Kim Jong Un Re-elected as General Secretary of North Korea’s Ruling Party

Pyongyang, North Korea – February 23, 2026 – Kim Jong Un has been re-elected as the general secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), state media reported on Monday. The decision was made on Sunday, the fourth day of the party congress, with the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stating it was in accordance with the “unshakable will and unanimous desire of all the delegates.”

Strengthened Military and Economic Goals

According to KCNA, under Kim’s leadership, “the war deterrence of the country with the nuclear forces as its pivot has been radically improved.” This comes as the party congress, held just once every five years, provides a rare insight into the workings of North Korea, a nation often shrouded in secrecy.

Focus on Economic Improvement

Kim Jong Un initially vowed to lift living standards in his opening speech on Thursday, acknowledging the economic strains affecting the sanctions-hit nation. He stated, “Today, our party is faced with heavy and urgent historic tasks of boosting economic construction and the people’s standard of living and transforming all realms of state and social life as early as possible.”

Shift in Economic Priorities

While historically prioritizing nuclear weapons and military strength, even amidst economic hardship, Kim has increasingly emphasized the demand to fortify the nation’s economy since assuming power in 2011. At the previous party congress in 2021, Kim acknowledged mistakes had been made in “almost all areas” of economic development.

Nuclear Program and Party Discipline

This year’s congress as well saw Kim declare the unveiling of the next phase in North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. The party voted to revise its rules, aiming to “consolidate the Party ranks in a qualitative way” and ensure “impartiality in applying the Party discipline,” as reported by KCNA.

Historical Context of the Workers’ Party Congress

The Ninth Party Congress marks only the ninth time the Workers’ Party has convened under the Kim family’s decades-long rule. The meetings were suspended under Kim Jong Il, the current leader’s father, but were revived in 2016. The congress serves as a platform for Kim to reinforce his authority and cult of personality within North Korea.