North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivered an unusually harsh public reprimand this week, condemning dozens of party officials for misconduct related to a "group drinking spree," an incident that has led to a sweeping purge within the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). The rare disclosure, reported by state media, highlights Pyongyang's efforts to reinforce discipline among its elite at a time when the regime is grappling with economic hardship and diplomatic uncertainty.
The rebuke, issued during a high-level party meeting, centered on officials in Onchon and Usi counties, where factories had recently opened as part of Kim's "Regional Development 20×10 Policy" aimed at modernizing rural areas. According to North Korean state news agency KCNA, more than 40 officials in Onchon were accused of "reckless misconduct," while authorities in Usi were implicated in "anti-people crimes" that were not specified.
"Never before in the history of our party has there been such a reckless act," WPK discipline officials stated in an internal report cited by KCNA. "The collective drinking and delinquent behavior run utterly contrary to the party's line on building discipline."
Kim himself reportedly expressed outrage at the incident, calling it a betrayal of the party's unity with the people. "Those who abuse their power and work in a bureaucratic manner in local areas are attempting to destroy the sacred fortress of unity between the party and the people," he said. "This is a mega crime which can never be pardoned by our party, our people, our system and our legal power."
In response, the North Korean leader ordered the immediate dissolution of the party's committee in Onchon and the "agricultural inspection organ" in Usi. Top officials in both regions were dismissed, though state media did not elaborate on the exact nature of their punishments. The crackdown appears aimed at sending a message to bureaucrats across the country that deviations from party discipline will not be tolerated.
Public purges of officials are rare in North Korea, where drinking culture is generally accepted and where high-profile removals are often carried out behind closed doors. The severity of Kim's response suggests concerns over internal control as he pushes his economic modernization agenda while maintaining a grip on power.
The rebuke comes at a time when Kim has been publicly focused on strengthening the country's nuclear capabilities. Earlier this week, he inspected a nuclear material production facility and reiterated his commitment to bolstering North Korea's military power in response to what he described as threats from "hostile forces."
The timing of the scandal and subsequent purge also coincides with shifting geopolitical dynamics. With U.S. President Donald Trump's return to the White House, speculation has mounted over whether diplomacy between Washington and Pyongyang could resume, reviving discussions that had stalled following the collapse of talks in 2019.
While the full extent of repercussions for the implicated officials remains unclear, historical precedent suggests the punishments could be severe. North Korea has a history of purging high-ranking figures in dramatic fashion, most notably Kim's uncle, Chang Song-thaek, who was executed in 2013 following allegations of treason. State media at the time denounced him as "despicable human scum" and accused him of crimes ranging from plotting a coup to improperly applauding Kim.