North Korea’s Kim Jong Un launches key party congress held every 5 years
Al Jazeera
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has opened the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), a significant five-year political event. In his opening speech, Kim emphasized the need to boost economic activity and improve living standards, focusing on advancing development and transforming social life. This congress, held in Pyongyang, is expected to set major policy goals for defense, diplomacy, and the economy.
The meeting comes amid global attention, as observers closely watch for any signs of shifts in North Korea’s nuclear weapons program or its relations with South Korea and the United States. Unlike previous congresses, Kim did not address ties with these nations but instead prioritized economic growth. The country’s economy has shown gradual recovery, supported by increased trade with China post-COVID and exports of arms to Russia for its war in Ukraine.
North Korea’s military involvement in Russia’s conflict against Ukraine is notable, with thousands of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces. This cooperation has likely bolstered Pyongyang’s economy but raises concerns about the country’s expanding weapons capabilities. Satellite imagery and media reports suggest that North Korea may showcase new military hardware during the congress, as seen in previous parades.
Additionally, the congress is a key moment for internal succession discussions. Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, has been floated as a potential successor, signaling a fourth-generation leadership transition within the Kim family. This focus on economic development and internal stability highlights North Korea’s efforts to address domestic challenges while maintaining its geopolitical stance.
The outcomes of this congress will have far-reaching implications for regional security and global relations. As North Korea continues to navigate economic recovery and international tensions, the decisions made at this gathering could shape the country’s trajectory and its interactions with the outside world.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/20/2026