional weapons programs.

Source: The Guardian January 21, 2026 06:30 UTC