Dec 3, 2025 – Kim Jong‑un inspects regional‑industrial factories in Sinyang and Puk‑chang counties, calling the “regional factories and rural development a gigantic revolution” that will boost livelihoods [29][30].

Dec 7, 2025 – State media reports the fifth‑stage construction of 10,000 housing units in Pyongyang’s Hwasong district is in its final stage, part of the 50,000‑unit plan launched at the 2021 eighth Party congress [28].

Dec 9‑11, 2025 – The enlarged 13th plenary meeting of the Workers’ Party’s Eighth Central Committee convenes, approving five agenda items that include reviewing this year’s policies and preparing for the ninth congress [26][27].

Dec 10, 2025 – At the second day of the plenary, Kim declares an “important conclusion” on policy implementation and preparations for the ninth congress, though details are not disclosed [25].

Dec 14, 2025 – Rodong Sinmun urges “all‑out public effort” to finish major Party projects before the ninth congress, slated for early 2026, framing the period as a new reform stage [24].

Dec 15, 2025 – Kim Jong‑un and his wife attend the ribbon‑cutting of an industrial complex in Kangdong County, praising the project as a “sacred undertaking” of regional development and noting the rare public appearance of his daughter Ju‑ae [23].

Dec 15, 2025 – The Unsan paper‑mill opens, with Kim presenting it as a model for other provinces under the regional‑development drive that seeks to narrow the Pyongyang‑provincial gap [21].

Dec 18, 2025 – New factories open in Jangyon County; Kim lauds self‑reliance and declares the projects “model experiences” for other regions [22].

Jan 22, 2026 – The Rodong Sinmun front page emphasizes a “people‑first” principle, linking it to Kim’s regional‑development projects and announcing that the upcoming congress will unveil a five‑year economic plan and a personnel reshuffle [20].

Jan 23, 2026 – Seoul officials say the ninth Party congress could be held as soon as next month, but Pyongyang has not set a date; a recent Party plenary meeting signals preparation for the five‑year policy‑setting event [19].

Jan 27, 2026 – Kim announces that the upcoming congress will unveil “next‑stage nuclear deterrent plans,” signalling a forthcoming escalation of the nuclear programme [18].

Jan 29, 2026 – Kim breaks ground in Unnyul County, digging the first spadeful and declaring the regional‑development drive will transform one‑third of the country with modern factories, health and leisure facilities [16].

Jan 30, 2026 – The Workers’ Party Central Committee elects delegates for the ninth congress, confirming that the gathering will occur in early February and will set five‑year policies on defence, economy and diplomacy [15][17].

Feb 1, 2026 – Premier Pak Thae‑song declares the “Regional Development 20×10” policy the state’s top priority, urging officials to show “patriotic strength and enthusiasm” ahead of the congress [14].

Feb 3, 2026 – KCNA reports accelerated rollout of the third year of Kim’s regional‑development policy, with groundbreaking ceremonies in Sinuiju, Kangnam and Maengsan and a new greenhouse farm opened in flood‑hit Sinuiju [13].

Feb 4, 2026 – KCNA releases a photo of a new Pyongyang construction project, underscoring the regime’s emphasis on visible progress before the congress [12].

Feb 5, 2026 – State media declares “new standards and new records” across factories, mines and farms, presenting the achievements as evidence of a revitalised economy ahead of the ninth congress [12].

Feb 9, 2026 – Kim visits the defence ministry on the Korean People’s Army’s 78th anniversary, underscoring the military focus that will shape the upcoming congress agenda [7].

Feb 16, 2026 – Pyongyang opens Saeppyol Street, dedicating new homes to families of soldiers killed in the Russia‑Ukraine war, signalling domestic acknowledgment of overseas military commitments [3][4].

Feb 17, 2026 – North Korea announces the completion of a 50,000‑unit housing project in Pyongyang, calling it an “epoch‑making success” and a flagship achievement to be showcased at the ninth congress; Kim and daughter Ju‑ae attend the ceremony [10][11].

Feb 18, 2026 – Kim Jong‑un breaks ground on the fifth‑stage of the Hwasong housing project, marking the final phase of the 50,000‑unit plan that aligns with the timing of the upcoming congress [9].

Feb 18, 2026 – South Korea announces plans to reinstate the inter‑Korean no‑fly zone suspended under the 2018 agreement, aiming to reduce aerial tensions near the DMZ [3].

Feb 19, 2026 – The ninth Workers’ Party Congress opens in Pyongyang with roughly 5,000 delegates, electing a 39‑member presidium that includes Kim Jong‑un, Premier Pak Thae‑song and Kim Yo‑jong, and beginning a multi‑day session to set five‑year policy goals [5][6][7][8].

Feb 20, 2026 – Kim opens the congress by proclaiming that the economy has “overcome its worst difficulties,” touting a 10 % growth estimate over five years and framing North Korea’s regional position as “stronger than ever” [1][2]; he also signals a “new stage of optimism and confidence” and pledges rapid economic construction [2].

Feb 20, 2026 – The congress showcases new 600 mm multiple‑rocket launchers and other advanced weapons, indicating an upgrade to artillery and a forthcoming integration of nuclear and conventional forces under a five‑year military development plan [3][4].

Feb 20, 2026 – Kim reiterates a hard‑line stance toward South Korea, labeling the two states “hostile” while keeping limited diplomatic channels with Washington open for possible sanctions relief [1]; he also highlights “irreversible” ties with Russia and China following recent summits [1].

Feb 20, 2026 – Analysts note the possible public debut of teenage daughter Kim Ju‑ae (about 13) as a fourth‑generation successor, though the congress itself omits any visual reference to her [1][2][5].

Feb 20, 2026 – The congress sets the agenda for the next five years, outlining defence, economic and diplomatic priorities, and signals that the new nuclear deterrent plan announced in January will be detailed in the coming days [1][2][6].