Dec 9, 2025 – The Workers’ Party convenes an enlarged 13th plenary meeting of the Eighth Central Committee, presided by Kim Jong‑un, and approves five agenda items that include reviewing this year’s policies and preparing for the ninth congress, marking the final stage of pre‑congress work[15][16].

Dec 10, 2025 – On the second day of the plenary, Kim makes an “important conclusion” on policy implementation and the upcoming ninth congress, underscoring the party’s focus on consolidating achievements before the 2026 gathering, though the content remains undisclosed[14].

Dec 14, 2025 – Rodong Sinmun urges “all‑out public effort” to finish major party projects before the ninth congress, framing the session as a pivotal reform stage and noting that the congress is expected in January or February 2026[13].

Jan 22, 2026 – The Rodong Sinmun front page promotes a “people‑first” policy, links it to Kim’s regional development projects, and announces that the congress will unveil a five‑year economic vision and a personnel reshuffle; the same day Kim dismisses the vice premier for “defeatism, irresponsibility and passiveness” at a Hamhung machinery plant[12].

Jan 23, 2026 – South Korean intelligence reports that the congress could be held as early as the next month, while Pyongyang has not set a date; a recent party plenary meeting is cited as part of the preparatory sequence[11].

Jan 29, 2026 – The Central Committee elects delegates for the ninth congress, a standard step that indicates the meeting will likely occur in early February, and former Premier Kim Tok‑hun appears among top cadres, suggesting his continued influence[10].

Jan 30, 2026 – A follow‑up report confirms the delegate election and reiterates South Korean forecasts of an early‑February congress, emphasizing that the gathering will set five‑year policies on defense, economy and foreign relations[9].

Feb 9, 2026 – Kim Jong‑un visits the Defense Ministry on the 78th anniversary of the Korean People’s Army, underscoring the military focus that will dominate the upcoming congress[8].

Feb 19, 2026 – The ninth Workers’ Party Congress opens in Pyongyang with about 5,000 delegates, marking the first such gathering since 2021 and launching a multi‑day agenda to set five‑year state goals and decide senior personnel appointments[7][6].

Feb 20, 2026 – The congress continues with splendor, formally opening the session that will outline defense, economic and diplomatic targets for the next half‑decade, while analysts watch for nuclear policy signals[8].

Feb 21, 2026 – In his opening speech, Kim declares the past five years a “great transformation,” claims “remarkable” policy success, says the state’s status is “irreversible,” and labels inter‑Korean relations as hostile, while omitting any reference to the United States or South Korea[5].

Feb 22, 2026 – Kim reports an “upsurge” in national development and a new fighting strategy, praising the central committee as a “revolutionary vanguard” and urging faster progress; delegates unanimously endorse his report as a revolutionary guideline[4].

Feb 22, 2026 – The congress declares that North Korea’s nuclear‑based war deterrence has been “radically improved,” positioning it as the pivot of national security, and adopts revised party rules whose details remain undisclosed[1][2].

Feb 22, 2026 – Party secretary Ri Il‑hwan lauds Kim’s leadership, saying only Kim can drive a “gigantic transformation” and that the country has defied sanctions to become a “formidable” force[2][3].

Feb 22, 2026 – The new central committee is elected, notably omitting former parliament chairman Choe Ryong‑hae and other senior figures, suggesting a generational shift in the regime’s leadership[2].

Feb 23, 2026 – Kim Jong‑un is re‑appointed (re‑elected) as general secretary of the Workers’ Party at an “exceptional” congress, with KCNA describing the decision as reflecting the “unshakable will and unanimous desire of all delegates” and emphasizing regime continuity[1][17].

Feb 23, 2026 – Chinese President Xi Jinping calls to congratulate Kim on his re‑appointment and pledges cooperation, while South Korean intelligence notes that Kim has reportedly named his 13‑year‑old daughter Ju Ae as a possible heir, raising expectations of her appearance at the congress[1].

Future (post‑congress) – The newly elected presidium, with over half of its 39 members replaced since 2021, is expected to steer policy over the next five years, focusing on further nuclear deterrence improvements, economic development, and potential diplomatic overtures toward Seoul and Washington as hinted by observers[1][4].