September 27, 2023
COVID-19

North Korea kicks off major party meeting despite ongoing COVID outbreak

Kim Jong Un reportedly returns from public absence to lead party plenum attended by hundreds of officials

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and hundreds of the country’s top officials met in Pyongyang Wednesday to kick off a multi-day party meeting, according to state media, despite an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and national lockdown.

Thursday’s Rodong Sinmun report on the first day of the party plenum was brief, stating officials “entered into the discussion of agenda items” without offering details on topics discussed.