What Did North Korea's Kim Jong-un Say at the Rare Party Congress?
Synopsis
In a significant political event, North Korea's Kim Jong-un has opened a rare party congress, emphasizing the nation's economic achievements and outlining critical policy directions. This congress, the first since 2021, is under close scrutiny for potential implications on North Korea's nuclear ambitions and diplomatic relations with the U.S. and South Korea.
Key Takeaways
Kim Jong-un emphasizes economic achievements at the congress.
The congress sets policy goals for the next five years.
Significant focus on internal development and stability.
First congress since 2021, drawing international attention.
5,000 representatives attended, indicating broad party support.
Seoul, Feb 20 (NationPress) North Korea has officially commenced a rare party congress, as reported by state media on Friday. During this significant political event, which occurs once every five years, leader Kim Jong-un highlighted the nation’s economic accomplishments while outlining vital policy directions concerning defense and the economy.
According to Yonhap news agency, the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) began with great fanfare in Pyongyang, the revolutionary capital.
This congress, typically lasting several days, is crucial for establishing state policy objectives for the upcoming five years, focusing on the economy, defense, and diplomacy, and making significant personnel decisions.
This year’s congress, the first since 2021, is particularly significant as observers eagerly await any indications regarding North Korea’s nuclear weapons program or potential diplomatic overtures towards Seoul and Washington.
Kim proclaimed that the national economy has successfully navigated challenges and laid a solid foundation for progress since the previous party congress in 2021.
He stated, "In terms of external relations, the position of our state has become firmly established as irreversible, resulting in a significant transformation in the global political landscape and its influence on our nation," possibly referring to North Korea's aspirations of being recognized as a nuclear-armed state.
Kim added, "This has created favorable conditions for accelerating our socialist development," according to KCNA.
He emphasized the need to critically assess past shortcomings, devise a comprehensive and scientific strategy for the next phase, and enhance the leadership capacities necessary for executing the plan.
Notably, Kim refrained from mentioning relations with the United States or South Korea, instead concentrating on economic advancement.
"Our Party faces pressing historical tasks to enhance economic development and elevate the standard of living for our people, transforming all aspects of state and social life as swiftly as possible," he declared.
Kim pointed out that the party's central committee has formed a preparatory body for the congress to assess and analyze outcomes from projects initiated at the 2021 congress, aiming to set new objectives.
The congress has convened approximately 5,000 party representatives nationwide, including over 200 officials from the party headquarters and more than 4,700 from regional and industrial sectors.
Photos released depict the streets of Pyongyang adorned with red party flags featuring the yellow hammer, sickle, and calligraphy brush emblem, alongside propaganda visuals, as the party engaged in celebratory activities for the event.
North Korea has also established a 39-member presidium for the congress, which includes Kim, Premier Pak Thae-song, party secretary Jo Yong-won, and Kim Yo-jong, the leader's influential sister and vice party department chief.
Among the 23 officials newly elected to the presidium were Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and Kim Song-nam, head of the party's international affairs department.
No mention was made of Kim’s daughter, Ju-ae, despite speculations by South Korea’s spy agency that she may be being groomed as her father’s successor. The potential for Ju-ae to receive a formal title at the congress remains a focal point of interest.
Point of View
It's pivotal to recognize that North Korea's recent party congress is not just a political event but a crucial juncture for the regime. Kim Jong-un's emphasis on economic achievements and the apparent omission of international relations hints at a strategic focus on internal stability. This congress could redefine North Korea's approach to global diplomacy and its nuclear ambitions, making it essential to monitor developments closely.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the North Korean party congress?
The party congress is a crucial political event in North Korea, setting policy directions for the next five years, including economic and defense strategies.
When was the last party congress held in North Korea?
The last party congress took place in 2021, making this event significant as it marks the first congress in two years.
What were Kim Jong-un's main points during his speech?
Kim highlighted the nation's economic achievements and called for a focus on improving the people's standard of living while omitting mentions of international relations.
How many representatives attended the congress?
Approximately 5,000 party representatives from across the country attended the congress.
Is there any mention of North Korea's nuclear program in this congress?
While specific mentions of the nuclear program were not detailed, the congress is closely watched for any implications regarding North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
