Kim Jong Un opens hot spring resort and chats with bathers

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a ceremony to inaugurate a hot spring resort in North Hamgyong Province.

State media KCNA reported Wednesday that Kim toured the Onpho Working People's Holiday Camp and was photographed sitting poolside, laughing and chatting with women bathers.

The camp is the largest hot spring resort in the country. Kim ordered the facility to be remodeled in July 2018 after he criticized its poor management and unsanitary conditions.

During the inspection, Kim said the holiday camp made him feel proud that he has done "another worthwhile thing." He praised the architectural harmony and ordered the resort to open in February.

Analysts suggest the visit is intended to tighten discipline among officials before the ninth Party Congress, which is expected to take place next month.

The move follows the rare public dismissal of vice premier Yang Sung Ho earlier this week over his alleged irresponsibility in modernizing a machinery plant.