Tongue-lashings from North Korea's Kim underscore shift in focus to economy


FILE PHOTO: North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un tours a factory in Sinuiju, North Korea, in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) July 2, 2018. REUTERS/KCNA

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's strident rebukes of officials during recent trips to industrial sites were aimed at rallying support at home for his economic drive and convincing outsiders about his willingness to denuclearise.

After racing toward his goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States, Kim in April shifted his focus to the economy. In June, Kim held an unprecedented summit with President Donald Trump in Singapore, where he lauded the city-state's economic progress and "world-class" amenities.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

French conservative Bruno Retailleau to run for president in 2027
Putin's children's commissioner says six kids to reunite with families in Russia and Ukraine, thanks Melania Trump
Factbox-Norway diplomats and politicians found in Epstein files
U.S. judge rejects BBC's stay application in Trump defamation case
At Damascus book fair, Islamist titles and Kurdish culture echo big shifts
Norwegian police search homes of ex-PM Jagland in Epstein probe
Venezuelan leader Rodriguez says she was invited to US, NBC reports
Ukrainian arms producers receive first wartime export licences, Kyiv says
Appointment of US envoy in Geneva raises hopes for UN engagement
Two US Navy ships collide, no major injuries, US Southern Command says

Others Also Read