2017 – North Korea conducts its last nuclear test, creating an eight‑year gap before the next test referenced in the 2026 congress agenda, underscoring the regime’s long‑standing emphasis on nuclear deterrence [3].

2021 – The Workers’ Party of Korea holds its previous congress, making the 2026 gathering the first such rare event in five years and setting the stage for a major policy reset [3].

2025 – Kim Jong Un meets Chinese President Xi Jinping, deepening ties with China and reinforcing a strategic partnership that he later cites at the 2026 congress [2].

2025 – North Korea ships arms to Russia to support the war in Ukraine, a move Kim highlights as evidence of the country’s growing regional influence [2].

2025 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump declares he is “100 % open” to meeting Kim during a 2025 Asian tour, but Kim continues to rebuff high‑level U.S. overtures [3].

Feb 20, 2026 – Kim opens the Ninth Workers’ Party Congress in Pyongyang, calling the economy “improving” and the nation’s regional standing “stronger,” and frames the meeting as the most important political gathering for the next five years [2].

Feb 20, 2026 – The congress, the first since 2021, signals a new nuclear push by outlining steps to expand the arsenal, including portable warheads for long‑range missiles after an eight‑year testing hiatus [3].

Feb 20, 2026 – Kim emphasizes tighter alignment with Russia and China, citing recent arms shipments to Moscow and his summit with Xi as proof of an “irreversible” rise in state strength [2].

Feb 20, 2026 – He announces a new five‑year military development plan that will integrate nuclear and conventional forces, noting progress on solid‑fuel ICBMs, a nuclear‑propelled submarine, new warships, anti‑air systems and attack drones [2].

Feb 20, 2026 – Analysts note that the congress could showcase Kim’s teenage daughter, Ju Ae, as a potential fourth‑generation successor, hinting at a formal dynastic transition [2].

Feb 23, 2026 – Kim appoints his teenage daughter Ju Ae to a director‑like role in the Missile Administration, replacing Jang Chang Ha, and she begins receiving briefings from generals and issuing orders on missile forces [1].

Feb 23, 2026 – South Korean intelligence labels Ju Ae the likely heir apparent ahead of the party congress, promising to monitor her involvement for signs of a formal elevation [1].

Feb 23, 2026 – The Ninth Workers’ Party Congress reelects Kim as secretary‑general of the Workers’ Party of Korea and adopts a five‑year resolution praising the Korean People’s Army, setting policy direction through 2031 [1].

Feb 27, 2026 – Ju Ae stands beside Kim on the central viewing stand during the nighttime military parade that concludes the Ninth Party Congress, a symbolic display of her rising prominence and hereditary succession [4].

Feb 27, 2026 – South Korean intelligence upgrades its assessment of Ju Ae, moving her from “most likely successor” to a stronger prospect for succeeding Kim as state leader [4].

Feb 27, 2026 – The parade omits flagship systems such as the Hwasong‑20 ICBM, instead featuring aerial displays and 50 marching formations, including units deployed overseas to support Russia’s war effort [4].

Feb 27, 2026 – Kim warns of “terrible retaliatory attacks” against any hostile force but suggests that dialogue with the United States could resume if Washington abandons its hostile policy, leaving a narrow diplomatic opening [4].

2026‑2031 (future) – The five‑year military development plan outlined at the congress will guide the integration of nuclear and conventional forces and the continued expansion of North Korea’s strategic weapons programs [2].