North Korea kicked off the Ninth Congress of its ruling Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang on Thursday, state media reported. The event, the first in five years since 2021, will set major policy directions for the economy, defense, and diplomacy over the next five years. Leader Kim Jong-un emphasized economic development and socialism in his opening speech.
North Korea's Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) opened with splendor in Pyongyang on February 19, 2026, according to state media. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that this highest decision-making body, the first since 2021, will set state policy goals for the next five years in the economy, defense, and diplomacy, while making major personnel decisions. Around 5,000 party representatives attended, including over 200 from party headquarters and more than 4,700 from regional and industrial organs.
In his opening declaration, leader Kim Jong-un stated that the national economy had overcome difficulties and laid a foundation for progress since the 2021 congress. He said, "(We) had also irreversibly solidified the country's status externally, bringing about a massive change in the global political order and relations affecting our country," in a possible allusion to the pursuit of nuclear-armed state status. Kim added, "Conditions and an environment favorable to our drive to more vigorously build socialism have also been created." He urged, "Ahead of our party are heavy and urgent tasks of advancing economic development and improving people's livelihoods, and transforming all aspects of social life in the country as quickly as possible." His speech omitted any mention of relations with the United States or South Korea.
China and Russia sent congratulatory letters recognizing the congress opening. Dmitry Medvedev, chief of Russia's United Russia party, wrote to Kim on Wednesday, noting that the two countries' traditional friendship and strategic partnership help defy "external pressure" and ensure "peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region." He expected to "further advance trustworthy discussions between the two parties on a wide scale, including matters of mutual interest."
China's Communist Party central committee followed on Thursday, stating the two countries have entered a "new historic era" under their leaders' strategic guidance. It emphasized high-level focus on relations with the WPK and willingness to "jointly guide the solid and stable development of China-North Korea relations by strengthening communications and deepening exchanges on experiences in state management ... and to promote regional peace and stability."
Experts say the congress is closely watched for signals on North Korea's nuclear weapons program, responses to dialogue overtures from Seoul and Washington, plans for new weapons development, potential escalation of hostility toward South Korea, and whether Kim's daughter Ju-ae will be formalized as a successor. The gathering is expected to run for several days and may include a military parade showcasing new arsenal additions.
