The 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea is taking place, now in its second day, with Kim Jong-un starting his report on the summation of the party's 8th Central Committee proceedings. This speech is crucial, as it encompasses a review of the party's performance over the past five years since the last Congress, and outlines the strategic policy direction for the next five years. Kim Jong-un characterized the past five years as a period of 'pioneering socialist development' and the upcoming period as one of 'intensified socialist development,' suggesting a confident shift in the party's agenda.

The content of Kim Jong-un's report emphasizes the significant historical and practical importance of the party's achievements and future plans. During the second day of discussions, the Congress highlighted the successful completion of various five-year plans set forth during the previous Congress and how these accomplishments have initiated a new phase of balanced national progress. The narrative positions the last five years as a launchpad for greater transformative successes, suggesting a strategic leap in the party's ambitions as identified in their collective decision-making.

Importantly, the Congress reflects the party's constitution that mandates such gatherings of its top leadership every five years. The 8th Congress was conducted from January 5 to January 12, 2021, and the previous Congress occurred over four days in May 2016. Expectations are set that the current Congress will continue for just over a week, showcasing North Korea’s strategic political and economic aspirations in the context of global and regional dynamics.