SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to lift living standards as he opened a landmark congress, state media said Friday, offering a glimpse of economic strains within the sanctions-hit nation.Supreme Leader Kim took center stage with a speech to start the Workers’ Party congress, a gathering that directs state efforts on everything from house building to war planning.Held just once every five years, the days-long congress offers a rare glimpse into the workings of a nation where even mundane details are shrouded in secrecy.“Today, our party is faced with heavy and urgent historic tasks

Kim focuses on improving economic activity in opening speech at Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened the ruling Workers' Party's Ninth Congress, state-run media reported Friday, hailing major achievements over the past five years.

SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to lift living standards as he opened a landmark congress, state media said Friday, offering a glimpse of economic strains within the…