Pyongyang: North Korea announced the completion of a significant housing project in Pyongyang, marking the construction of 50,000 living units prior to an impending party congress.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the housing initiative was a priority task of the eighth congress of the Workers' Party of Korea. The project, aimed at addressing housing shortages and improving living standards, was unveiled by leader Kim Jong-un during the 2021 party congress.

The project involved the construction of 40,000 living units across Pyongyang's Songsin and Songhwa districts in 2022 and the Hwasong district from 2023 to 2025, with the final 10,000 units recently completed. Kim Jong-un, accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae, attended the inauguration ceremony marking the project's completion.

During the ceremony, Kim announced plans for a larger construction initiative, to be detailed at the ninth party congress. He promised an exciting five years of continued development. Attendees for the upcoming party meeting have already arrived in Pyongyang, as reported by the KCNA.

South Korean officials had earlier speculated that North Korea might complete the construction project before the ninth party congress, scheduled for late February. The party meeting is expected to outline key policy directions in economy, defense, and diplomacy, with the housing project anticipated to be highlighted as a major accomplishment to bolster public support.