On October 22, North Korea reappointed Kim Jong-un as General Secretary during the Workers' Party Congress. Liu Hyun-woo, a former North Korean ambassador to Kuwait who defected to South Korea in September 2019, argued that this move is merely 'theatrical politics' aimed at presenting an image that North Korea is not a dictatorship. He indicated that the anticipated summit between North Korea and the U.S. would still take place despite the continued political theatrics surrounding Kim's position.

The Party Congress stands as North Korea's principal decision-making assembly, where the appointment of the General Secretary and amendments to the party charter are crucial. Kim Jong-un holds several titles, yet the role of General Secretary is of paramount importance, as the party oversees the government and military. Liu pointed out that while Kim's reappointment was expected in a totalitarian state like North Korea, there was an element of performance intended to suggest legitimacy, depicting the appointment as a collective decision made by 'two million party members'.

Liu also discussed public perception towards the Party Congress among North Koreans, noting some level of interest as it outlines policies for the coming five years. However, he lamented that historically, party congresses have not corresponded with improvements in everyday life. Notably, the value of the North Korean won has plummeted significantly in recent times, reflecting ongoing economic hardships, which contribute to diminishing trust in both the party and Kim Jong-un from the public.