Dec 9‑11, 2025 – The Workers’ Party convenes an enlarged 13th plenary meeting, reviewing this year’s policy implementation and shaping preparations for the ninth congress; the session runs several days and approves five agenda items, including the review of party work and congress planning [12][13].

Dec 10, 2025 – Kim Jong‑un reaches an “important conclusion” on agenda items related to policy implementation and the upcoming ninth congress, signaling a decisive assessment of the year’s results [11].

Dec 14, 2025 – Rodong Sinmun urges the completion of all ruling‑party projects before the ninth congress, noting the meeting will likely occur in Jan or Feb 2026 and that Kim will highlight the Regional Development 20×10 policy as a major achievement [10].

Jan 22, 2026 – Rodong Sinmun’s front page declares the party’s “absolute sense of service” to the people, frames a “people‑first” push as core to the upcoming five‑year economic plan, and reports Kim’s public dismissal of the vice premier for “defeatism, irresponsibility and passiveness” at a Hamhung machinery plant [9].

Jan 23, 2026 – Seoul officials report that the congress schedule remains unclear but could be set as early as next month; a party plenary meeting held the previous month underscores ongoing preparation for the five‑year policy agenda [8].

Jan 29, 2026 – The WPK central committee elects delegates for the ninth congress, signaling the final stage of preparatory work; South Korean intelligence forecasts an early‑February convening [7].

Jan 30, 2026 – The central committee finalizes delegate selection, featuring former Premier Kim Tok‑hun among top cadres, reinforcing his continued influence despite earlier criticism; analysts again expect the congress in early February [6].

Feb 9, 2026 – Kim Jong‑un visits the Defense Ministry on the Korean People’s Army’s 78th anniversary, underscoring the military emphasis that will shape the congress’s defense agenda [4].

Feb 19, 2026 – The ninth Workers’ Party Congress opens in Pyongyang, the first since 2021, gathering roughly 5,000 delegates to set five‑year goals for defense, economy and diplomacy and to decide senior leadership appointments [5][3][2].

Feb 20, 2026 – The congress continues with splendor, formally establishing a five‑year state plan, conducting personnel reshuffles, and drawing intense international scrutiny for possible nuclear‑policy signals [4].

Feb 21, 2026 – Kim Jong‑un declares “remarkable” success in implementing major policies over the past five years, touts economic gains and an “irreversible” state status, while omitting any reference to the United States or South Korea [1].