North Korea Prepares First Party Congress with People‑First Campaign and Leadership Shake‑up
Updated (8 articles)
Unclear Congress Date but Early February Expected Seoul officials say the Workers’ Party congress could be held as soon as next month, yet Pyongyang has not released an official date [1]. The National Intelligence Service predicts an early‑February timetable based on limited state media cues [1]. Past congresses were announced with only a week‑to‑nine‑day notice, suggesting a short‑notice schedule may recur [1].
Recent Plenary Meeting Signals Formal Preparations A party plenary meeting took place last month, serving as a preparatory step for the upcoming congress [1]. As the Workers’ Party’s highest decision‑making body, the plenary is expected to outline policy directions for the next five years [1]. Coverage of the meeting remains sparse in North Korean media, underscoring the regime’s tight information control [1].
People‑First Narrative Dominates State Media Ahead of Congress The Rodong Sinmun front page framed the party’s “absolute sense of service” to the people, labeling citizens the “revolutionary root and life of the party” [2]. It urged rapid implementation of projects that fulfill long‑cherished public wishes, regardless of cost [2]. The article linked this rhetoric to Kim Jong‑un’s regional development initiatives, positioning the principle as central to the forthcoming five‑year plan [2].
Leadership Discipline Tightened with High‑Profile Dismissal Kim Jong‑un publicly dismissed the vice premier overseeing the machinery industry at a Hamhung plant, condemning “defeatism, irresponsibility and passiveness” [2][1]. The firing illustrates a broader crackdown on official laxity ahead of the congress [2]. Simultaneously, KCNA released photos of Kim inaugurating a hot‑spring resort, highlighting continued high‑level public appearances [2].
Congress Expected to Unveil Five‑Year Economic Plan and Personnel Shuffle The upcoming congress will present a five‑year economic development vision and conduct a major personnel reshuffle [2]. This agenda marks the first comprehensive policy and leadership review in five years [2]. The outcomes will set long‑term directions for the economy and other sectors [2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap: North Korea yet to announce schedule for first party congress in five years – Reports Seoul’s intelligence predicting an early‑February congress, notes the recent plenary meeting, and details past short‑notice announcements while highlighting Kim’s dismissal of a vice premier .
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[2]
Yonhap: North Korea ramps up 'people-first' push ahead of party congress – Describes the Rodong Sinmun front‑page emphasis on serving the people, ties the narrative to Kim’s regional projects, outlines the expected five‑year plan and personnel changes, and notes the vice premier’s public removal and Kim’s resort inauguration .
Timeline
Dec 8, 2025 – Analysts predict the ninth Workers’ Party congress will likely enshrine “Kim Jong‑un revolutionary ideas” in the party charter and may award Kim the honorific “grand marshal of the republic,” echoing titles once given to Kim Il‑sung and Kim Jong‑il. The move would cement Kim’s personal ideology at the highest legal level and elevate his military prestige. [8]
Dec 9, 2025 – The enlarged 13th plenary meeting of the Workers’ Party’s Eighth Central Committee opens, presided over by Kim Jong‑un and senior officials. Five agenda items are approved, including a review of this year’s policies and preparations for the ninth congress, which South Korean intelligence expects in February 2026. The reappearance of propaganda secretary Ri Il‑hwan signals his political rehabilitation. [6][7]
Dec 10, 2025 – At the second day of the plenary, Kim Jong‑un delivers an “important conclusion” on policy implementation and the upcoming congress, reviewing the 2025 budget, drafting the 2026 budget, and flagging problems to solve before the congress. His remarks set the tone for a five‑year development plan that will shape North Korea’s economy and foreign policy. [5]
Dec 14, 2025 – Rodong Sinmun urges a nationwide push to finish all Workers’ Party projects before the ninth congress, warning that “not even a trivial incompletion should be allowed.” The article reiterates that the congress, slated for Jan‑Feb 2026, will adopt a new five‑year development plan and that Kim will likely highlight the “Regional Development 20×10” policy as a flagship achievement. [4]
Jan 8, 2026 – State media calls on officials to “honorably face the party congress with proud achievements from their devoted service to the people,” emphasizing that the upcoming ninth congress will be a decisive test of loyalty and revolutionary zeal. The piece warns that officials’ qualifications will be closely examined, underscoring a tightening of internal discipline ahead of the first congress since 2021. [3]
Jan 22, 2026 – The front page of Rodong Sinmun declares the party’s “absolute sense of service” to the people, describing citizens as “the revolutionary root and life of the party.” It frames a new “people‑first” drive around Kim’s regional development projects and announces that the ninth congress will unveil a five‑year economic vision and trigger a personnel reshuffle. Kim publicly dismisses the vice‑premier for the machinery industry, condemning “defeatism, irresponsibility and passiveness,” and appears at a hot‑spring resort inauguration, signaling continued high‑profile activity. [2]
Jan 23, 2026 – Seoul’s National Intelligence Service says the ninth party congress could be held as early as February, but Pyongyang has not set a date; a party plenary meeting held the previous month signals final preparations. The article notes that past congresses were announced with only a week‑long notice (May 6, 2016 for the 7th congress; early Jan 2021 for the 8th), suggesting a similarly short lead‑time may occur. Kim’s recent dismissal of the machinery‑industry vice‑premier and his ongoing project inspections illustrate the regime’s tightened discipline ahead of the gathering. [1]
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