North Korea's Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party concluded after a week, reelecting Kim Jong-un as general secretary. Kim indicated openness to improving ties with the United States if its hostile policy ends, but rejected dialogue with South Korea. International responses varied amid the leadership consolidation.
North Korea's Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party ran from February 22 to 26, 2026. On the 23rd, Kim Jong-un was reelected as general secretary for his role in reinforcing nuclear deterrence, a decision reflecting the 'unshakable will' of party members, people, and soldiers, according to KCNA. His sister, Kim Yo-jong, was promoted to head one of the 17 departments in the new central committee. However, parliamentary chairman Choe Ryong-hae, party secretary Pak Jong-chon, defense adviser Ri Pyong-chol, and other seniors were excluded from the central committee list, signaling a generational leadership shift.
During the congress, Kim highlighted a 'new upsurge' in national development, stating that no changes in the security environment would deter progress. At a nighttime military parade on the 26th, he warned of 'terrible retaliatory attacks' against any hostile military acts. In a policy review session, Kim expressed that Pyongyang has 'no reason not to get along with the U.S.' if Washington withdraws its hostile policy, but dismissed South Korea's dialogue overtures as 'deceptive.'
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent congratulations on the reelection, vowing to advance strategic cooperation. In the U.S., Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled openness to dialogue, and the White House stated President Trump remains open to talks with Kim 'without any preconditions.' South Korea's unification ministry regretted the hostile policy declaration toward Seoul but vowed to pursue reconciliation, while President Lee Jae-myung reaffirmed efforts for peace and stability. Seoul's unification ministry assessed the congress as Kim consolidating his long-term grip on power, marking the full 'Kim Jong-un era.'
Post-congress, Kim visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun with new party officials to honor his grandfather and father. At a Russian Embassy banquet, a Russian defense attache praised Moscow-Pyongyang ties as 'safeguarding' world peace against a common enemy.
