Kim Jong Un Calls Workers' Party Congress for Late February
State media said Kim's political bureau set a late-February date for a Workers' Party congress where he will outline five-year policy goals.
Overview
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over a political bureau meeting that decided to convene the ruling Workers' Party congress in late February, the Korean Central News Agency reported.
Kim is expected to outline domestic and foreign policies for the next five years and to announce military modernization plans, analysts said.
South Korean and U.S. officials warned the congress could heighten regional tensions, while state media lauded Kim's "immortal leadership," marking conflicting accounts.
Kim has accelerated nuclear and missile development, inspected weapons tests and toured economic projects, and analysts say ties with Moscow and Beijing have deepened.
The multi-day congress will likely be choreographed and could clarify whether Kim resumes diplomacy with the United States, but he has rejected President Donald Trump's outreach since January 2025, experts said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story around Kim’s militarization and opportunism by emphasizing weapons, Russia ties and choreographed displays, using evaluative terms like “authoritarian” and “choreographed” and prioritizing expert and South Korean analyst perspectives. Direct KCNA phrases such as “immortal leadership” are presented as source content, not editorial endorsement, though selection amplifies a critical narrative.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Kim Jong Un will outline five-year domestic and foreign policy goals and announce military modernization plans.
They are rare; the last one before 2016 was in 1980, a 36-year gap, despite rules calling for every five years.
The 8th Congress in 2021 solidified Kim's authority, formalized 'people-first' ideology, and set economic goals that later fell short.
It could heighten regional tensions due to announcements on nuclear, missile development, and military plans.
No, he has rejected President Donald Trump's outreach since January 2025.
History
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