Overview
- North Korea’s Ninth Workers’ Party Congress concluded with Kim reappointed general secretary and a new five-year plan to increase nuclear warheads and broaden delivery and operational capabilities.
- Kim labeled South Korea the “most hostile enemy,” ruled out dialogue, and warned the North could “completely destroy” the South if it perceived a threat.
- KCNA outlined targets including ground- and submarine-launched ICBMs, AI-equipped attack drones, reconnaissance satellites, and systems to disrupt enemy satellites and command networks.
- Kim said there is “no reason” Pyongyang and Washington cannot get along if the U.S. respects the North’s declared status and drops what he called hostile policies.
- State media showed Kim Ju Ae at Kim’s side during the parade, while South Korean intelligence and media reported—without North Korean confirmation—that she has been elevated within the Missile Administration.