North Korea rang in the new year full of confidence about the direction of state affairs in 2026, holding celebratory events around the country and building up anticipation for the upcoming Ninth Party Congress.

State media used the occasion to heap praise on the ruling party and leader Kim Jong Un, urging citizens to meet production quotas ahead of the congress.

DPRK TV also lauded the completion of major irrigation projects throughout 2025 and credited them with boosting agricultural production this year.

Meanwhile, a new app that allows parents to monitor their children’s academic