Kim Jong Un 'speechless' over hydropower project delay

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Kim Jong Un, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), was left "speechless" during a recent inspection of construction sites in the country's northeastern region, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kim's anger at officials for failing to complete the construction of a hydropower plant for nearly two decades has highlighted Pyongyang's eagerness to press ahead with economic development amid a thaw in tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

During his inspection at a 134,000-kilowatt hydropower plant under construction in Orangchon of North Hamgyong Province, the DPRK leader lashed out at the officials, criticizing them for not coming out to inspect the project for years and failing to make plans to speed up construction.

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un smiles during his visit to the under-construction Orangchon Power Station. /KCNA Photo via Reuters

"The cabinet has only specified the project as a target project that should be accelerated with concentration of efforts in reports of its series of joint meetings or on the list of its stereotyped work plan but never taken any practical and blitz measure for economic and organizational work," Kim said.

"Worse still, the officials who are responsible for the national economy make their appearances in every inaugural ceremony of power stations though they never inspected the power stations and dams when they were under construction," he added.

Kim said he was "so appalled as to be left speechless," the KCNA reported.

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un gives field guidance during his visit to the Orangchon Power Station still under construction. /KCNA Photo via Reuters

He decided to put the project under the direction of the Workers' Party of Korea's central committee and ordered its completion by Oct. 10. The project, about 70 percent completed, was previously overseen by DPRK's cabinet.

Kim also inspected the construction sites of a resort and a hotel in the province, where he lambasted workers for their "sloppy" work and "foot-dragging."

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