Reelection of Kim Jong-un Confirmed at Ninth Congress The Workers’ Party of Korea convened its ninth congress on Feb. 22‑23, 2026, and delegates elected Kim Jong-un as general secretary, the party’s top post, reaffirming his leadership for the next five‑year plan [1][2]. This gathering marks the first party congress since 2021, fulfilling the party rule that a general‑secretary election occurs at each congress [2]. State media framed the vote as reflecting the “unshakable” will of party members, the people and the soldiers [1].

Congress Declares Radical Improvement in Nuclear Deterrence The congress proclaimed that North Korea’s nuclear‑force‑centered deterrence has been “radically improved,” positioning it as the cornerstone of national security [1][2]. Officials asserted that the revolutionary armed forces can now independently counter any aggression and are prepared for any form of war [1]. The emphasis on nuclear deterrence signals a continued focus on strategic weapons amid ongoing international sanctions [2].

Party Leadership Praises Kim’s Sanctions Resilience and Transformation Party secretary Ri Il‑hwan lauded Kim for making the “long‑desired dream of prosperity” possible and for steering a “gigantic transformation” of the nation [1][2]. He highlighted the regime’s ability to defy sanctions and become a “formidable” force recognized by its enemies [1][2]. These remarks underscore the leadership’s narrative of self‑reliance and external threat resistance.

Revised Party Rules Adopted; Central Committee Changes Not Fully Detailed Delegates approved updated party regulations, but the content of the revisions was not disclosed, leaving the stance toward South Korea ambiguous [1][2]. The new central‑committee list omitted several senior figures, notably parliament chairman Choe Ryong‑hae, suggesting a generational shift in the elite [1]. Article 2 does not mention these omissions, indicating a difference in reporting focus between the two releases.