Kim Jong Un Announces Key Policy Verdict at Year‑End Party Plenum Ahead of February Congress
Updated (3 articles)
Plenum convened with top leadership and agenda set The enlarged 13th plenary of the Workers’ Party of Korea’s Eighth Central Committee opened on 9 December 2025, presided by Kim Jong Un and attended by Premier Pak Thae‑song, parliamentary standing committee chairman Choe Ryong‑hae, and party secretary Jo Yong‑won, among others [2][3]. Five agenda items were approved, focusing on reviewing this year’s party and state policies and preparing for the ninth party congress [2][3]. Ri Il‑hwan, a propaganda secretary who had vanished from media for a year, reappeared on the podium, suggesting his reinstatement [2].
Kim delivers “important conclusion” on policy implementation On 10 December 2025, Kim announced an “important conclusion” regarding the agenda items related to this year’s policy implementation and preparations for the ninth congress, though KCNA did not disclose the content [1]. The conclusion follows a review of major successes and identification of problems that must be solved before the congress [1]. The plenary also discussed the 2025 state budget execution and began drafting the 2026 budget [1].
Ninth congress timing and expected agenda All three reports indicate the ninth party congress is slated for early 2026, with South Korean intelligence and KCNA expecting it in February, while one source adds a possible January window [1][2][3]. The congress will be the first since 2021 and is anticipated to unveil a new five‑year economic development plan and potentially shift foreign policy toward the United States and South Korea [1][2][3]. Preparations discussed at the plenary will shape the congress’s tone on external policy and the economy for the next five years [1].
Budget and organizational matters addressed The plenary reviewed the implementation of the 2025 state budget and initiated drafting of the 2026 budget, signaling continuity in fiscal planning [1]. Organizational and personnel issues were also on the agenda, though details remain limited [2]. The meeting is expected to run several days, following precedent for year‑end plenaries [1][2][3].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: Kim Jong‑un Reaches ‘Important Conclusion’ at WPK Plenum – Reports Kim’s undisclosed “important conclusion” on policy implementation and ninth‑congress preparations, plus budget discussions, noting the ninth congress may occur in January or February .
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2.
Yonhap: N. Korea Begins Ruling Party Meeting to Prepare for Key Party Congress – Details the opening of the enlarged 13th plenary, five‑item agenda, expected February congress, and Ri Il‑hwan’s reappearance .
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Yonhap: North Korea Opens Ruling Party Plenary Meeting Ahead of Key Congress – Highlights the plenary’s start, five agenda items, and February timing for the ninth congress, emphasizing its role in shaping future policy .
Timeline
2021 – The eighth Workers’ Party Congress convenes, marking the last major party gathering before the current preparation cycle and solidifying Kim Jong un’s leadership [2][3].
Dec 9, 2025 – The enlarged 13th plenary meeting of the Workers’ Party of Korea’s Eighth Central Committee opens, presided by Kim Jong un and attended by Premier Pak Thae‑song, Choe Ryong‑hae, Jo Yong‑won and other officials, signalling the start of a multi‑day year‑end review [2][3].
Dec 9, 2025 – The plenary approves five agenda items, notably the review of this year’s party and state policies and the preparation for the upcoming ninth congress, setting the framework for policy assessment and future direction [2][3].
Dec 9, 2025 – Party secretary for propaganda Ri Il‑hwan reappears on the podium after a year‑long disappearance, indicating his possible reinstatement within the propaganda apparatus [2].
Dec 9, 2025 – South Korean intelligence projects the ninth congress for February 2026, expecting the unveiling of a new five‑year national economic development plan and potential shifts in foreign policy toward the United States and South Korea [2][3].
Dec 10, 2025 – On the second day of the plenary, Kim Jong un delivers an “important conclusion” on agenda items concerning policy implementation and preparations for the ninth congress, though the specific content remains undisclosed [1].
Dec 10, 2025 – Kim assesses the implementation of 2025 party and state policies, highlights major successes, and points out unresolved problems that must be addressed before the ninth congress [1].
Dec 10, 2025 – The meeting reviews the 2025 state‑budget execution and begins drafting the 2026 budget, linking fiscal planning to upcoming policy priorities [1].
Dec 10, 2025 – The ninth party congress, the first since 2021, is slated to set the tone for external policy toward the U.S. and South Korea and outline the economic agenda for the next five years, with the exact timing expected in January or February 2026 [1].
Jan/Feb 2026 (planned) – The Workers’ Party of Korea convenes its ninth congress, expected to adopt a new five‑year economic development plan and possibly recalibrate foreign policy, shaping North Korea’s trajectory through 2030 [1][2][3].