North Korea to hold ninth party congress in late February

Sunday 08 February 2026 - 09:00

By: Sahili Aya

North Korea to hold ninth party congress in late February

North Korea has announced that it will convene the ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea in late February, marking the first such meeting since 2021. The major political event is expected to take place in Pyongyang, according to state media, though authorities have not disclosed an exact date.

Preparations for the congress were discussed during a recent meeting of the ruling party’s political bureau, which focused on setting the agenda and finalizing organizational details. The congress is traditionally used by the leadership to review past achievements and outline strategic priorities for the coming years.

In the lead-up to the gathering, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made a series of public visits to military and economic sites. These appearances are widely seen as an effort to highlight progress in defense capabilities and domestic production ahead of the high-profile meeting.

The party congress is one of the country’s most significant political occasions, typically held every five years. Observers expect key policy directions to be announced, while analysts are also watching for possible symbolic events, such as a military parade or the presence of prominent foreign guests.