North Korea has announced that it will convene its 9th Party Congress in late February 2026, raising expectations regarding its future domestic and foreign policies under Kim Jong-un.
North Korea's ruling Workers' Party has officially declared that its 9th Party Congress will take place in late February 2026, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency. This decision was made during a Politburo meeting led by Kim Jong-un, indicating completion of practical steps for organizing the congress. The Party Congress, which occurs every five years, serves as a vital decision-making body in North Korea's governance structure.
During the upcoming congress, North Korea is expected to assess the progress of various policies from the previous five years and outline the direction for the next five years. A focal point of interest will revolve around Kim's remarks on the policies towards South Korea and the United States, as the resolutions made during the congress could dictate state governance and diplomatic stances for the subsequent five years. This comes amid the South Korean government's emphasis on resuming dialogue with Pyongyang, along with potential discussions between the U.S. and North Korea in light of President Trump's anticipated visit to China.
Experts anticipate that Kim may formalize a declaration of hostile relations with South Korea within the Party Charter, potentially escalating tensions. Conversely, there could be opportunities for dialogue with the U.S., particularly regarding nuclear disarmament, as Kim has previously indicated openness to negotiations contingent on the U.S. abandoning its denuclearization goals. However, the dynamics surrounding international negotiations, such as the ongoing peace talks related to the Ukraine war and the upcoming China-U.S. summit, may result in Kim issuing a cautious message regarding relations with the U.S. during the congress.
