Kim Jong Un absent as officials talk military, science plans at Party Congress

Leaders ironed out finer details about future agriculture, science, defense capabilities and industry plans

Kelly Kasulis | Won-Gi Jung January 11, 2021

Image: Rodong Sinmun

North Korean delegates gathered for the seventh day of its rare Party Congress on Monday to iron out details about the country’s future plans for agriculture, military, science, education and other facets of society.

Photos from state media show thousands of delegates gathered in various Pyongyang venues wearing COVID-19 protective face masks, all while North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was conspicuously absent. Officials were not wearing masks in state media footage or photos in all previous days of the Eighth Party Congress, and Kim reportedly attended all days prior.

About the Authors

Kelly Kasulis

Kelly Kasulis is the Managing Editor of NK News, based in Seoul. She previously covered North and South Korea for Public Radio International, Al Jazeera English, Bloomberg Industry, Mic and many others. Follow Kelly on Twitter: @kasulisk.

View more articles by Kelly Kasulis

Won-Gi Jung

Won-Gi Jung is a reporter based in Seoul. He previously worked for the CSIS Korea Chair and East Asia Institute. Follow him on Twitter: @jungwongida.

View more articles by Won-Gi Jung