Share and Follow
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has once again been appointed as the general secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. This announcement comes from the country’s state-run media, marking another term for Kim in the top party position.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) revealed this decision on Monday, noting that it was officially adopted on February 22 during the party’s Ninth Congress.
According to KCNA, Kim’s re-election represents the “unanimous desire” of party members, the military, and the general populace. He is hailed as the “center of unity and leadership,” with accolades for bolstering the nation’s nuclear capabilities and fostering both economic and military advancements.
The comprehensive statement from KCNA also accentuated the country’s progress over the last five years, underscoring enhancements in national defense and economic strategy.
A photo released by the North Korean government depicts leader Kim Jong Un applauding after securing his re-election at the Workers’ Party congress held in Pyongyang on February 22, 2026. (Image credit: Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)
It also reaffirmed Kim’s role as the guiding figure in the country’s “socialist construction.”
Kim, who has been in power since 2011, has served as general secretary of the Workers’ Party since 2021, when he formally assumed the title previously held by his late father, Kim Jong Il.
An analysis by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) suggests North Korea could use the conclusion of the Ninth Party Congress to unveil new strategic weapons and highlight progress under its 2021–2025 military modernization plan.
In this photo provided by the North Korean government, leader Kim Jong Un attends the ruling Workers’ Party Congress in Pyongyang on Feb. 22, 2026. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)
The report notes Pyongyang may showcase advances in intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles as it seeks to improve the survivability and accuracy of its nuclear capabilities.
AEI assessed that Kim is also likely to outline modernization goals for the 2026–2030 period, potentially emphasizing second-strike capabilities, faster launch readiness and more diverse delivery systems.
Beyond military issues, the analysis says Kim may frame the current five-year economic plan as a success, pointing to increased trade with Russia and China and efforts under his “20×10 Regional Development Policy” to reduce rural-urban disparities.