Overview
- State media said the Supreme People’s Assembly will meet on March 22 to elect the State Affairs Commission president and other top posts, consider a constitutional revision, approve the 2026 budget, and advance a new five-year plan that includes expanding nuclear capabilities and stronger long-range missiles.
- South Korean officials and outside analysts are watching for a potential amendment that would define South Korea as a separate hostile state, a move seen as hardening Pyongyang’s stance.
- KCNA released the full list of 687 deputies featuring Kim Yo-jong and other senior figures, with more than 60% of seats turned over from the previous term; former standing committee chief Choe Ryong-hae was not included.
- Kim Jong Un was not on the deputy roster, and observers widely expect he will be reappointed as president of the State Affairs Commission during the session.
- KCNA reported turnout of 99.99% in the March 15 vote, with 99.93% supporting the sole official candidates and 0.07% voting against in single-candidate constituencies.