The Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) Politburo on Thursday came together for an enlarged meeting less than a month after it held its last regular session.

It appeared to be mostly focused on COVID-19, reviewing the last six months of the country’s response to the virus, as well as the construction of the Pyongyang General Hospital. More sensitive issues, however, also seem to have been discussed.

Seating arrangements confirmed the raised profile of Ri Pyong Chol and Pak Jong Chol, visible at the last meeting. They also suggested Kim Yo Jong and Jo Yong