김정은, 정치국 확대회의 소집…트럼프 ‘대화 손짓’엔 무반응

North Korea's Vice Premier Kim Jong-un convened a political top-level meeting to review major economic projects, according to Labor Newspaper and Chosun Central News Agency on the 26th. Despite US President Donald Trump persistently sending signals of willingness to resume US-North Korea dialogue, Kim Jong-un did not respond. The ninth session of the Fourth Plenary Meeting of the Political Bureau decided on key target policies, and the meeting featured reports on the progress of major economic sector projects.

Kim Jong-un criticized "the series of biases exposed during the implementation process of the party's decisions," attributing these shortcomings to "inadequate operations and command abilities of our economic management institutions, which are unable to match our elevated aspirations and strengthened forward momentum." He emphasized that the ninth Central Committee's reform goals are not merely practical plans but a vital political struggle to protect the nation's dignity and prove the superiority of our system.

He urged that this year's struggle must be won conclusively to pave the way for new prospects. President Trump continued to emphasize their intense relationship following his 16th (local time) directive to reduce joint US-North Korea military exercises. Trump posted photos of Kim Jong-un he took at their first joint summit in 2018 and 2019, and posted another image on the 25th.

As of now, the only public reaction from North Korea regarding US-North Korea talks is a statement from Kim Yong-jin, Secretary of the Labor Department, on the 19th. Kim Yong-jin stated, "There is no knowledge of any communication between the two leaders recently." Kim Jong-un affirmed that "Kim Jong-un and President Trump's relationship is steady and excellent."