Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un who was promoted to department director at the Workers' Party's 9th Congress, has been confirmed as head of the General Affairs Department, which oversees internal party operations and administrative affairs. North Korea held large-scale mass rallies and workshops immediately after the party congress to strongly encourage internal solidarity and implementation of decisions.
The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 28th that Chairman Kim met with key leadership cadres and military commanders at the Party Central Committee headquarters the previous day to present newly developed sniper rifles. The agency identified Kim Yo-jong, who received a rifle, as "Director of the General Affairs Department of the Party Central Committee." While Director Kim was elected as a party department head on the 23rd, this marks the first disclosure of her specific position.
Amid assessments that Director Kim's influence within the party has further strengthened, some analysts suggest she will serve as a "minister without portfolio" executing Chairman Kim's intentions.
At the ceremony, Politburo Standing Committee member Jo Yong-won and Standing Committee member Kim Jae-ryong, who was appointed party organization secretary, also received rifles. Members of the Party Central Military Commission, key commanders of armed forces, Korean People's Army combined large unit commanders, and guard unit commanders were also among the recipients.
Chairman Kim stated, "I personally prepared special gifts for you comrades," adding that "this new-generation sniper rifle newly developed by our National Defense Academy is an excellent weapon." He continued, "This gift is both an acknowledgment of your service to the fatherland and a sign of absolute trust," urging them to responsibly fulfill their official duties. Chairman Kim personally handed weapons certificates to the officials, then joined them at a shooting range for target practice and commemorative photographs.
Multiple photographs were also unusually released showing Ju-ae, Chairman Kim's daughter, aiming and firing a rifle.
On the same day, a "Pyongyang City Military-Civilian Joint Rally and Mass Demonstration for Implementing Party Congress Decisions" was held at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang, attended by officials including Cabinet Premier Pak Thae-song, party congress participants, workers, and soldiers. Party Secretary Ju Chang-il emphasized in his speech that "all sectors and units must clearly establish five-year struggle plans by year" and that "unconditional success must be achieved in this year's struggle." Participants adopted a pledge of loyalty to Chairman Kim before marching through the streets.
Practical training sessions for party congress participants continued. At workshops attended by party secretaries Kim Jae-ryong and Ju Chang-il, emphasis was placed on "regarding the thorough establishment of the monolithic leadership system under the Party Central Committee as the foremost mission." Participants toured the Party Founding Historical Site and the Korean Revolution Museum, and viewed photo exhibitions documenting Chairman Kim's achievements and exhibitions of scientific and technological accomplishments.
Meanwhile, a banquet was held at Pyongyang's Mokran House for veteran cadres invited as "special guests" of the party congress, and evening gatherings for young students were also held, continuing the celebratory atmosphere. Following these Pyongyang events, mass demonstrations are expected to follow in various regions.