N Korea’s Kim calls for improving lives amid ‘grim’ economy

Appeal comes with Kim facing arguably his biggest test since coming to power nearly 10 years ago.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has urged officials to focus on improving the lives of the country’s citizens amid a “grim” economic situation, according to state media.

Kim made the appeal as he marked the 76th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea on Sunday, KCNA news agency said.

Kim analysed the “unprecedented difficulties” facing the North and called for the party’s single-minded unity in developing the state economy in face of the “grim situation,” it reported.