The 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, held in Pyongyang until the 25th, was marked by intense praise for Secretary Kim Jong-un and efforts to further deify him. Kaoru Hasuike, a specially appointed professor at Niigata University of Technology who was abducted in 1978 and spent 24 years in North Korea, observed a palpable sense of crisis in Kim's need to maintain power. He suggested that Japan must assert its presence to ensure that nations like the U.S. and China do not turn a blind eye to North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

Reflecting on his own experiences during the 1980 Party Congress, Hasuike described the event as a mere political show aimed at showcasing Kim Jong-il's heroic persona. He noted the stark contrast between the enthusiasm surrounding the congress back in the '80s and the current state of North Korean provinces, which are significantly lagging in development compared to Pyongyang. He recounted individual stories of residents returning to their hometowns after years and being struck by the lack of change and development.

Hasuike emphasized that the dire conditions of rural areas, where basic amenities such as clean drinking water and sanitation are lacking, signal an impending crisis for Kim Jong-un. This could potentially lead to a significant divergence within the country, with provinces feeling increasingly disconnected from the capital. He believes that the next five years will be critical in determining whether Kim can effectively develop these areas, which will have substantial implications for his leadership and the future of North Korea.