North Korea has yet to announce the schedule for its upcoming party congress, the first in five years, amid speculation in Seoul that it may occur next month. The National Intelligence Service anticipates reports on preparatory steps soon. Leader Kim Jong-un has intensified discipline by dismissing a vice premier during preparations.
North Korea has not yet announced the schedule for its upcoming party congress, which would be the first in five years since 2021. The event is expected to set long-term policy visions for the economy, foreign policy, and other areas, shaping the country's direction for the next five years. Last month, the North convened a plenary meeting of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea to prepare for the congress.
Seoul's National Intelligence Service and government officials predict it is likely to take place in early February, but the exact schedule remains unclear due to a lack of coverage in North Korean media. In the past, announcements came with short notice: the seventh congress in 2016 was revealed nine days ahead, and the eighth in early 2021 about a week beforehand. Prior to those, the North reported on preliminary procedures, such as electing regional representatives.
If the ninth congress occurs in early February as speculated, reports on related steps—like a Politburo meeting to set the agenda or representative elections—are expected in the coming days or weeks. In the lead-up, the regime has heightened discipline among officials and publicized achievements from party economic plans. Earlier this week, while attending an inauguration for the first-stage modernization at the Ryongsong Machine Complex, leader Kim Jong-un dismissed Vice Premier Yang Sung-ho on the spot, accusing him of "irresponsibility" in the machinery industry's upgrade.
Kim has also made consecutive public appearances inspecting and inaugurating construction projects under his regional development policy, ramping up the "people-first" push to garner support ahead of the congress.
