North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told thousands of mid-level party officials gathered for a five-day meeting in Pyongyang to “absolutely obey” his orders and improve governance systems to overcome “unprecedented challenges” to his ability to rule, state media reported on Thursday. 

Kim and all other participants were pictured without masks and seemingly ignoring social distancing rules, even as state media has warned of possible new COVID-19 outbreaks in the country.

Party and military officials from “all levels” of various political departments reportedly heard “scientific” and “ideo-theoretical” speeches from Kim and held discussions to share tips on how to carry