Overview
- Pyongyang has scheduled the Ninth Workers’ Party Congress for late February without disclosing an exact start date.
- Analysts expect a major military parade and possible declarations on deploying tactical and strategic nuclear assets, though no announcements have been confirmed.
- South Korea’s intelligence service briefed lawmakers that Kim Jong Un appears to be reinforcing daughter Kim Ju Ae’s status, making any formal role or title for her a key watch point.
- Experts say the gathering could bring elite reshuffles and even a revival of the “president” title for Kim, alongside signals on Russia ties and potential plans or tests tied to solid-fuel ICBMs and nuclear-capable submarines.
- Context for the showcase includes North Korea’s 2024 move to label South Korea a hostile state and analyst views that the recent U.S. raid in Venezuela reinforces Pyongyang’s deterrence messaging.