Dec 8, 2025 – Experts predict the ninth Workers’ Party congress may enshrine Kim Jong un’s “revolutionary ideas” in the party charter and award him the title “grand marshal of the republic,” echoing honors given to his father and grandfather[28].

Dec 9‑11, 2025 – The enlarged 13th plenary of the Eighth Central Committee convenes, reviewing policy implementation and preparing for the ninth congress; the meeting runs several days and includes the return of propaganda secretary Ri Il‑hwan to the podium[26][27].

Dec 10, 2025 – Kim Jong un delivers an “important conclusion” on policy implementation and ninth‑congress preparations at the second day of the plenary, though details remain undisclosed[25].

Dec 14, 2025 – Rodong Sinmun’s front page urges a “people‑first” drive to finish party projects before the upcoming congress, linking the effort to Kim’s regional‑development policy and tightening official discipline[24].

Jan 8, 2026 – Geunroja magazine calls for naming a successor before the leader’s death, citing the recent public return of Kim Jong un’s daughter Ju‑ae and recalling the 2011 transition from Kim Jong‑il to Kim Jong un[23].

Jan 13, 2026 – North Korean security chiefs replace three guard‑unit leaders in a broad reshuffle detected during the October 2025 parade, signaling heightened protection of Kim Jong un amid assassination concerns[21][22].

Jan 22, 2026 – Rodong Sinmun emphasizes “the party’s absolute sense of service” to the people; Kim Jong un publicly dismisses a vice premier for “irresponsibility” at a machinery‑plant ceremony, reinforcing discipline ahead of the congress[20].

Jan 27, 2026 – Kim Jong un announces that the upcoming party congress will unveil new measures to strengthen the nuclear war deterrent, though specifics are withheld[18].

Jan 30, 2026 – The Central Committee elects roughly 5,000 delegates for the ninth congress, confirming the meeting will set five‑year policies; former Premier Kim Tok‑hun appears among top cadres, indicating his continued relevance[16].

Feb 9, 2026 – Kim Jong un visits the defence ministry on the Korean People’s Army’s 78th anniversary, underscoring the military focus of the forthcoming congress[14].

Feb 19, 2026 – The ninth Workers’ Party congress opens in Pyongyang, the first since 2021, gathering about 5,000 delegates to set the next five‑year agenda and decide senior appointments[15][13].

Feb 20, 2026 – In his opening speech, Kim Jong un declares the economy has “overcome difficulties” and calls for rapid construction and higher living standards, framing the congress as the nation’s most important political gathering[13][5].

Feb 20, 2026 – The congress proclaims a “radical improvement” in nuclear deterrence, positioning it as the pivot of national security[1].

Feb 21, 2026 – North Korea claims “remarkable” success in implementing five‑year policies, describing a “great transformation” across all fields and labeling the state’s status as “irreversible”[12].

Feb 22‑23, 2026 – Delegates re‑elect Kim Jong un as general secretary of the Workers’ Party, citing his leadership in advancing prosperity and “gigantic transformation” despite sanctions[11][30].

Feb 23, 2026 – Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulates Kim on his re‑appointment, promising cooperation as Kim’s daughter Ju‑ae, about 13, appears at missile‑test sites, fueling heir‑apparent speculation[1].

Feb 23, 2026 – KCNA repeats that nuclear deterrence has “radically improved,” reinforcing the regime’s narrative of strengthened war‑fighting capability[1].

Feb 23, 2026 – Kim Jong un appoints his teenage daughter Ju‑ae to a “director‑like” role in the Missile Administration, giving her briefings and authority to issue orders, effectively replacing Jang Chang Ha[2].

Feb 23, 2026 – South Korea’s National Intelligence Service labels Ju‑ae the likely successor, noting her visibility at the congress and missile sites[2].

Feb 23, 2026 – Kim Yo‑jong is promoted to party department chief during the congress, marking a formal elevation within the ruling hierarchy[9].

Feb 24, 2026 – Kim Yo‑jong advances to full department director, becoming one of 17 new department heads and regaining an alternate Politburo seat, signaling her rising authority[4][6][7].

Feb 24, 2026 – The congress expands the secretariat from seven to eleven members, adds a likely international‑affairs post, and appoints new officials such as Kim Song‑nam (international affairs) and Kim Song‑gi (General Political Bureau), while dropping Choe Ryong‑hae, indicating a generational shift[6].

Feb 24, 2026 – Analysts expect the congress to trigger a new Supreme People’s Assembly and possible constitutional revisions to align with party decisions, though Kim Ju‑ae is absent from personnel announcements[6].

Feb 24, 2026 – Kim Yo‑jong dismisses South Korean overtures as an “illusion” and recalls her 2025 warning of “high‑profile provocations” if a U.S. carrier arrives, underscoring her hard‑line stance[4].

Feb 24, 2026 – State media notes Kim Yo‑jong’s diplomatic background—from the 2018 Winter Olympics delegation to negotiations with South Korea and the U.S.—highlighting her role in the regime’s external image[4].

Feb 24, 2026 – Kim Jong un reiterates an anti‑U.S. posture, calling the United States the “greatest enemy,” while U.S. sanctions persist and former President Trump’s overture remains unanswered[29].

Feb 24, 2026 – Kim Jong un’s opening remarks reference “heavy and urgent historic tasks” for economic boost and higher living standards, linking them to the party’s broader priorities[1].

Feb 24, 2026 – South Korean intelligence notes that Kim Ju‑ae’s prominent role at the congress signals a possible power contest between her and Kim Yo‑jong for future succession[4][29].