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4d ago

North Korea Sets Late-February Workers' Party Congress in Pyongyang

State media signals policy resets with promises to clarify next-stage nuclear plans.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends the inauguration of the Onpho workers' recreation center, in Kyongsong, North Hamgyong province, North Korea, released January 21, 2026. KCNA via REUTERS
Image
During the last ruling party congress in North Korea, Kim Jong Un (C) was named general secretary, resurrecting a title previously held by his late father
This Korean Central News Agency photo on Feb. 8, 2026, shows a meeting of the political bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) the previous day, with leader Kim Jong-un seated at center. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • The Workers' Party Political Bureau unanimously approved opening the Ninth Congress in late February in the capital, according to KCNA.
  • The decision followed a politburo meeting presided over by party secretary Jo Yong-won under Kim Jong Un’s guidance.
  • Participants approved delegate qualifications along with the presidium, platform, secretariat and the schedule for the gathering.
  • This will be the first party congress since 2021 and is widely expected to set priorities for the economy, diplomacy and defense.
  • KCNA said Kim recently oversaw a missile test and indicated the congress will outline “next-stage” plans to strengthen the nuclear deterrent, with experts forecasting an emphasis on operational capability.