Dec 3, 2025 – Kim Jong‑un inspects regional‑industrial factories in Sinyang and Pukchang counties, calling the projects a “gigantic revolution” that will improve livelihoods and lay the material foundation for independent local development [29][30].

Dec 9, 2025 – The enlarged 13th plenary meeting of the Workers’ Party of Korea convenes, approves five agenda items including a review of this year’s policies and preparations for the ninth party congress [26][27].

Dec 10, 2025 – At the plenary, Kim makes an “important conclusion” on policy implementation and stresses the need to resolve outstanding issues before the upcoming ninth congress [25].

Dec 14, 2025 – Rodong Sinmun urges an all‑out effort to finish every party‑led project before the ninth congress, which it expects to hold in January or February 2026, framing the period as crucial for a new reform stage [24].

Dec 15, 2025 – Kim attends the ribbon‑cutting of an industrial complex in Kangdong County with wife Ri Sol‑ju and daughter Ju‑ae, declaring the work a “sacred undertaking” that the party must pursue consistently and without conditions [22][23].

Dec 18, 2025 – Kim opens new factories in Jangyon County, praising self‑reliance and saying a socialist paradise “will be built with courageous effort” [21].

Dec 20, 2025 – Kim inaugurates the Unsan paper mill, describing it as a “model experience” for other provinces and linking it to the regional development drive [20].

Dec 28‑29, 2025 – Kim tours a hospital and light‑industry factories in Nampho and Ryonggang, stating the sites complete the year’s goal of building model hospitals and factories in 20 cities and counties [19].

Jan 29, 2026 – Kim breaks ground in Unnyul County, asserting that the regional development program will “transform one‑third of the country” by building modern factories, health and leisure facilities [15].

Jan 30, 2026 – The Workers’ Party Central Committee elects delegates for the ninth congress, signaling the event’s imminence; former Premier Kim Tok‑hun appears among top cadres, suggesting his continued influence [14][16].

Jan 30, 2026 – Premier Pak Thae‑song declares the “Regional Development 20×10” policy the state’s highest priority, urging officials to show “patriotic strength and enthusiasm” for a “new year of victory” [13].

Feb 1, 2026 – KCNA reports “new standards and new records” in factories, mines, farms and other sectors, highlights a newly opened greenhouse farm in flood‑hit Sinuiju, and notes the housing project is near completion ahead of the ninth congress [11].

Feb 3, 2026 – State media announces an accelerated third‑year rollout of the regional development policy, noting Kim’s visit to Unnyul County and the inauguration of the Sinuiju greenhouse farm as milestones [12].

Feb 9, 2026 – Kim visits the Defense Ministry on the 78th anniversary of the Korean People’s Army, underscoring the military focus that will shape the upcoming congress agenda [6].

Feb 16, 2026 – Pyongyang opens Saeppyol Street honoring families of soldiers killed in the Russia‑Ukraine war; Kim and daughter Ju‑ae attend the ceremony, showcasing domestic support for overseas military commitments [4][5].

Feb 17, 2026 – North Korea declares the 50,000‑unit Pyongyang housing project complete, calling it an “epoch‑making success” and promising even larger construction projects at the forthcoming congress [9][10].

Feb 18, 2026 – The fifth‑stage (final 10,000 units) of the Hwasong‑district housing project breaks ground, marking the last phase of the 50,000‑unit plan announced at the eighth congress [8].

Feb 18, 2026 – South Korea announces plans to restore the inter‑Korean no‑fly zone suspended under the 2018 agreement, aiming to reduce aerial tensions near the DMZ [4].

Feb 19, 2026 – Kim Yo‑jong praises Seoul’s pledge to block drone incursions, saying she “highly appreciates” the commitment and vows “heightened vigilance” along the border [4][5].

Feb 19, 2026 – The ninth Workers’ Party Congress opens, the first such gathering since 2021, and is expected to set five‑year defense, economic and diplomatic goals [7][6].

Feb 20, 2026 – The congress opens with splendor; Kim highlights economic gains, declares the nation’s status “firmly consolidated as an ‘irreversible’ one,” and announces integration of nuclear and conventional forces while unveiling new 600 mm multiple‑rocket launchers [1][2][4][5].

Feb 20, 2026 – Kim opens Saeppyol Street for bereaved soldiers’ families, reinforcing domestic legitimacy for North Korea’s involvement in the Russia‑Ukraine war [5].

Feb 21, 2026 – At the congress, Kim proclaims “remarkable” five‑year policy success, calls the period a “great transformation,” and reiterates that the nation’s regional position is “irreversible” [3].

Future (post‑Feb 21, 2026) – The ninth congress is expected to outline a new five‑year plan for defense, the economy and foreign policy and may formally present teenage daughter Kim Ju‑Ae (about 13) as a potential fourth‑generation successor, signaling a dynastic transition [1][2].