North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was re-elected as general secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. The announcement was made on Monday by the Korean Central News Agency during the Ninth Party Congress. Officials described the move as reflecting unanimous support from party members, the military, and the public.
KCNA praised Kim as the “centre of unity and leadership,” crediting him with strengthening nuclear deterrence and advancing economic and military development. The statement highlighted national defense improvements and economic planning achievements over the past five years. Kim’s role in guiding the country’s socialist construction was also reaffirmed.
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Kim has led North Korea since 2011 and formally assumed the title of Workers’ Party general secretary in 2021, succeeding his late father, Kim Jong Il. Analysts note the Ninth Party Congress may serve as a platform for showcasing strategic weapons and military modernization accomplishments from 2021–2025.
According to the American Enterprise Institute, Pyongyang could display advances in intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and hypersonic glide vehicles. Kim is also expected to outline goals for 2026–2030, including enhanced second-strike capability, faster launch readiness, and diverse delivery systems.
Read more: Kim Jong Un re-elected as North Korea Workers’ Party general
Economic development may also feature prominently, with Kim likely to highlight trade growth with Russia and China. He may underscore the 20×10 Regional Development Policy, aimed at reducing rural-urban disparities, presenting the current five-year plan as a success story.