North Korea plans major capital expansion in Pyongyang

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced an ambitious plan to expand Pyongyang by constructing 10,000 new apartments in the Hwasong area, as part of a broader five-year development initiative to build 50,000 housing units. During a groundbreaking ceremony, Kim outlined plans to extend the capital eastward to Kangdong County, including the establishment of science research centers, schools, and modern housing within the new development. Additionally, he emphasized the refurbishment of dilapidated areas in and around the capital. This construction plan is set to be presented at a Workers' Party conference in 2026 for formal adoption. The latest project signifies a significant milestone in Kim's five-year plan, which aims to enhance the living standards of North Koreans despite ongoing economic challenges. Kim expressed his commitment to elevating Pyongyang's global status through these developments.