North Korean leader Kim Jong Un given general secretary of ruling party title

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was named general secretary of the ruling Workers' Party, state media reported Monday, in a move apparently aimed at bolstering his authority amid growing economic challenges.

The announcement was made on Sunday, during the sixth day of the country's first ruling party congress since 2016.

Kim had already held the title of party chairman, given during the 2016 party congress, and before that had led the party with the title of first secretary.

But the title of general secretary carries important symbolism in the country led by dynastic rule, having been formally held by both his late father and grandfather.

During the meeting, Kim vowed to build more sophisticated nuclear weapons, detailed goals for economic development and reshuffled party officials.

But observers doubted whether such moves can offer North Korea any substantial solutions to difficulties that include coronavirus-related economic shocks, natural disasters and persistent U.S.-led sanctions.

(Image credit: AP)