North Korea Elects Delegates for Ninth Party Congress, Kim Tok‑hun Appears
Updated (2 articles)
Central Committee Chooses Delegates for Upcoming Congress The Workers’ Party of Korea’s Central Committee held a headquarters conference on Wednesday, January 30, 2026, and elected representatives to attend the ninth party congress [1]. This election marks the final stage of working‑level preparations, confirming that the party is moving from preliminary to final arrangements [2]. South Korean intelligence agencies project that the congress will be convened in early February, following the typical timeline after delegate selection [1][2].
Former Premier Kim Tok‑hun Seen Among Top Cadres Photographs from the January 30 meeting show former Premier Kim Tok‑hun seated on the podium alongside senior secretaries Ri Hi‑yong, Pak Jong‑chon and Ri Il‑hwan [1]. His presence counters earlier speculation that he had been stripped of duties after Kim Jong‑un publicly criticized him at a Hamhung plant inauguration [1]. The visual evidence suggests Kim Tok‑hun retains a role in the leadership despite rumors of disciplinary action.
Ninth Congress Set to Define Five‑Year Policy Direction The upcoming congress will be the first since 2021 and will determine North Korea’s defence, economic and foreign‑policy strategies for the next five years [1][2]. The party’s highest decision‑making body meets only once every five years, making the event crucial for shaping long‑term national priorities [2]. Analysts note that the timing coincides with renewed dialogue attempts by Seoul and Washington, while Pyongyang maintains its nuclear stance [2].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap:North Korea’s Workers’ Party Elects Delegates Ahead of Expected February Congress: Details the January 30 delegate election, highlights Kim Tok‑hun’s appearance, and notes his earlier criticism by Kim Jong‑un, emphasizing his continued prominence .
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2.
Yonhap:North Korea’s Workers’ Party Elects Delegates Ahead of Expected February Congress: Focuses on procedural milestones, including lower‑level committee elections, the expected politburo meeting to set the exact congress date, and the broader geopolitical context of Seoul‑Washington talks .
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Timeline
2021 – North Korea holds its eighth Workers’ Party congress, the last five‑year gathering before the upcoming ninth session, setting defence, economic and foreign‑policy goals for the period [1][2].
Jan 2026 (mid‑month) – City and county party committees elect representatives to provincial meetings, completing the preliminary elections that precede the ninth congress [2].
Jan 2026 (late‑month) – At a Hamhung machinery‑plant inauguration, Kim Jong‑un publicly rebukes former Premier Kim Tok‑hun and other officials for mismanaging a modernization project, fueling speculation about the premier’s standing [1].
Jan 28, 2026 – The Workers’ Party Central Committee convenes a headquarters conference and elects delegates to attend the ninth party congress, signalling the final stage of working‑level preparations [1][2].
Jan 28, 2026 – Former Premier Kim Tok‑hun appears seated on the podium alongside senior secretaries Ri Hi‑yong, Pak Jong‑chon and Ri Il‑hwan, indicating his continued role in the leadership despite recent criticism [1].
Jan 28, 2026 – South Korean intelligence agencies predict the ninth congress will convene in early February, citing the delegate election and standard procedural timelines [1][2].
Jan 28, 2026 – The Politburo is expected to meet after provincial delegate gatherings to set the exact date of the congress [2].
Early Feb 2026 (expected) – North Korea’s ninth Workers’ Party congress, the first since 2021, will determine five‑year policies on defence, the economy and foreign relations amid renewed Seoul‑Washington dialogue and the regime’s non‑negotiable nuclear stance [1][2].